For example, more than half of employed people with a master’s, professional, or doctoral degree had one or more of these credentials.Ĭhart 1. As chart 1 shows, workers with advanced degrees were most likely to be licensed or certified. Which occupations have workers with these credentials?Ībout 26 percent of employed people in the United States had a license or certification in 2015, according to the BLS Current Population Survey. However, BLS would define them as licenses because they are issued by a state government and are legally required for many teaching jobs. For example, states may refer to the credentials teachers need as certifications. Sometimes, these credentialing terms are used interchangeably. Requires demonstrating competency to do a specific job, often through an examination process.Is not legally required in order to work in an occupation.Awarded by a professional organization or other nongovernmental body.Requires meeting predetermined criteria, such as having a degree or passing a state-administered exam.Gives legal authority to work in an occupation.Awarded by a governmental licensing agency.As shown below, one of the biggest distinctions between these two credentials is that licenses are legally required by the government to work in an occupation certifications are not. However, there are a few key differences in the way BLS uses these terms. An employer may require either credential. Licenses and certifications are usually valid for a limited term and must be renewed periodically. Sometimes, you become licensed or certified after you’ve gained practical experience, such as through an internship, residency, or time on the job.Įarning a license or certification involves meeting standards, which often includes passing an exam.

Typically, you earn these credentials after you’ve completed your education.

Licenses and certifications show that a person has the specific knowledge or skill needed to do a job. It also highlights BLS growth projections for selected occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to show the occupations in which workers are most likely to have a license or certification. This article explains what these credentials are and uses data from the U.S. For example, a dietitian in Florida needs a state-issued license, but one in New Jersey does not. And it’s no wonder: the way these terms are used can vary, and requirements might differ from one state, or job, to another. If you have questions about licenses and certifications, you’re not alone.

Think cell license cost