What is the difference between Certification and Licensure?
The terms certification and licensure are frequently used interchangeably. For CareerOneStop purposes, certification differs from licensure in that occupational licenses are usually issued by a government entity to authorize individuals the right to practice an occupation. Certification is not required to practice an occupation except in cases where the occupational licensing requirements include certification as part of those requirements.
Certification is a professional designation issued by academic institutions to individuals who have successfully completed training in required areas of instruction. Licensure is a government-sanctioned regulation of certified professionals. Cumberland Institute is the oldest state-approved academic institution in Tennessee providing holistic bodywork education, examination and certification. Licensure is administered by the Massage Therapy Board, a division of the Health Related Boards of the State of Tennessee.
Related Questions
- Is the NCCA licensure and board certification the same as (or equivalent to) a state’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification?
- How can I find clinical supervision to fulfill that requirement for state licensure and board certification?
- Can DCJS grant a temporary exemption from the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration?
