Credentialing Industry

Credentialing

In broad terms, a "credential" is an attestation of qualification, competence, or authority that is issued by a third party to an individual or organization. Credentialing is the process through which the 3rd party establishes the qualifications of that individual or organization and validates that they meet some standardized criteria.

Credentialing is an umbrella term that covers licensure, certification, accreditation, etc. (See also: Types of Credentials)

Industry Purpose of Licensure

Licensure is the process through which a government agency, typically a State, verifies that a given individual is qualified to perform a specific occupation and permits that person to practice in that occupation within a specific period of time.

The goal of licensure is to protect the public safety by ensuring that all practitioners of an occupation meet some minimum standard of competency. This is often implemented by establishing education requirements that dictate if someone is eligible to practice, an assessment or exam that demonstrates competence, and ongoing requirements for maintaining the license (continuing education, etc).

For example, all Barbers that wish to legally practice within the District of Columbia must obtain a license to do so. Members of the public can visit a licensed Barber and expect a certain degree of competence and safety without needing to conduct their own assessment of the practitioner.