Skip to Content

Terminology

  • Accreditation: A term used by some Illinois state agencies which has the same meaning as licensing and similar requirements.
  • Approval: This is a confirmation or an official consent. It is used when a government agency approves the qualification of an individual who is being hired for an occupation.
  • Certification: Unlike licensure, this regulation method does not legally prohibit individuals from engaging in the regulated occupation. However, it prohibits individuals from using a specified title (referred to as "title law"). For example, anyone may practice accounting, but only those persons who meet state standards may call themselves "Certified Public Accountants" (CPA's). To obtain certification, an individual must meet certain training, experience, and/or examination requirements similar to those required for a license, and must apply to the appropriate government agency, private association or certification board. A fee may or may not be involved.
  • License: This is the most restrictive form of occupational regulation. It prohibits anyone from engaging in the occupational activities (usually referred to as "practice acts") without permission from a government agency designated by a licensing law to issue such license. The applicant must usually meet certain requirements set forth in the law such as training and experience; minimum age; years of formal education or academic degrees; pass a qualifying written, verbal and/or practical examination; qualify on certain person prerequisites (age, citizenship, bonding, good moral character); meet comparable standards set by some other state (reciprocation); and usually pay a prescribed license fee.
  • Registration: A very general term that sometimes means title control as discussed in Certification, or it may simply mean that the law requires an individual who wishes to engage in a given occupation to register (i.e. to be placed on an official roster) with a designated government agency. The requirements are usually minimal depending on activity or residence. Individuals may be requested to produce documentation for qualification, character reference, and bonding. As a rule, the law does not require the individual to pass an examination. It can merely be an administrative or professional listing of people who are already licensed or certified as is the case with Lawyer in Illinois which also requires a license. Registration is used in situations where the threat to public health, safety, or welfare is minimal. A fee may or may not be involved.
  • Reciprocity/Endorsement: Recognition of the validity of this term is used by an agency when it verifies the training and/or other requirements have been met.
  • Validation: This term is used by an agency when it verifies the training and/or other requirements have been met.