Licensure vs Certification

6 Questions

Level of credentials based on hours of training and assessment exams

Licensed

Level of practice granted by a government agency

Licensure is granted by a government agency or local authority, while certification is based on hours of training and assessment exams

By meeting certain level of credentials and passing assessment exams

Granting licensure for a carefully defined level of practice

Study Notes

Certification generally refers to a professional credential that verifies an individual's expertise and competence in a specific field or occupation.
Paramedics are considered certified professionals, as they obtain certification through a national certification agency, such as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Licensure refers to the process by which a government agency grants permission to an individual to practice a specific profession or occupation within a particular jurisdiction.
Paramedics are also considered licensed professionals, as they need to obtain a license to practice in a particular state.

The key difference between licensure and certification is that licensure is a mandatory requirement to practice a profession, whereas certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates expertise and competence.

Certification is generally achieved through a combination of education, training, and passing a certification exam administered by a national certification agency.

The state health department plays a crucial role in licensure and certification by establishing and enforcing the standards and regulations for healthcare professionals, including paramedics, to practice in a particular state.

6 Questions