CERTIFICATION versus LICENSING

There is often confusion about the difference between Certifying and Licensing. Many states have licensing laws in place for those who work in the construction and mold industry. Once a state determines that a particular field requires licensing, that licensing procedure is regulated by boards and other agencies charged with that duty by the state legislature. When those regulatory agencies determine what criteria should be followed licenses are issued when the applicant fulfilled the licensing requirement. Many times those licensing requirements, under the control of a specific agency, include requiring evidence of previous work experience, educational/training qualifications, proof of insurance, or other criteria that the state legislature has determined to be required for the protection of the public or the industry. Licensing is, therefore, a function of the state in which you are working.

Certification, on the other hand, is provided by a recognized and credible certifying agency to validate and substantiate the student’s training, competency, and, in some cases, experience. The certifying agency verifies that the student is trained in the specific field and is, in fact, qualified to place himself forward for licensure by the state. A student may be Certified and still not be qualified to be Licensed by a specific state. The Certification Process is, therefore, separate from the Licensing Process, separated by the agencies or organizations that control each.

In our classes, we discuss the importance of understanding this difference. Students who come to our classes begin the process of certification by being trained and examined as to their competency in the field. They then apply to the specific certifying agency who determines, based on its criteria, whether the student is eligible for certification. Once certified, the student then may take that certification to a specific state for licensure. Once the student has met the state’s licensing requirements, he may be licensed by the state to work within the field in which he has been trained. Again, the processes are distinguished from each other by the specific agency that performs its function.

For more information regarding the specifics of certification, you may contact our offices at 888.856.4803