What criteria does the State Board consider to determine if a group is a recognized profession?

The criteria that the State Board considers to determine if a group is a recognized profession encompass various essential elements that collectively establish the standards and legitimacy of a profession.

An identifiable body of theoretical knowledge serves as a foundation for the practice. This body of knowledge ensures that practitioners have a robust understanding of the fundamental principles and theories relevant to their field, demonstrating that the profession is based on substantive academic and empirical research.

Generally accepted standards of knowledge, training, and proficiency are also crucial, as they outline the expected competencies that professionals must acquire to perform effectively in their roles. This ensures that practitioners are adequately prepared to meet the demands of their profession and can provide services that are safe, effective, and informed by best practices.

Furthermore, the presence of generally accepted quality standards, ethical principles, and requirements for independent practice is vital as it fosters accountability and integrity within the profession. Such standards typically govern the conduct of practitioners, ensuring that they adhere to ethical guidelines and can practice independently while maintaining public trust.

When all of these components—knowledge, training, proficiency standards, quality standards, and ethical principles—are considered collectively, they embody the comprehensive criteria necessary for a group to be recognized as a legitimate profession. Thus, the broad and inclusive approach that accounts for these key