Licensure vs.
Certification
While certification and licensure both establish professional standards, they serve different purposes and offer different types of protection.
Certification
Voluntary credential that demonstrates professional competence
Issued by professional associations or private organizations
Recognized nationally or internationally
No legal title protection - anyone can use the title
Licensure
Legal requirement to practice and use professional title
Granted by state government through legislation
Regulated state-by-state with local oversight
Protects the title by law - violations are illegal
Key Differences
| Aspect | Certification | Licensure |
|---|---|---|
| Granted By | Private professional organization | State government |
| Purpose | Demonstrates professional competence | Ensures public protection and accountability |
| Scope | National or international standard | State-specific regulation |
| Title Protection | No legal protection of title | Legal protection of professional title |
| Enforcement | Professional standards and ethics | State law with legal penalties |
| Public Access | Private credential verification | Public license registry and verification |
For Child Life Specialists
The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential is the national certification that demonstrates professional competence. It is issued by the Association of Child Life Professionals and requires a bachelor's degree, specific coursework, clinical hours, and passing a certification exam.
Licensure would build on this certification by adding state-level legal protection. Licensed Child Life Specialists would still need to maintain their CCLS certification, but the state would also protect the "Child Life Specialist" title from misuse.
This dual approach combines professional competency standards (certification) with public accountability and title protection (licensure).
The Bottom Line
Certification demonstrates competence. Licensure provides public accountability and legal protection. Both are valuable, and both serve important—but different—purposes in protecting children and families.