Occupational licensure is a process that requires individuals to obtain a license before they can legally practice certain professions. This is common in fields such as medicine, law, and teaching, where specific skills and knowledge are essential for public safety and welfare. Licensure often involves meeting educational requirements, passing exams, and completing continuing education. The purpose of occupational licensure is to ensure that professionals meet established standards of competence and ethics. By regulating who can enter these professions, licensure helps protect consumers from unqualified practitioners and promotes trust in the services provided by licensed individuals.