A permission granted to an individual or organization by a competent authority, usually public, to engage lawfully in a practice, occupation or activity. Licensure is the process by which the licence is granted. It is usually granted on the basis of examination and/or proof of education rather than on measures of performance. A licence is usually permanent, but may be conditional on annual payment of a fee, proof of continuing education, or proof of competence. See also “accreditation”.
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