There are several criteria that are commonly required for a profession. These include:
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Specialized Education: Professions require prolonged, specialized training to acquire a body of knowledge pertinent to the role to be performed. Members of a profession determine who is fit to succeed them by setting the basic requirements of education and training for the profession themselves.
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Autonomy: Professionals have control over their own practice and education. This means that they are able to make independent decisions about how to carry out their work, and are not subject to external control.
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Code of Ethics: Professionals are bound to a code of conduct or ethics specific to the distinct profession. This code of ethics is centered upon an uncompromising and unconflicted regard for the clients benefit and best interests.
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Needed Skills: Professions require skills which the public does not possess; that is, skills which are partly inherent and partly acquired. These skills are developed through specialized education and training.
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Ethical Constraints: Due to the other characteristics on this list, there is a clear requirement for ethical constraints in the professions. Professionals are expected to act with integrity and to do what is considered right, even when it is difficult.
Overall, professions require specialized education, autonomy, a code of ethics, needed skills, and ethical constraints.
