
Best apps for photographers
Apps can help you schedule photo shoots, edit on the go, and more. We surveyed professional photographers to curate a list of the best photography apps. Find out what made the cut.
As a practicing or prospective business owner, nobody you know can deny that you have experience and expertise in the field(s) you work in. But how can you communicate your qualifications to people—potential clients, partners, employees—you don’t know? You need some form of documentation to do so, and that’s where licensure and certification come in handy.
While certification and licensure are similar, there are some important differences between them to consider as you start up or maintain your small business. This guide will walk you through some of the most important considerations, such as:
Let’s do this.
Simply put, licensure and certification have to do with documentation of your education, training practice, and overall ability to perform. They designate you as capable to do your job, per standards met through programs or tests.
They are often expected, if not required, of anyone who practices specific crafts or offers certain services or goods for sale.
With that said, here’s a substantial definition for each term:
Certification – Official documentation of your competence in some capacity, whether a specific skill, branch of knowledge, or profession.
Licensure – Legal documentation of your knowledge of and ability to perform an individual skill.
Now, let’s think about how to differentiate the two.
As you can see, these credential terms are pretty similar in regards to what they mean and do. In fact, sometimes they are used interchangeably, along with words like “documentation” or “registration.”
However, it’s important to pay careful attention to what specific language pertains to your own business.
Differences, effects, and requirements
You may need both certification and licensure, either one or the other, or neither.
A big part of the licensure definition has to do with legal matters.
When contrasting certification vs licensure, the biggest differences come down to what’s required, legally or otherwise, and what each enables you to do.
Some relevant areas where they differ, include:
Generally speaking, both licensure and certification are about approval. Each form of documentation shows you’ve been vetted.
It’s a lot like paying credit where credit is due, just as an official document.
Ultimate similarities
Overall, certification and licensure are most similar in that they’re two versions of the same thing —documentation that you are able to perform your work competently. They’re also two versions of a requirement you might need to meet to run your business, depending on what industry you’re in.
But they’re not the only requirement…
In order to run your small business legally and efficiently, there are other things you need to have in place besides licensure or certification, regardless of whether you are a specialized counselor, nurse practitioner, or social worker. What exactly you need depends on what kind of small business you’re running, but some things that all business need to set up are:
For that last point in particular, we’re here to help.
You might need an important piece of paper to practice business. Or, you might not. It all depends on your profession and industry.
While we can’t get you licensed to do your job, Thimble can get you a Certificate of Insurance in no time.
By clicking on “Get a Quote” or downloading the Thimble app, you can answer a few quick questions and sign up for a policy in under 60 seconds. We offer general liability insurance and professional liability insurance policies to protect your business from third-party claims of:
It’s insurance that works when you do. Our policies are custom tailored to your needs, so you can purchase insurance by the hour, day, or month.
As a small business owner, your mission is to deliver quality goods and services to your clients. Here at Thimble, our mission is helping you do that by simplifying the insurance process—from understanding it to securing the coverage you need.
Whether you need a license or certification to run your business, be sure to make sure that all your bases are covered. Once you’re set with whatever documentation you need, you’re ready to get all your other essentials together and start (or continue) providing your wonderful services to all your amazing clients.
We’re rooting for you.
Our editorial content is intended for informational purposes only and is not written by a licensed insurance agent. Terms and conditions for rate and coverage may vary by class of business and state.
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