What is a profession?

Answer 1

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission defines a profession as:

'A disciplined group of individuals who adhere to high ethical standards and uphold themselves to, and are accepted by, the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised, organised body of learning derived from education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to exercise this knowledge and these skills in the interest of others. Inherent in this definition is the concept that the responsibility for the welfare, health and safety of the community shall take precedence over other considerations.' Another consideration is that there needs to exist one or more organizations that provide certification credentials that can be audited by outside people. Lawyers and medical professionals have pretty strict licensing requirements. More and more 'professions' are coming into being. Such professions as 'Project Management' and 'Contract Management' have been created.