professional license

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "professional license" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a permit or certification that enables an individual to practice a profession, such as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or accountant. For example, "Adam recently received his professional license and is now a certified lawyer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Other tests available to employers include résumé verification, professional license checks and media scans that track mentions in the press).

The New York Times

In the fallout from the sting operation, he lost his sponsor, his team, which devolved into Astana, and ultimately his professional license.

The New York Times - Sports

In Houston, it is illegal to sell any component of a central air-conditioning unit without a city permit or professional license.

The New York Times

The government requires novice seal hunters to obtain an assistant's license and train under the supervision of veterans for two years before qualifying for a professional license.

The New York Times

But he needs a professional license here and friends told him there were no jobs available for him because he knows very little English.

The New York Times

The reprimand bars Dr. Tilus, who has been in the Public Health Service for 10 years, from promotion for two years and could put his professional license in jeopardy.

The New York Times

One can track who met with a governor, trace the history of every state law, find out whether a particular person held a professional license and pore over tax records.

The New York Times

Additionally, sources believe there will be grounds to initiate ethics charges against responsible individuals both within the APA and in the states in which they operate, which would be the first step toward the loss of a professional license.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ask about any professional licenses the candidate may have, such as a Certified Public Accountant or a licensed attorney.

WikiHow

Land, professional licenses, profits, and income are directly taxed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost nobody is calling for wholesale abolition of professional licensing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing requirements for a job, specify the exact "professional license" needed, including its name and issuing authority. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for applicants.

Common error

Avoid using the term "professional license" when referring to general business permits or registrations. A "professional license" is specific to individuals practicing regulated professions, not simply operating a business.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "professional license" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically refers to a permit or certification required to practice a specific profession. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "professional license" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the official permit or certification required to practice a particular profession. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, including news, science, business, and general information sources. The phrase is generally neutral in register, though it is often used in formal and professional settings. When writing about "professional licenses", it's important to be specific about the exact type of license and its issuing authority to avoid any confusion. Alternatives include terms like "occupational permit" and "certification to practice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

license to practice

Slightly shorter alternative using 'practice' as a verb.

occupational permit

Replaces "license" with "permit", emphasizing the permission aspect of holding a professional credential.

permit to practice a profession

Replaces the term "license" with "permit", emphasizing authorization.

credential for professional practice

More formal and emphasizes the authorization to practice a profession.

certification to practice

Focuses on the certification aspect, highlighting the verification of competence.

professional certification

Emphasizes the certification, indicating formal recognition of skills and knowledge.

authorization to work professionally

Broadens the scope to general professional work, not specific to a regulated field.

validated professional qualifications

Highlights that the professional skills and knowledges were validated.

government-issued professional validation

Highlights that it is issued by a government entity and validates expertise.

trade license

This term is more generic and can apply to businesses and specific trades.

FAQs

What jobs typically require a "professional license"?

Jobs requiring a "professional license" often include roles in healthcare (doctors, nurses), law (attorneys), engineering, accounting (CPAs), and education (teachers), among others. The specific requirements vary by state or jurisdiction.

How do I obtain a "professional license"?

Obtaining a "professional license" typically involves completing specific educational requirements, passing an examination, and meeting other criteria set by the licensing board or agency for that profession. Specific requirements vary significantly by profession and jurisdiction.

What happens if I practice a profession without a required "professional license"?

Practicing a profession without the required "professional license" can lead to legal penalties, including fines, cease and desist orders, and even criminal charges. It can also affect your ability to obtain a license in the future.

Can I lose my "professional license"? What are common reasons for revocation?

Yes, a "professional license" can be revoked or suspended for various reasons, including professional misconduct, ethical violations, criminal convictions, and failure to meet continuing education requirements. The specific grounds for revocation vary by profession and jurisdiction.