Analytic Quality Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/

This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.

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Licensing

core definition

Licensing is the formal granting of permission to (a) operate a new institution (b) a new programme of study (c) practice a profession.

explanatory context

Licensing does not necessarily require a quality evaluation and is not the same as being accredited.

In the US, the term ‘licensure’ is used.

In relation to licensing professional practice, there is a distinction between graduating from an accredited programme and having a licence to practice. In some cases, these are coincident, especially for graduates from some postgraduate programmes. Often though, additional probationary practice years are required before full license to practice is granted.

In some instances, such as teaching in the US, a licence to practice may be virtually independent of studying on an accredited programme. In many US states, obtaining a teaching licence is not dependent on having an accredited teacher education degree. In fact, less than half the US colleges of education are accredited

analytical review

Campbell & Rozsnyai, (2002, p. 31) refer to institutional and programme licensing

Licensing is the awarding of permission to operate either a new higher education institution or a new course programme based on ex-ante evaluation of plans.

FOR CHEA (2001)

Licensure: Refers to approval of an individual to practice a profession once minimal requirements are met. Licensure usually is obtained through examination or graduation from an accredited institution. In some countries, a period of practical experience also may be required. (See also certification, registration.)

This is differentiated from:

Institutional Licensure: (U.S.) State government approval to conduct business as an educational institution. Licensing is not equated to accreditation and does not necessarily require demonstration of quality or ability to meet performance standards. (CHEA, 2001)

The UNESCO definition is:

Licensure/Licensing: The process by which a governmental agency grants official permission (i) to persons meeting predetermined qualifications to engage in a given occupation and/or use of a particular title; (ii) to programmes, based on the evaluation of appropriate plans, to operate before obtaining accredited status, and (iii) to institutions to perform specified functions. Licensure (in the case of persons) is usually obtained through examination or graduation from an accredited institution. In some countries, a period of practical experience may be required. When such is the case, state authorization/state licensing should not be confused with institutional or specialized accreditation. (Vlãsceanu et al., 2004, p. 40)

associated issues

related terms