Licensing Board

Licensing boards are bodies which have the authority to grant licenses which enable people to work in a particular profession. As some professions can only be practiced by qualified professionals, such as doctors and nurses, licensing boards play a crucial role in protecting the public by ensuring that only competent practitioners are allowed to work in the profession.

Licensing boards are generally made up of qualified practitioners who manage and oversee the process of license applications in their field. This process often includes providing training to aspiring professionals as well as holding qualification exams. As licenses are a legal requirement constituting a form of government regulation, the legal origins of licensing boards are set out in legislation relevant to each profession.

In Canada, for example, there is the Health Professions Act which provides a legal backdrop for health professionals. 
Interestingly, these bodies are mostly referred to as regulatory colleges in Canada.

See also:

• Chambers of Commerce – Election Glossary
• Regulation explained in the Election Glossary
• Regulated Health Professions Act Explained