One of the most important things to consider when running a small business is whether you should be certified or licensed. These two terms often confuse many people, but we’re here to clarify the difference between a business certification and license.
In short, a certification is proof of qualification that indicates a business’s professional competence, while a license is a legally recognized form of documentation that allows the company to operate. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the difference between a license and a certification and what benefits each gives to your business.
A certification is an official document that proves your business’s competence in a particular skill or field, such as IT. Requirements can vary depending on the desired certification and state regulations, but a business owner can typically obtain certification by completing a course or passing an exam.
For instance, the business owner or the company’s employees may acquire a safety certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by completing a 10- or 30-hour course and passing a final exam.
Business certifications can be of various types. For instance, some may require you to pass specific courses, while others may only require you to meet specific criteria set by the issuing body. Here are a few types of certifications you can obtain as a small business owner:
Unlike licenses, a certification isn’t typically required by law. However, there are multiple doors that certifications can open for small business owners:
A license is a legal document that allows you to operate a business. Licensure is usually granted by government institutions or agencies for specialized operations. A license may be mandatory or voluntary, depending on the company’s nature.
Business owners must often acquire licenses from local authorities to operate in a given area. For instance, companies dealing with controlled substances and drugs such as alcohol or tobacco must obtain additional licenses at the state or federal levels. Similar licensure is required for legal, medical, and other specialized practices.
If your state requires you to have a license, but you operate without it, you will be fined and may be incarcerated. However, state regulations vary, so check business license laws in the state you are operating in. For instance, getting a license as a massage therapist is mandatory in some states but not in others.
Licenses vary in their nature and purpose. However, some common types of licenses include the following:
It’s also worth knowing the difference between a license and a permit. Permits are also issued by government agencies but are usually temporary, whereas licenses are typically permanent.
In addition, a license recognizes you as a qualified business to carry out operations within the legal framework. On the other hand, a permit allows you to do something within the scope of your work, such as a building permit to remodel certain structures.
A state-issued license offers a myriad of benefits, including the following:
Now that you know what these two terms stand for and why you need them, let’s sum up the main differences between business certifications and licenses.
Most states require state, local, and/or federal licensure. A government agency awards them to small businesses after evaluating if it meets certain requirements. On the contrary, certifications are optional and awarded by governmental or educational institutions upon completing specific training and meeting certain criteria.
Most professions and business entities must obtain a license to run a legitimate business. High-risk industries like medicine and finance have stricter license requirements, while lower-risk professions like tourism and service industries usually have more lenient regulations.
On the other hand, certifications are discretional and give your business more credibility. While mostly optional, some industries like IT expect employees to have minimum certifications.
Certifications and licenses can both build trust between your company and the individuals it serves. As a result, certifications demonstrate that the company has sufficient knowledge and skill to serve its customers. Conversely, licenses convey that the business is legitimate and is properly accredited by state and federal agencies.
Certifications and licenses can also be prestigious, depending on the industry you operate in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that obtaining a certification rather than a license is more common in IT, installation and repair, and arts and design industries. Being a certified IT expert shows that you are willing to invest time and effort to advance your skills in the field.
Licensure and certification are two different ways for small businesses to demonstrate their legitimacy and trustworthiness. The main difference between certification and a license is that a certification is mainly voluntary, while obtaining a license is required by law.
A license is usually required to legally run a business and get access to government resources, whereas a certification can increase a business’s credibility and provide access to new markets. Ultimately, the decision to obtain certification and a license depends on the needs and goals of your small business.