Licensure: A government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation.

• A. Certification
• B. Licensure
• C. CEUs
• D. Registration

Answer: (B)

Licensure involves the government granting formal permission to practice a profession, making it a legal requirement to work in that occupation. It usually requires meeting specific standards such as education, passing a standardized exam, and sometimes background checks, with continued compliance to maintain the license. Practicing without a license is typically illegal and can result in penalties, because the government is vouching that the holder is qualified to protect public welfare.

Certification, on the other hand, is usually a voluntary credential awarded by a professional organization to indicate competence, not a legal authorization to practice. Registration is simply being listed on an official roster or database and may be required for certain activities, but it does not by itself authorize someone to practice across the entire field. CEUs refer to continuing education credits used to maintain licensure or certification, not to grant initial authorization.

So licensure is the best answer here because it specifically describes government-authorized permission to work in a regulated occupation.