Example: Indiana Libraries wanted librarians to be classified as professionals (require a masters of library science... Must somehow help them to justify what they paid for their degree). State said ok, so professionals are designated that they have some type of formal education (trade certificate or degree) and continuing education. Libraries agreed, so the public libraries got together and formalized the requirements, including how many hrs. A year they needed to stay a professional. Sent the info to state and state tracks it for them.

I would say some form of professional certification is needed for some of the more important professions. Contractors and customers don't want hacks building houses that fall down or burst into flames. Likewise I don't want a doctor who doesn't know anatomy, or failed out of med school.

On the flip side when gov't controlls the cert/license process, bad things happen. Where is the right balance?