Licensure refers to the granting of a license in the US an Canada (the term registration is used elsewhere), usually to work in a particular profession or to obtain a privilege such as to drive a car or truck. Many privileges and professions require a license, generally the state government, in order to ensure that the public will not be harmed by the incompetence of the practitioners. Engineers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, psychologists, and public accountants are some examples of professions that require licensure. Licensure is similar to professional certification, and sometimes synonymous, however certification is an employment qualification and not a legal requirement for practicing a profession.