Which type of licensing requires all individuals within a specific profession to meet state requirements?

The correct answer is general licensing, which refers to a system where all individuals within a specific profession are required to meet state-mandated qualifications and standards before they can legally practice. This type of licensing ensures that all professionals in that field possess the necessary education, skills, and training to provide safe and competent services to the public.

State licensing boards typically establish the criteria for general licensing, which can include completing specific educational programs, passing standardized exams, and maintaining ongoing education. This widespread requirement helps protect public interests, ensuring that practitioners are properly qualified.

Special licensing, on the other hand, often relates to specific sectors or roles within a profession that might have additional criteria due to the nature of the work. Reciprocal licensing typically allows professionals licensed in one state to practice in another state, often with fewer requirements, rather than requiring compliance from every individual. Temporary licensing allows professionals to practice for a limited period or under certain conditions, without fully meeting the general licensing requirements. Thus, general licensing is the best answer as it encompasses the broader expectation for uniformity in professional standards across individuals within a profession.