Who is considered a "professional" in the context of professional services?

In the context of professional services, the term "professional" typically refers to individuals who possess advanced, regulated qualifications often recognized by licensing boards or professional organizations. This can include various fields such as law, medicine, engineering, accounting, and other specialized areas where practitioners must meet specific educational and ethical standards to offer their services to the public.

Professionals are held to a high standard of competence and conduct, often requiring them to undergo ongoing education to maintain their licenses. This regulatory framework is designed to ensure that the public receives a certain level of quality and ethical service from these individuals.

In contrast, employees in a company may not necessarily possess specialized training related to their role. Similarly, employees without specialized training and volunteers providing services do not fit the criteria for being considered "professionals" in this context, as they typically lack the advanced qualifications and regulatory oversight that define a professional.