Abstract
Certain basic criteria must be met by any group seeking recognition as a profession. The group must render a service to society, must be governed by a code of ethics, and must provide self discipline of its membership. Admission to practice must also be regulated by legal process. An additional criteria is the need for some formal education in specialized areas, and a language or terminology unique to the group. | Medicine, theology and law are established professions which traditionally have been recognized by society as having met the criteria for professional status. Certified Public Accountants have been added to the list of professions, and can claim all of the attributes and characteristics which are necessary for true professional status.