For legal purposes, the primary difference between professions and non$-$professions is: Non$-$professionals generally do not require licenses. Professionals are more heavily regulated and they are considered to be negligent if they do not keep the relevant licenses in place. Non$-$professionals are free to act as they please. Professionals swear legally binding oaths that hold them accountable for their actions. Non$-$professionals are not accountable to regulators or other reviewing bodies. Professionals are overseen by one or more governmental entities to whom they are accountable. Non$-$professionals are judged by the standard of the "reasonably prudent person." Professionals are largely self$-$regulating and their conduct is judged by a standard of care set by the profession.