Which of the following is NOT a distinguishing characteristic of a profession?

The correct choice identifies self-regulation without external governance as not a distinguishing characteristic of a profession.

In a professional context, self-regulation refers to the ability of a profession to manage its own standards, practices, and disciplinary measures internally. However, for a profession to be legitimate and maintain public trust, it often operates under a framework that includes oversight by external regulatory bodies or stakeholders. This external governance can take the form of accreditation boards, government entities, or other organizations that set standards and ensure compliance with ethical and professional guidelines.

On the other hand, the distinguishing characteristics of a profession generally include a recognized body of knowledge, which necessitates that individuals possess a certain level of education and expertise to practice effectively. Meeting or exceeding standard qualifications is also critical as it reflects the competency and preparedness of professionals to perform their roles. Lastly, a nationwide standard of conduct ensures that professionals adhere to ethical guidelines and practices that maintain quality and integrity across the field, contributing to consistency and accountability.

Therefore, the notion that a profession can operate solely through self-regulation, without any form of external oversight, does not align with the established characteristics of a professional field.