The professional orders are the guardians and promoters of professional competence. They have tools for ensuring the competence of their members. First, they establish standards regarding admission to the practice. Based on their knowledge of the context and content of the practice within the labour market, each of the orders establishes a set of training requirements and other conditions with the aim of satisfying the needs for a sound practice in which the risk of prejudice is minimized. Based on these set requirements, professional orders verify the competence and integrity of candidates to the profession and ensure they are maintained throughout that individual’s professional life.

Pursuant to their function, professional orders must be aware of the labour market situation, identify training needs with respect to the protection of the public, determine requirements and certify the fulfillment of such requirements. They are aware of the changes in the practice of a profession and consider them in establishing standards and supervising the activities of their members.