What is the process by which a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation?

The process by which a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation is known as licensure. This involves maintaining standards for education, training, and professional conduct specific to a particular field. Licensure is crucial in professions that have a significant impact on public safety, health, and welfare—such as medicine, nursing, and engineering. To obtain a license, individuals typically must complete a specific educational program, pass a state examination, and sometimes fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their license.

Certification, while similar, generally indicates that a person has met certain standards set by a professional organization, but it does not come from a government agency and is not legally required to practice in that field. Registration refers to the process of recording or enrolling individuals or organizations for oversight but does not imply authorization to practice. Permitting involves granting permission for a specific action or event rather than establishing qualifications for an occupation. Thus, licensure is the correct answer as it represents the official government authorization required to practice in certain professions.