A review of the literature reveals that a profession: (1) possesses a unique set of abilities, (2) is based on a systematic body of knowledge, (3) is client-centered, (4) bonds its members together in associations, (5) is accorded a monopoly of licensure to protect standards, (6) possesses a regulatory code of ethical conduct, (7) assumes responsibility for professional acts, and (8) is accorded a fee for services. To achieve full professional stature, education must: have an adequate free structure; organize, systematize, and transmit a body of knowledge; develop an umbrella of professional membership to include all practitioners; develop ways to reward excellence; have greater participation in the licensure structure; have a greater role in teacher preparation; adhere to a single regulatory code of ethics; and finally, accept the issue of accountability. Two pages of references are included. (MLF)