What is a group of individuals in the same profession organized to maintain standards called?

A group of individuals in the same profession organized to maintain standards is accurately referred to as a professional association. These organizations are typically established to advocate for the interests of their members, promote high standards of practice, provide professional development opportunities, and enhance the credibility and visibility of the profession as a whole.

Professional associations often create and enforce ethical guidelines and standards that ensure practitioners within the field adhere to established benchmarks, thereby protecting the integrity of the profession and the public interest. They may also provide resources such as training, certification, and networking opportunities that foster professional growth and collaboration among members.

While trade associations focus more on businesses and trade-related issues rather than individual practitioners, and professional networks may serve as informal platforms for connection without the same regulatory or standard-setting focus, the role of a professional association is specifically geared toward promoting the standards and professionalism within a defined occupation. Additionally, an industry consortium generally includes a broader coalition of businesses and stakeholders from a particular industry, which may not focus solely on the individual members' standards or professional ethics.