Making the Grade...

[Land_Owner]

I discussed the transition from college to the work force with a law school graduate who was studying for the Bar Exam.  His methodology for taking the exam was to study just enough to pass.  That would mean a proficiency score of 70 out of 100 and I don't have a clue regarding the difficulty of the exam.

Now in my mind when I need an attorney, an architect, an engineer, or any other proficiency tested individual (who are they?) I certainly want to know that person made the highest grade achievable on the test, or nearly so.  I don't want someone with only the drive to "pass". 

I suppose these "passing" individuals are not the sharpest knives in the drawer and possibly don't go too far in their careers.

[GRIMJIM]

That seems to be the work ethic (or lack of) of a lot of the younger generation. Just do enough to get by. I see it in my kids when they do their homework. Then I will make them rewrite sentences so they make more sense or explain their equations in more detail. I try to get them to see the value of hard work but it can be difficult at times.

[Graybeard]

They aren't required to post their score on the bar exam after passing. If they pass they are licensed and you'll never know the difference in what their score was.

[TribReady]

I think if anyone passes any professional licensure, they're qualified...atleast at the minimum.  They'll do fine.
The hardworkers, those with real drive, and those who demand perfection of themselves, will, in the long run, pull ahead of the others.  They'll be the "experts" in their field, they'll own their own practices or be partners, they'll have the longterm clientele/patients/customers. 
I think for most cases, any licensed professional will be adequate.  However, if we're talking brain surgery on my wife or kids or something like that, then yes I want to see additional credentials and/or expertise or experience.  In those types of cases, a proven track record speaks volumes to me.

[Old Syko]

I must agree with TribReady.  There is a reason for minimum standards and that is to set a baseline for abilities.  Some folks just don't test well but go gangbusters in practice.  They will show up as the cream of the crop regardless of test scores.  Kind of comes down to cumulative experience.

I don't agree with GRIMJIM that it is just the younger generation who show a poor work ethic.  I deal everyday with people from 18 to 80 and the mix of folks who are knowledgeable, energetic, and willing to perform is no different from one generation to the next.