Professional Organizations
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 81392 directly.
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Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in promoting the professional interests of their members and the profession as a whole. These establishments may conduct research; develop statistics; sponsor quality and certification standards; lobby public officials; or publish newsletters, books, or periodicals for distribution to their members.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain. Census publishes this definition under NAICS 813920, the only detailed industry in this group.
Illustrative examples
- Bar associations
- Learned societies
- Dentists' associations
- Peer review boards
- Engineers' associations
- Professional standards review boards
- Health professionals' associations
- Scientists' associations
Which code does this activity belong in?
Professional Organizations comprise establishments that promote the interests of specific professions and their members through research, standard-setting, certification, lobbying, and member publications. The key distinction from Business Associations is that Professional Organizations represent practitioners in a particular profession and advance professional standards, whereas Business Associations represent broader commercial interests across industries or sectors. Labor Unions differ by focusing primarily on employment conditions and worker compensation rather than professional advancement and quality standards.
Written for NAICS 813920, the only detailed industry in this group.