Such associations have existed since before the 16th century; for example, the Royal College of Physicians received its charter in 1518, with the "power to grant licenses to those with actual qualifications and to punish unqualified practitioners and those engaging in malpractice".
On the other hand, many lobby groups propose that certain professions should be supervised by a professional order for a better protection of the public.
The latter may, for example, in disciplinary training, punish a professional who behaves contrary to the interests of the profession, which is absolutely not the case with trade unions.
In the Canadian province of Quebec, a superior body oversees the proper functioning of each of the orders: the Office des professions du Québec.
Such associations are called "Order" (Ordem) if they relate to professions whose practice requires prior academic qualification of a university degree, and "Chamber" (Câmara) if otherwise.