What make a "Qualified Wizard"?

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 118188


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Vivamus" <Vivamus at T...> wrote:
> 
> ... trying to recall if there is anything in canon about what makes
> a "qualified wizard". The only thing I can think of (other than age)
> is the OWLs. If that's so, that means Harry would no longer be under
> the underage decree, wouldn't it?
> 
> Does anyone have more canon information on this, perhaps from a JKR
> interview?
> 
> Vivamus


bboyminn: 

I think the answer is much simpler than others have suggested,
although, I'm not discounting the validity of what they said.

Think of the real world as an example. Most students who graduate from
High School, have their High School Diploma as their /qualifications/.
That document certifies a certain level of competency and literacy
which in turn qualifies them to do something more useful than digging
ditches.

However, most high school graduates are not of-age, that is, they are
not 18 years old. Therefore, they are not adults, and don't have the
legal privileges that go with being an adult.

So, a 'Fully Qualified Wizard' is one that has as a minimum pasted a
few OWLs. There degree or extent of their qualifications is a matter
of the grade of their OWLs. A person with 8 Outstanding OWLs is more
qualified that a person with 8 Acceptable OWLs. NEWTs are the highest
qualification, and in the wizard world, are the equivalent of a
college degree (probably, more like a two year Associate Degree).

In short, 'Fully Qualified' means you have documented qualifications
that are universally recognised. Although, in some cases, receiving
/qualifications/ may mean moving from Apprentice to Journeyman. In
other words, certified on-the-job training in a skilled craft.

Independant of these qualifications, you are not afforded adult rights
and responsibilities until you are Of-Age, which is 17 in the wizard
world. 


Just some thoughts.

Steve/bboyminn (was bboy_mn)