I'm not disputing that what we do as an industry can't be improved. I'm primarily against the idea that our profession is unique, and people should take us at f

I'm not disputing that what we do as an industry can't be improved. I'm primarily against the idea that our profession is unique, and people should take us at face value when we claim expertise. Validation by employers is looked at as an undue burden. We have perks in this industry: For the most part no one cares about your education background and often not even your experience as long as you pass the interview. It's hard to have both those perks, and expect some of these hoops to disappear. Should the hoops be a take home assignment? White boarding? Pair programming? A new governing body that offers a license? Not sure, but something will exist, and your anxiety and need to prepare likely won't disappear.