What outlines the expectations for skills and behaviors in a profession?

The choice of professional standards as the correct answer is appropriate because these standards define the expected skills, behaviors, and ethics that individuals should adhere to within a specific profession. Professional standards serve as a benchmark for practitioners to evaluate their competency and ensure that their conduct aligns with the industry's best practices. They often encompass a code of practice, technical skills, and behavioral expectations necessary for professional integrity and competence.

In the context of a profession, professional standards are crucial for maintaining high-quality services and safeguarding the interests of clients and society. They also guide educational institutions and accreditation bodies in developing curricula and assessment strategies that prepare future professionals to meet these expectations.

Other options, while related, do not encompass the full scope intended by the question. A professional framework typically refers to the overarching structure that supports a profession but may not detail specific expectations related to skills and behaviors. Quality assurance guidelines focus on the processes for ensuring quality across services or products rather than the individual's skills and behavior. Occupational competency criteria often refer to the specific competencies required for particular job roles, which might emphasize tasks and outcomes rather than broader professional behavior and ethical considerations.