Trade:

• Definition: A trade is a skilled job typically requiring manual or mechanical skills and special training.
• Training: Less rigorous, less formal.
• Standards: Standards required vary within the trade in the same jurisdiction.
• Code of Conduct: Less rigorous.
• Interest Served: Primarily serves clients/employers.
• Regulated By: Guilds.

Profession:

• Definition: A profession is an occupation founded upon specialized educational training, aimed at supplying disinterested objective counsel and service to others for direct compensation.
• Training: Very rigorous and highly structured.
• Standards: Usually universal within a profession and jurisdiction.
• Code of Conduct: Very rigorous.
• Interest Served: Public interest is very important over those of clients/employers.
• Regulated By: Professional bodies.