What is the professional exemption?

The professional exemption includes two subcategories of employees: "Learned Professionals" and "Creative Professionals." The Learned Professional exemption requires that the employee perform work requiring advanced knowledge — usually acquired through extended training or study — in a field of science or learning. Generally, this exemption applies to workers who have obtained degrees or received specialized training, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, etc. The Creative Professional exemption requires that the employee's primary job involve creativity, imagination, or artistic talent applied in a recognized field of "artistic or creative endeavor." This exemption may apply to musicians, actors, writers, etc.