I keep reading about the terms on ST here, and I don’t understand it. If one finishes with a certain time, or position in a race, they become a pro/elite, just like that?
Are the two terms interchangeable?
Once you “go pro”, you don’t go back?
I’m 19, and just starting out, with a wrestling background, which I guess translates into a semi-runner’s background. What do I do to become pro, and how would it effect me? I know, google’s my friend, but I don’t seem to have any success discovering any literature I can understand 
Any help?
Thanks in advance!
From the USAT website:
“Athletes wishing to race as an elite triathlete/duathlete or off-road triathlete in any USAT sanctioned event must hold a USAT elite license in their respective category. Elite annual membership will be available to certain qualified, highly competitive, and experienced athletes who meet the qualifications respective to their license category as outlined below. Only athletes holding an elite license are eligible to compete in the elite wave of any USAT sanctioned event that offers a minimum prize purse of $5,000. The terms “elite” and “professional” are used interchangeably but USAT prefers that these athletes be referred to as “elites” because in order to align with ITU and USOC.”
So “Pro” or “Elite” in USAT or ITU terms have a specific set of qualifications and a license process.
That said…many local or other non-USAT/ITU events will have “elite” waves which would better be named “open” and usually come with no pre-requisites or license requirements. These are usually the faster athletes in the race. Feel free to sign up for that wave if you feel you can race against the competition.
Pro and Elite are the same. There are requirements sanctioned by USAT to get a license.
Here is the USAT Site:
http://www.usatriathlon.org/member-services/elite-athlete-qualification
All the above posts are correct, but I will add. Some races have an “elite” group that is just faster (not fast, just faster) age groupers. NYC and West Point are 2 examples. All you need is a decent time to race in the category, but you are still an age grouper.
NYC you still need to qualify with a 2:15 or better at a previous Oly. And you are racing for money as well.
USAT likes to follow the ITU lead on some things. ITU uses the term “elite” so USAT uses the term “elite”. Most of us still use the terms “pro” and “elite” interchangeably. You’ll notice that the term “pro” is very prevalent when talking long course (aka ironman and half ironman). To add to the note about elite age group waves… those can be really nice for older age groupers who are still crazy fast. If they go in their AG wave they wind up passing hundreds of slower athletes who started in earlier waves and that can be troublesome on some courses. Take note, USAT doesn’t place elite age group results into year end age group rankings so if you’re chasing rankings then don’t make that mistake.
That link above didn’t work for me so here it is in long form to cut and paste if need be http://www.usatriathlon.org/member-services/elite-athlete-qualification
Ian