A consultant is a professional that provides organizations with advice in a particular field. They are experts in a given area, so they guide companies with their knowledge. They work mostly independently as freelancers and charge a particular fee for their services. Companies that hire consultants lack talent in that area, so they outsource it.
Consultants don’t have specific licenses or regulatory requirements, so pretty much anyone who is an expert in a particular field can become one. Consultancy prioritizes experience over education. However, you can always validate your skills with certifications.