Navigating through the educational and professional landscape in the USA often requires one to have their foreign academic credentials recognized. This is where an equivalency certificate comes into play. It is a document that verifies your foreign education is equivalent to the education system in the USA.
An equivalency certificate is paramount as it facilitates your journey into further education, employment, or professional licensure in the country.
This blog is a detailed guide to help you understand the process of obtaining an equivalency certificate in the USA, with a particular focus on the role of credential evaluation services in this journey.
Understanding the Types of Equivalency Certificates
Equivalency certificates are essential documents verifying an individual’s educational level compared to a standard curriculum or requirement. Understanding the different types of equivalency certificates is crucial for anyone pursuing further education or a professional career in a foreign country.
The Different Types Of Equivalency Certificates
High School Equivalency:
- The High School Equivalency Certificate is a document equivalent to a high school diploma.
- In the USA, there are several tests recognized for high school equivalency, including the GED (General Educational Development) test, HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), and TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion).
Foreign Degree Equivalency:
- The Foreign Degree Equivalency Certificate is a document that verifies the equivalency of an individual’s foreign educational qualifications with the standards of the country they are moving to or seeking employment.
- This certificate is crucial for individuals who have completed their education in a foreign country and are seeking to continue their studies or work in the USA.
- Educational institutions and employers often require a certificate of higher education equivalent in the USA to ensure that a foreign degree meets the same standards as a local one.
Brief Overview Of The Organizations Responsible For Issuing These Certificates
- High School Equivalency: The State Department of Education or similar agency typically oversees the administration of high school equivalency tests and issuing certificates.
- Foreign Degree Equivalency: Various private organizations and credential evaluation services in the USA, such as WES, ECE, and NACES, are responsible for issuing Foreign Degree Equivalency Certificates.
Understanding the different types of equivalency certificates, namely the High School Equivalency and Foreign Degree Equivalency, and knowing the organizations responsible for issuing them is crucial for individuals seeking to continue their education or pursue a career in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate
Obtaining an equivalency certificate is a crucial step for individuals who wish to continue their education or pursue a career in a country different from where they completed their previous education.
General Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate
Generally, the eligibility criteria for obtaining an equivalency certificate include:
- Proof of Previous Education: Applicants must provide official documents from their previously attended educational institutions, such as transcripts and diplomas.
- Legal Status: Applicants must have a legal status that allows them to study or work in the USA. This may include having a valid visa, permanent residency, or citizenship.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants may be required to show their English proficiency by taking a language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Specific Eligibility Criteria for Different Types of Equivalency Certificates
High School Equivalency:
- Age: Applicants typically must be at least 16 years old, although this may vary by state.
- Educational Background: Applicants must not have graduated from high school or be enrolled in any high school program.
- Legal Status: As mentioned above, applicants must have a legal status that allows them to study or work in the USA.
Foreign Degree Equivalency:
- Educational Background: Applicants must have completed their education in a foreign country and must provide official documents, such as transcripts and diplomas, from the institutions they have attended.
- Legal Status: Applicants must have a legal status that allows them to study or work in the USA.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the organization evaluating the credentials, applicants may need to prove their proficiency in English.
Verify the eligibility criteria and application process with the appropriate organizations or authorities to get the most precise and current information.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain an Equivalency Certificate
Obtaining a certificate of higher education equivalent in the USA involves some processes that must be followed carefully to ensure a successful application.
- Researching the Requirements:
The first step is to thoroughly research the requirements for the type of equivalency certificate you seek, whether a High School Equivalency or a Foreign Degree Equivalency. Organizations and states may have different requirements and processes, so obtaining accurate and up-to-date information from official sources is essential.
- Gathering Necessary Documents:
Get all the required documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, proof of legal status, and language proficiency test results. Ensure that all documents are official and, if necessary, translated into English by a certified translator.
- Submitting the Application:
Complete the application form for the equivalency certificate and submit it along with the required documents to the relevant organization or authority. This may involve paying an application fee.
- Taking the Required Tests:
For High School Equivalency, you may need to take a test such as the HiSET, GED, or TASC. For Foreign Degree Equivalency, your educational credentials will be evaluated, and you may need to take a language proficiency test if you have not already done so.
- Receiving the Certificate:
You will receive the equivalency certificate once your application has been processed and approved. Depending on the organization, this may be sent by mail or made available for download online.
By following these steps carefully and ensuring that all requirements are met, you can obtain a certificate of higher education equivalent in the USA.
In Conclusion
Obtaining an equivalency certificate is vital in pursuing further education or a professional career in the United States. We encourage you to start the process as soon as possible, as it is crucial to establishing your qualifications and opening up new opportunities.
Conduct proper research, collect all required documents, and carefully follow the application process. Good luck on your journey towards obtaining your certificate of higher education equivalent in the USA!
