Vocabulary Tip: In English, when we say, "Do you have a high school diploma?" it doesn't mean the piece of paper. It means, did you graduate from high school? This is the same for a college degree. So, even if you don't have a paper diploma that you would hang on your wall, you can have have a high school diploma or college degree. But you might need some proof, like transcripts or a letter or reference from your school.
Credential Evaluation
Sometimes
jobs or universities will ask to have your diploma/education
credentials evaluated. That means they want to know that your education
was the same level as the equivalent (the same type) in the United
States. So, they want to know that your high school education from your
country is about the same as a U.S. high school education. (Note: this is a paid service.)
- National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) https://www.naces.org/
- Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) https://aice-eval.org/
- World Education Services www.wes.org
- Note: Neither the U.S. Department of Education nor USNEI endorses or recommends any individual credential evaluation service.
Do you need to have my education evaluated to get a job?
Maybe or maybe not! High school diplomas and college degrees from other countries can be okay.
- If you apply for a job and they ask you for a copy of your transcript or proof of your education, you can ask if they can take an international diploma.
- Many jobs say, "high school diploma OR EQUIVALENT." Remember, "equivalent" means about the same. So, if you had a similar level of education or some experience, you might not need a U.S. diploma.
You don't have to start over when you get to the United States - you have plenty of experience and education that can help you get a job! Remember, your teachers and the FCPS ACE Career Navigator, Rachel, can help you! Email Rachel at rsbuczynski@fcps.edu if you would like help finding out if your diploma can be used in the U.S. or if you have any questions about diplomas or education requirements.
