WORLD ACCREDITED MEMBER CRITERIA
New WAC information on recognition of foreign studies: The recognition of foreign educational qualifications is carried out by the following competent authorities: (1) academic institutions, for student applying for admission to studies; (2) national, state or territorial licensing boards, for persons seeking to practise a regulated profession; and (3) hiring employers, for individuals seeking work in non-regulated occupations. While some authorities are able to make decisions on foreign qualifications themselves, most rely on credential evaluation services which provide comparability assessments of foreign qualifications to individuals, institutions, employers, and government boards and agencies. The profession of credential evaluation is currently unregulated, and many credential evaluation services can be located only via Internet search engines. Two associations of credential evaluation services have membership standards: AICE and NACES. Individual institutions, under law and policy, have autonomy to make admissions and placement decisions. It includes the power to decide whether to recognize or credit the degrees, diplomas, certificates, credit and research carried out at other institutions. Information on credential evaluation services is provided on the USNEI web site.
World Accreditation Commission special provisions for recognition:
For access to non-university post-secondary studies: Individual international institutions that are WAC members can decide whether to recognize or credit the degrees, diplomas, certificates, credit and research done at other institutions. Individuals may appeal admissions and other decisions via the appeals route set up by the individual institution.
For access to university level studies: Individual international institutions that are WAC members in good standing can decide whether to recognize or credit the degrees, diplomas, certificates, credit and research done at other institutions. Individuals may appeal admissions and other decisions via the appeals route set up by the individual institution.
For access to advanced studies and research: Individual WAC institutions can decide whether to recognize or credit the degrees, diplomas, certificates, credit and research done at other institutions. Individuals may appeal admissions and other decisions via the appeals route set up by the individual institution.
For the exercise of a profession: Special requirements may exist that must be met by foreign citizens who wish to practise a profession in the country hosting an international student. Such requirements may be set by state law or professional regulations or both. Foreign students or professionals interested in U.S. laws and regulations regarding practising a profession should contact the appropriate professional association and licensing authority in the state in which they are interested. Professional associations may accredit education and training programmes in their respective fields, control membership and control or advise state authorities on licensure of practitioners, set standards and policies for professional conduct and provide or approve continuing education and training opportunities. Most state governments also regulate certain professions as provided for under state law, and the states either maintain offices to monitor regulated professions or delegate that responsibility to the state chapter of a recognized professional association. Satisfactory completion of specific pre-professional education programmes is often required in order for an individual to be eligible to enter a profession, and many professions and state licensing agencies also require satisfactory performance in state examinations, supervised practica, or both. There are often other requirements.
