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This page is intended to provide a centralized entry point to frequently asked questions across the association’s website. This page is designed for members, higher education professionals, and partners who want a single, reliable place to locate guidance on common topics such as membership, account access, events and professional development, publications and resources, community participation, and AACRAO programs and services.

The FAQs displayed here are drawn from FAQ pages throughout the site and organized to support efficient navigation. Use this page to quickly identify the most relevant question set, then follow links to the corresponding topic area for additional detail, related resources, and next steps.

Because AACRAO information is updated as programs, services, and policies evolve, we recommend using the topical FAQs as your primary reference and checking the associated pages for the most current guidance. If you do not find your question below, you can contact AACRAO support for assistance and direction to the appropriate resource.

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Professional Proficiency

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Why You’re Seeing This and What to Do Next

    AACRAO is implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to strengthen the security of member accounts and protect personal information. If you are seeing a prompt to set up MFA, it means your AACRAO login is being updated to include an additional layer of verification, consistent with widely adopted cybersecurity practices. This helps ensure that only you can access your account, even if your password is compromised.

    What is MFA?

    Multi-Factor Authentication is a security feature that requires two forms of verification when you sign in:

    • Something you know (your password), and
    • Something you have (a temporary code from an authentication app or a confirmation sent to a trusted device)

    In practice, MFA makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your account. It is commonly used by banks, universities, and professional associations because it reduces the risk of account takeover and protects sensitive data.

    Additional Resources

    What is MFA used for on the AACRAO site?

    MFA is used to confirm your identity when you log in to AACRAO’s website and member services. It helps safeguard:

    • Your member profile information
    • Account preferences and settings
    • Access to member-only content and tools
    • Any transactions or actions tied to your AACRAO account

    How to set up MFA

    You can complete MFA setup in just a few minutes. The general process is the same regardless of which authenticator you choose:

    1. Sign in to your AACRAO account and follow the on-screen prompt to begin MFA setup.
    2. Choose your authentication method. Many users will select an authenticator app (recommended).
    3. Install an authenticator app on your phone if you do not already have one.
      • AACRAO provides step-by-step instructions for Salesforce Authenticator (available as a PDF on this page).
      • If you prefer another app, common options include Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and similar tools.
    4. Connect the app to your AACRAO login. Typically, this means scanning a QR code or approving a connection request.
    5. Enter the verification code (or approve the prompt) to confirm setup.
    6. Save your backup options (if provided), so you can still access your account if you replace your phone.

    Using an authenticator other than Salesforce Authenticator

    If you select a non-Salesforce authenticator, the experience will be slightly different, but the steps are similar:

    • Select the option to use an authenticator app.
    • Scan the QR code shown during setup with your chosen app.
    • Enter the rotating 6-digit code generated by the app to complete verification.

    Need help?

    If you encounter issues during setup, review the PDF instructions on this page or consult the help documentation for your chosen authenticator app. If you are still unable to complete setup, AACRAO staff can help you regain access and complete the MFA process – contact communications@aacrao.org for any questions.

  • Are Screenshots of EDGE allowed?

    EDGE is copyrighted material, and violating the terms of use will result in cancellation of your subscription with no refund and may incur legal action. Previous versions of EDGE strictly prohibited subscribers from using screenshots as supporting material. As of EDGE 3.0, we have reconsidered this policy.

    Subscribers may now use a screenshot for reference purposes, provided it is properly attributed. A proper attribution includes both of the following:

    1. A statement of subscription and permitted use:

      [Insert entity] is a paid subscriber to the AACRAO Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE) and is sharing this information as a reference to an evaluation. Other use is strictly prohibited.

    2. A citation in this format:

      “AACRAO EDGE [Insert Country] Profile.” [Insert Country], AACRAO EDGE, [insert access date], [insert weblink to main profile].

    The AACRAO Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE) is available to subscribers only. Any rendering of an EDGE page reflects the database as of the date it was created. The database is dynamic, and credential advice is subject to change as additional research is completed. New placement recommendations are reviewed and approved by the International Education Standards Council (IESC). Copyright © 2004–2026 American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

  • What is this document that I’m looking at? Can I send you a copy of it?

    EDGE does not evaluate documents or credentials or assess individual evaluators on credentials they are working on. However, AACRAO Members can connect with evaluators in the credential evaluation space who are often happy to help a colleague in the AACRAO Exchange.

    If you’ve checked the relevant EDGE page and believe that this document is not covered there, you can submit the document to the IESC for review, it is important that you redact the document to protect individual student privacy.

    If the document is not yet in EDGE, we will need to do additional research before we can answer your question. The IESC is an volunteer group who meets twice monthly and so updates do take some time to complete.

    If an EDGE profile describes a credential but does not contain an example document, please use the above link to submit it to the IESC. We are always happy to expand our collection.

  • How did you come up with the grading scales for this particular system?

    Grade conversions are developed based on a number of factors. For example, the native grading system is taken into consideration, including what the grade represents in the country of study, the distribution of grades there, and whether it is a criterion-referenced system (set against a predetermined standard) or a norm-referenced system (set against other student performances). Some educational systems may have a marginal/conditional pass, which would be regarded as comparable to a grade of D in the United States. Such a grade, however is non-existent in other systems. Similarly, some countries may have a centralized, standardized grading scale, while others may have a variety of grading schemes. During this process, the minimum passing grade, the failing grade, and the top grade are also noted, along with the overall range of grades that make up a particular scale. This information is then collectively used to establish US grade equivalencies. Although the recommended grade conversions are provided in EDGE, users are always advised to check if a grading scale has been provided on the transcript of record for the studies in question.

  • Can you provide some background information on a particular topic?

    The AACRAO Exchange would be a fantastic place to find an expert in a particular area. There is a wide range of professionals participating that may be able to answer your questions; this is an excellent opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues and share best practices and information with colleagues who are still developing their evaluation techniques.

  • How much transfer credit should we award for this credential?

    AACRAO international offers trainings and workshops for everyone who works with international educational records that can better address this.