AACRAO EDGE

The Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE) is a valuable resource for evaluating educational credentials earned in foreign systems, whether the purpose is ultimately for admission into an institution of higher learning in the U.S., to obtain employment, to establish visa eligibility, or to qualify for additional professional qualifications.

When education standards change, new credentials are awarded, or foreign education systems are reorganized, AACRAO EDGE utilizes the expertise of the International Education Standards Council (IESC) to review and update our recommendations. The Council is composed of professionals who have worked in higher education as well as private credential evaluation firms, so you can be confident that the recommendations presented are appropriate, thorough and representative of the varied viewpoints held within higher education.

AACRAO EDGE's online format allows for dynamic updates when education systems/credentials change.  You can see a list of current updates at AACRAO International. We continually research and update each of the following sections, included with each educational system profile:

• An overview of each country’s educational system
• An educational ladder detailing the progression from credential to credential
• Common grading scales used within the country
• Academic credentials offered by the country, including what credentials are previously required in order to obtain said credential
• Subsequent credentials that could be earned based on a given track
• Placement recommendations (for comparability in U.S. system)
• Postsecondary institutions within a given country
• Resources used to develop the profile that supplement the profile with additional information
• Glossary containing terms unique to a country’s educational system
• Notes on the Author of the profile
  

AACRAO recognizes and honors Dr. William Paver of UT Austin and Foreign Credentials Services of America for his contribution to the field of international education through the development of The Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE). Dr. Paver oversaw development of the initial software and content framework and organized a team to create the EDGE Database. The original team, which also comprised the first iteration of the International Education Standards Council (IESC), consisted of Gloria Nathanson of UCLA, Robert Watkins of UT Austin, Johnny Johnson of Monterey Peninsula College, and Dale Gough from AACRAO. In coordination with experienced professionals in international education and AACRAO staff members, this group developed the initial profiles with generous support from The Paver Family Foundation, which maintained and funded the project through its development. AACRAO appreciates the work of Dr. Paver and those who shaped EDGE and gives particular thanks to the Paver Family Foundation.

Professional Degrees Update

AACRAO EDGE is pleased to announce a new project consolidating information on the First Professional Degrees in Law in educational systems from around the globe. We will update the information for each of these degrees in Law in EDGE on an ongoing basis, with advice included within each appropriate credential(s). The systems for Law differ around the world, with many different models used to teach this subject. Some immediately follow secondary school, while others require a post-secondary degree to gain access to the program -- this type of information can be very useful when trying to understand the degree the student is presenting.

We aim to have a steady stream of information, so keep an eye out for the next batch of credentials -- we'll send out email notices and alert you on the AACRAO EDGE home page.

Please note: the academic credentials documented during this project may not ultimately allow the holder to practice unless they are also appropriately licensed. Licensure requirements can vary within a country and are not included here. Licensure benefits do not transfer from one location to another. AACRAO EDGE does not address the licensure requirements for any regulated profession, including for Law.