When it comes to obtaining professional certification and licensure in North America, it is important to access the right resources to find the information you need. Professional boards and agencies generally require a credential evaluation. A WES evaluation can help speed up the licensing/certification process.

Candidates should always check with the licensing/certification board or agency to find out what type of credential evaluation is required. Most boards require a WES Course-by-Course evaluation. Some boards also require official copies of your academic transcripts. This requirement can be accommodated by purchasing WES’ International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP), which is a service WES provides where WES will store your verified transcripts and evaluation report for easy sending later.

There are many elements you must consider and prepare for when it comes to professional licensure, so here are three resources to help you start in the right place:

• The Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation (CLEAR): CLEAR is an official listing of associations and professional organizations related to licensing and certification. They also help with regulation and provide resources through webinars, conferences, services, and publications. It includes representatives from government, private, and other sectors interested in the licensure field. CLEAR also provides a comprehensive directory of boards of professional and occupational licensure for North America, which is searchable by profession or jurisdiction (state or province).
• National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Member Listing: As part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), the NCCA sets quality standards for credentialing organizations. Their standards help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public and are applicable across professions and industries.
• Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB): FARB is an organization that is made up of professional licensing boards. It is a non-profit aimed at promoting public protection and providing an effective exchange of information between associations of regulatory boards to help them cooperatively solve mutual regulatory issues.

These resources are a great place to start when you are considering earning a license or certification in a certain profession. Also be sure to look into the region you are interested in so you know the exact licensure requirements.

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Getting Started with Your WES Credential Evaluation