Behind the scenes: The architects of the gold standard of credential evaluation

Have you heard of AACRAO EDGE — the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ Electronic Database of Global Education?

If not, your international credential evaluations may be, as the kids say, sus.

Why standards matter

Fake degrees and dishonest recruiters are only the icing on the cake when it comes to the layers of possible malpractice in credential assessment. Global education systems are as diverse, complex, and non-intuitive as the thousands of languages spoken around the world. Accurate evaluation of international education systems requires sophisticated and rigorous research; vetted by multiple experts.

Setting the bar

AACRAO EDGE is the only viable national reference point regarding international credential evaluation in the U.S. today. As the only juried database of foreign education systems, it is the resource trusted by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) for case adjudication. EDGE is independent, fair, and based on best practices in the field. Country profiles are extensively researched by professional evaluators using primary sources. Grading scale translations and placement recommendations represent the consensus expert opinion in the U.S. and are vetted by the International Education Standards Council (IESC).

Each EDGE country profile includes:
• An overview of each country’s educational system
• An educational ladder detailing the common educational pathways
• Common grading scales used within the country with US conversions
• Academic credentials and placement recommendations for US placement
• Institution lists, verification resources
• Glossary of educational terms

Utilization of EDGE ensures that you are using the most comprehensive and up-to-date expert consensus regarding credentials.

Who built EDGE?

Dr. William Paver, Founder & Director of FCSA, oversaw the development of the initial software and content framework of EDGE, and helped organize the team to create the EDGE Database. The original EDGE development team consisted of Gloria Nathanson of UCLA, Robert Watkins of UT Austin, Johnny Johnson of Monterey Peninsula College, and Dale Gough from AACRAO. Many of these original members now serve as FCSA expert evaluators. This team was also the first iteration of the International Education Standards Council (IESC).

In coordination with experienced professionals in international education and AACRAO staff members, this group developed the initial country profiles with generous support from The Paver Family Foundation, which maintained and funded the project through its development.

Current FCSA experts continue to participate in the writing and editing of country profiles within EDGE.

AICE & AACRAO: Announcing Strategic Partnership

The Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) Announces Collaboration with The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Read More