Credentials & licenses
Degree evaluation and licensed professions: PE, CPA, bar, medicine.
Degree evaluation
Employers and immigration cases often need a credential evaluation from a NACES member (e.g., WES, ECE). A 5-year Italian Laurea Magistrale is usually evaluated as a U.S. Master's.
Engineers
Most engineering jobs don't require a license, but signing off on public work requires a state Professional Engineer (PE) license via NCEES exams and the state board.
Accountants
CPA licenses are issued by each state. Many states have added alternative paths (e.g., 120 credits plus 2 years of experience). Foreign credentials need evaluation.
Lawyers
Foreign-trained lawyers can sit certain state bars, notably New York and California, often after a U.S. LL.M. In-house roles may allow registration as foreign counsel.
Physicians & nurses
Doctors need ECFMG certification and USMLE exams, and usually U.S. residency, though several states created alternative licensing paths for experienced international physicians. Nurses need NCLEX and a state license.
Security clearances
Defense and government roles requiring a clearance are generally limited to U.S. citizens.
How-to guides
How toGet your Italian degree evaluated
- Choose a NACES-member evaluator (e.g., WES or ECE) and the right report type (course-by-course for licensing, document-by-document for employment).
- Request official transcripts and your diploma from your university; some evaluators require them sent directly.
- Provide certified English translations if requested.
- Allow a few weeks, and order extra copies for immigration and licensing.
How toPlan a professional license
- Identify the licensing board in the state where you will work; rules differ by state.
- Check education equivalency, exams and experience requirements.
- Look for reciprocity or alternative paths for internationally trained professionals.
- Budget time: licensing can take months to years, so start before you move.
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Information reviewed September 2026. General information only, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state and personal situation; consult qualified professionals.