This is a topic that can be potentially controversial. This is mostly in terms of what you would call a degree or degree knowledge. There is no recognized qualifications in the US or Canada that is claimed to be directly degree equivalent. However, there are some certifications that could give you good standing relative to a degree and we will cover those in another article.
Most of the qualifications that claim degree level equivalency are based in the UK as far as we have seen from research. We will list out a few fields that can be easily pursued.
1. General - The most clearly defined Degree equivalency option would be considered the City and Guilds Senior awards. This route allows you to document work experiences and education to obtain an award at the appropriate level. If you don't have the proper education they would make you submit a Thesis similar to that used in most UK universities - Read up more on that at - City and Guilds Senior Awards. These awards span many fields of study.
2. Computing - The British Computer Society offers a Professional Graduate Diploma which is considered at the Bachelors level. This Diploma is the final of a three stage process that starts with a certificate. Check out more on this diploma at - BCS Professional Diploma.
3. Management - While no one specializes in Management, there is a good chance that as a mature adult you are already in Management and just want to solidify your abilities in that area. There are several qualifications in Management to fit this background in addition to the Senior awards mentioned above. The best Professional body to recommend are the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Check out the various qualifications offered by CMI at - CMI Qualifications. The other interesting group to Check out is the Institute of Leadership and Management at ILM Diploma. Please note that areas such as Sale and Marketing could be covered by these bodies as well.
4. Accounting - Accounting is a very mature field and there are several groups that offer really recognized accounting qualifications. We will just pick a couple to mention here. The most recommended body would be the ACCA. Read more about their qualifications at - ACCA Exams. The other body of interest for entry level qualifications are the Association for Accounting Technicians (AAT). Check out AAT at - AAT Diploma.
5. Engineering - Typically in the UK, Engineering is directed by the Engineering Council along with the help of professional bodies in each specialization. To get a diploma equivalent to degree level, you could either take the Engineering council exams or apply to one of the professional bodies for Mature Candidate consideration. This could either allow you to obtain the Incorporated or Chartered Engineers' title. Once you get the Title you could then apply to City and Guilds for a Senior Awards Diploma. Please note that the Mature route would require you to complete a thesis as well as Interviews to prove that you have the required knowledge. Learn more from the Engineering Council Site.
There are lots of fields with professional qualifications in the UK and we are pretty sure you could take the relevant exams in your own country with some arrangements made where none is in place. Once you get the qualification, you can get it evaluated by NACES member organization against the relevant US or Canadian Degree which is most cases would be positive.
Read more about UK qualifications on Wikipedia you may field your specific field there - UK Qualifications.
Most of the qualifications that claim degree level equivalency are based in the UK as far as we have seen from research. We will list out a few fields that can be easily pursued.
1. General - The most clearly defined Degree equivalency option would be considered the City and Guilds Senior awards. This route allows you to document work experiences and education to obtain an award at the appropriate level. If you don't have the proper education they would make you submit a Thesis similar to that used in most UK universities - Read up more on that at - City and Guilds Senior Awards. These awards span many fields of study.
2. Computing - The British Computer Society offers a Professional Graduate Diploma which is considered at the Bachelors level. This Diploma is the final of a three stage process that starts with a certificate. Check out more on this diploma at - BCS Professional Diploma.
3. Management - While no one specializes in Management, there is a good chance that as a mature adult you are already in Management and just want to solidify your abilities in that area. There are several qualifications in Management to fit this background in addition to the Senior awards mentioned above. The best Professional body to recommend are the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Check out the various qualifications offered by CMI at - CMI Qualifications. The other interesting group to Check out is the Institute of Leadership and Management at ILM Diploma. Please note that areas such as Sale and Marketing could be covered by these bodies as well.
4. Accounting - Accounting is a very mature field and there are several groups that offer really recognized accounting qualifications. We will just pick a couple to mention here. The most recommended body would be the ACCA. Read more about their qualifications at - ACCA Exams. The other body of interest for entry level qualifications are the Association for Accounting Technicians (AAT). Check out AAT at - AAT Diploma.
5. Engineering - Typically in the UK, Engineering is directed by the Engineering Council along with the help of professional bodies in each specialization. To get a diploma equivalent to degree level, you could either take the Engineering council exams or apply to one of the professional bodies for Mature Candidate consideration. This could either allow you to obtain the Incorporated or Chartered Engineers' title. Once you get the Title you could then apply to City and Guilds for a Senior Awards Diploma. Please note that the Mature route would require you to complete a thesis as well as Interviews to prove that you have the required knowledge. Learn more from the Engineering Council Site.
There are lots of fields with professional qualifications in the UK and we are pretty sure you could take the relevant exams in your own country with some arrangements made where none is in place. Once you get the qualification, you can get it evaluated by NACES member organization against the relevant US or Canadian Degree which is most cases would be positive.
Read more about UK qualifications on Wikipedia you may field your specific field there - UK Qualifications.