Is your profession recognized in the USA?

If you relocate to the USA, your profession must be recognized in the United States. Learn in which areas you need to acquire additional qualifications and what alternatives there are for non-recognized professions.

Recognition of professions in the USA

An American employer may require you to obtain a license or certificate if you apply for a specific job in the US.

While there are some professions where European qualifications are recognized nationwide, or a US employer turns a blind eye, for other professions, additional training hours and examinations may even be required by law.

Unfortunately, recognition can vary widely by state and job, making it almost impossible to keep track of the patchwork of professions, qualifications, and regions.

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What licenses and certifications exist in the USA?

Licenses are required by law by the US government and are issued by state licensing agencies. Certifications, on the other hand, are awarded by professional organizations or other non-governmental bodies.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with advanced degrees are most likely to hold a license or certification. Over half of US workers with master's, specialist, or doctoral degrees hold one or more of these credentials.

Examples of US professional licenses

Some examples of professional licenses in the US are:

• Medical License: Physicians must obtain a medical license to practice in the United States. Requirements vary by state.
• Bar Admission: Attorneys must be licensed to practice law to appear in court and provide legal services.
• Teaching License: Educators must obtain a teaching license in US public schools.
• Certified Public Accountant License: CPA accountants must obtain a CPA license.
• Real Estate License: Individuals who wish to work as real estate agents must obtain a real estate agent's license.

Examples of professional certifications in the USA

Some examples of professional certifications in the US are:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Designed for project managers and awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Awarded by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC), this credential validates an individual's competence in information security.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, the CFP designation validates knowledge and skills in financial planning.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP): Credential issued by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) that validates expertise in human resource management.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Certifies competency as a nursing assistant and is awarded by state health departments or nursing associations.

Do I need a license to work in the US?

The occupations with the highest percentage of licensed workers in the United States include health care, legal and protective services, community and social services, and personal care and services.

To determine if your training is recognized in the United States or if you need additional qualifications, you can use the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) National Occupational Licensing Database.

It provides a detailed overview of the occupations that require licensure or certification in each US state, including the number of hours of training required, the experience required, information on exams, and other requirements for practicing your occupation in the United States.

Here are some examples from the NCSL database:

Job requirements in the United States

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is an excellent resource for finding out what it takes to get a certain job in the United States. Published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the OOH provides comprehensive information on job responsibilities, educational requirements, average salaries, career prospects, and more.

The information contained in the OOH is based on data collected by the BLS through surveys, research, and analysis. Each occupational profile in the handbook typically includes the following information:

• A description of typical duties and responsibilities
• The level of education, training, or certification required
• Typical annual salaries and benefits
• Employment projections
• Information about the work environment
• Related occupations
• Organizations and associations

Why do I need professional recognition?

Having your credentials recognized or certified in the United States can have a significant impact on your career opportunities. However, unless you are in a profession that requires a license (e.g., doctor, lawyer, or real estate agent), lack of certification is not a cause for alarm but, at most, a competitive disadvantage.

Certification opens doors to a broader range of employment opportunities, gives you access to more professional networks and associations, and increases your professional credibility, ultimately leading to better-earning potential.

Professional recognition in the USA: What you can do

Many roads lead to your dream job in the USA. The US job market, more than any other, is known for nurturing career changers and judging them more on their merits than their credentials.

Here are some tips to help you advance your career in the USA:

• Create a detailed and compelling LinkedIn profile.
• Attend industry events, join relevant associations, and network with professionals in your field.
• Contact credential evaluation services and let them provide an official report that can be useful when applying for or certifying in the United States.
• An immigration attorney specializing in employment law or an experienced expatriate consultant can assist you throughout immigrating to the United States.
• To get started, consider internships, volunteering, or part-time work in your field of interest to demonstrate your skills and drive for success.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and developments by subscribing to industry newsletters, attending professional forums, and participating in webinars or workshops.

Most importantly, don't give up! Depending on the job and your qualifications, it may take some time to establish yourself professionally after immigrating to the USA. Don't lose sight of your goal if things slow down professionally in the first few weeks and months.

The testimonials of our Green Card winners can inspire you, motivate you, and give you valuable tips for starting a career in the USA.