Are UK exam results like GCSE's and A levels worthless if I move to the US?

Question

I'm considering moving to California and I was wondering whether finding jobs would be difficult because I only have UK qualifications. Will they be converted to US qualifications? Will I need to retake exams? Or am I screwed in this aspect?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

How old are you and how long ago did you get your qualifications? These are important pieces of information. If you've been working for a number of years, then the experience on top of the standing of them as British qualifications could be beneficial. If you've only just gotten them and are serious about moving to California, I'd highly recommend going to university as American visas take at least three years to come through, and it is much easier to get a visa if you have a degree. Also, what are your A Levels? That's important, too. If you want more info, message me - I've lived there and plan to move back when I finish my Master's!

Answer 3

If you are only qualified up to A level, I don't think you'll get a visa as there are plenty of high school graduates already there looking for jobs.



If you were applying for a degree, then I think unis will accept A levels as long as you have enough of them (the average UK A level result ten years ago (ie, for me) was 3-4 A levels) as it shows you have completed education up to age 18. You'd probably have to take SATs as well though. In the end, it's often easier to apply for a degree here and just to a year on exchange. It's almost certainly a lot cheaper too.



Qualifications aren't converted but are often recognised in other countries as equivalent to something they have. But honestly, if you don't have a degree or some other dreadful way to get in (don't even try it), then I'd just book a nice holiday and stay here for the rest of the time.

Answer 4

If all you have are school qualifications, I doubt if the US would grant you a visa. If you are not intending to acquire a university degree you had better obtain some trade certificates ( joiner, electrician, plumber, etc) + five years work experience. The Poles and other Eastern Europeans walk all over our work force, but the Asians in California are something else all together. The fact that you are hesitating makes me think you would be run over in the US. Best to stay here and dodge along in the slow lane UK.

Answer 5

To my knowlede they won't be converted to US qualifications, and there is a possiblity that to get a job you have to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. I also heard that A levels are accepted in some countries as qualifications, but i'm not sure so I suggest you might want to do a bit of research into that.



For More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate



Hope This Helps!

Answer 6

they're worthless regardless of where you are. exams are being dumbed down to the point that we were given Olevel past papers to prepare us for Step exams (beyond a level)