GCE Credential Evaluation in USA: 7 Key Things to Know

Written by Jeremy Yan | 07/03/2025

(GCE Example)

As you moved to the United States with GCE background, it’s necessary to understand or use GCE credential evaluation services for employment and education purposes, because evaluating GCE credentials in the US can be a complex process that requires a deep understanding of both the British and American education systems.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what GCE is, the difference between GCE “O” Level and “A” Level, and more importantly, the U.S. equivalences of your GCE education.

By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of how your GCE qualification may be evaluated in the US, and be better equipped to pursue your academic or professional goals in this country.

1. What is General Certificate of Education (GCE)?

The General Certificate of Education (GCE) is a standardized examination system in the United Kingdom, offered as a high school leaving qualification. The GCE is usually taken over a two-year period by students in their final two years of secondary school, and the exams are administered by a variety of examination boards.

The General Certificate of Education (GCE) system is primarily used in the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, some countries and regions around the world may offer GCE qualifications as an alternative to their local educational qualifications. Because of history, these countries include parts of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, among others.

2. GCE Alternative in African Countries

It’s worth noting that the General Certificate of Education (GCE) is no longer widely used in most African countries, as many of these countries have developed their own local examination systems and qualifications. WAEC, aka West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), has replaced GCE in many countries.

Here are a few African countries where GCE is still offered or has been historically offered, including:

• Cameroon: GCE exams are still administered in Cameroon and are used as a high school leaving qualification.
• Gambia: The GCE system was used in Gambia until 2013 when it was replaced by the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
• Ghana: GCE exams were historically offered in Ghana, but they were replaced by the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2007.
• Sierra Leone: GCE exams were historically used in Sierra Leone, but they were replaced by the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2018.

3. GCE “O” Level vs “A” Level

The General Certificate of Education (GCE) system offers two levels of qualifications: "O" Level and "A" Level.

The GCE “O” Level qualification is typically taken by students in the final year of their secondary education, usually at around 16 years of age. It is a two-year course of study and covers a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages. The GCE “O” Level is equivalent to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in the United Kingdom and other countries.

The GCE “A” Level qualification is taken after the completion of the “O” Level course, usually at around 18 years of age. The “A” Level is a two-year course of study and offers a more in-depth study of a narrower range of subjects, often with a focus on preparing students for university study. “A” Level qualifications are highly valued by universities and employers and are considered a prerequisite for many higher education courses in the UK and other countries.

Overall, while the GCE "O" Level is a broader-based qualification that covers a wider range of subjects and is typically taken at the end of secondary education, the GCE "A" Level offers a more in-depth study of fewer subjects and is typically taken by students who plan to attend university.

4. What is "O" Level Equivalent to in USA?

High School Diploma/GED.

The General Certificate of Education (GCE) system is not directly equivalent to any educational qualification in the United States. However, some US universities may recognize GCE qualifications and accept them as part of their admission requirements.

The GCE “O” Level is typically regarded as equivalent to the US high school diploma, although the GCE "O" Level is often considered to be more rigorous than the standard high school diploma.

5. GCE "A" Level Equivalent in USA

Up to one year of undergraduate study.

In terms of academic equivalencies, the GCE “A” Level is generally considered to be equivalent to the US Advanced Placement (AP) program or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Therefore, it can be considered as up to one year undergraduate study at an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S., according an experienced credential evaluation agency.

6. Why Evaluating GCE U.S. Equivalences is Important to You?

It’s important to go to a trusted credential evaluation agency and understand U.S. equivalences of GCE, especially if you plan to find a job or continue your education in the United States.

GCE qualifications are highly respected around the world and may provide you with a competitive advantage when applying to US universities. However, since the U.S. education system differs significantly from the British education system, it is important for you to understand how your GCE qualifications will be evaluated by U.S. universities.

Knowing GCE U.S. equivalences can help you make more informed decisions about your academic and career paths. For example, if you know that your GCE “A” Level is equivalent to up to one year of undergraduate study, you may be able to earn college credit or advanced placement in US universities.

On the other hand, if you are not aware of the equivalencies, you may miss out on important opportunities that could have helped you reach your academic and career goals.

Besides that, evaluating your GCE is also important for you if you plan to pursue professional certifications or licensing in the United States. Many professions in the United States require specific educational qualifications and professional certifications, and understanding the equivalencies of GCE qualifications can help you determine your eligibility for these certifications and licenses.

7. Where to evaluate your GCE in USA?

Currently in the USA, there are no laws and regulations in terms of foreign credential evaluation.

The U.S. Department of State states that they don’t affiliate or endorse any foreign credential evaluation agencies. Even though their website does include two organizations, they still disclaim that “The order in which names appear has no significance, and the links may be removed at any time at the discretion of the Department.”

With that said, having a WAEC evaluated isn’t restricted by choosing certain evaluation agencies. Therefore, applications can simply go to a trusted credential evaluation agency for their convenience.

Conclusion

Understanding GCE U.S. equivalences is important for you if you want to continue your education or pursue a professional career in the United States.

Therefore, we touched on some key points about GCE today to help you have ease in mind. When it comes to GCE U.S. equivalences, remember that GCE “O” Level is high school diploma and GCE “A” Level can be up to one year of undergraduate study in the United States.

We hope this article answers all of your questions about GCE evaluation, because we care at American Education and Translation Services.

Our owner, Jeremy Yan, who is also the Director of Evaluation, worked for a prominent NACES agency for 10+ years as a senior associate director. He was just like you, coming to the US from a foreign country to better his life. And that’s why he wanted to help people like you by providing reliable credential evaluation services with quality service and competitive pricing.

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• Experienced credential evaluators. Our Evaluation Director has had over a decade experience and was a Senior Associate Director at a well-known NACES agency.
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Jeremy Yan, President & Director of Evaluation at AET

Immigrated to the U.S. back in 1998, Mr. Yan had worked for over 10 years in a prominent company as a senior associate director and team leader. He has completed hundreds of thousands of foreign credential evaluation of documents from numerous foreign countries for various universities, licensing boards, U.S. government, and immigration services. He is a leading expert at American Education and Translation Services and was invited several times to be a keynote speaker to hundreds of admission counselors of U.S. universities.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Part of this article is generated by ChatGPT.