In partnership with Alianza Academic Evaluators (AAE), Mesa Community College (MCC) offers a pathway for students with international beauty training and credentials to earn college credit through Credit by Evaluation. This process evaluates your non-US cosmetology, barbering, or beauty industry education and may award credit toward the MCC Beauty and Wellness Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
This guide explains each step of the process, including how to complete your required credential evaluation, how LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute reviews your records, and how MCC makes the final credit determination.
Overview of the Process
Step 1: Complete the Barbering and Cosmetology Evaluation Application through Alianza Academic Evaluators (AAE)
- Fee: $225 (additional fees required for translation services of records not in English, rush service requests, and physical copies of evaluation)
- Processing time: approximately 15 business days
Step 2: LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute Professional Equivalency Review
- Fee: To be determined
- Processing time: Approximately 15 business days
Step 3: MCC Review and Credit by Evaluation
- Fee: $0
- Processing time: Up to 2 months
- MCC reviews both the AAE evaluation and the LEAD recommendation and makes the final decision regarding college credit.
Contact Information
Mesa Community College: [email protected]
LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute: [email protected]
Alianza Academic Evaluators: [email protected]
Step 1: Apply for an AAE Credential Evaluation
You must complete the Barbering and Cosmetology Evaluation Application through Alianza Academic Evaluators (AAE). This evaluation identifies the US equivalency of your international beauty education, training hours, curriculum content, and licensure.
Below is a complete guide to help you fill out each page of the application correctly.
Page 1: Begin Your Application
Under "Type of Evaluation" select "Course-by-Course Evaluation"
Under "I need a course-by-course evaluation so that I can..." select "Enroll in a US University, College, or Vocational School. (postsecondary schools"
In the following fields enter the information designated below:
- Field: “To which agency or person do you intend to send your evaluation?”
Enter: LEAD ROLFS Global Institute and Mesa Community College - Field: “Tell Us More”
Enter the following recommended statement: I intend to use my foreign credential evaluation to apply for college credit at Mesa Community College. - Field: "Let Us Know How You Learned About Us"
Enter: Community College.
Enter your information in the "Application Information" section.
Then select “Next.”
Page 2: Educational Experience (Secondary School)
Enter information about the secondary schools you attended outside the United States.
Select “Next.”
Page 3: Postsecondary Educational Experience
AAE requires postsecondary information if you want those studies evaluated. Enter information as prompted.
Select “Next.”
Page 4: Supporting Files
Upload scanned copies of your diplomas, certificates, transcripts, or marksheets. These do not need to be official. AAE will contact you later if originals or official documents are required.
Select “Next.”
Page 5: Evaluation Fees and Services
Indicate whether translation services are required and whether rush services are requested.
Select “Next.”
Page 6: Receiving the Evaluation via Email
- Field: “3rd Party Recipients”
Select: Yes, I authorize you to email the evaluation to the following 3rd parties. - Field: Recipient 1
You may leave the recipient names blank. Only the organization names and email addresses are required.
Company or agency: LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute
Email address: [email protected] - Field: Recipient 2
You may leave the recipient names blank. Only the organization names and email addresses are required.
Company or agency: Mesa Community College
Email address: [email protected]
Indicate whether you would like a physical copy of your evaluation.
Select “Next.”
Page 7: Terms and Conditions
Review all terms and conditions and applicant certification. Check the required boxes:
- I agree to the Terms and Conditions stated below and throughout this application.
- I affirm the statements below.
Enter your full name as a digital signature.
Review the steps following submission section and enter your payment information.
Select "Submit."
After payment is submitted, your application will be processed.
AAE Processing Time
AAE typically completes evaluations in approximately 15 business days. This timeline begins only after:
- The application is complete
- All required documents are received
- Payment is submitted
AAE may require additional time depending on how quickly international schools respond to verification requests.
Step 2: LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute Review
After AAE completes its evaluation:
- AAE sends the evaluation to LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute and to Mesa Community College.
- LEAD assigns the AAE evaluation to a licensed cosmetologist and lead trainer for review.
- LEAD prepares an official written recommendation describing the Arizona beauty license equivalency that aligns with the applicant’s international training.
- LEAD sends the recommendation to MCC and a copy to the applicant.
Fee: To be determined
Processing Time: Approximately 15 business days after LEAD receives the completed AAE evaluation.
Step 3: MCC Credit by Evaluation Review
MCC will review the AAE evaluation and the LEAD equivalency recommendation. This review determines whether MCC awards college credit toward your Beauty and Wellness degree.
Student Requirement: After receiving the AAE evaluation and the LEAD equivalency recommendation, MCC will send the applicant a Credit by Evaluation Form. The applicant must complete the student portion, including:
- Full name
- Student ID (8-digit MCC student ID number)
- Address
- Phone number
- Signature and date
MCC faculty will complete the remaining sections of the form.
Return the completed form to: [email protected]
Fee: $0
Processing Time: The decision may take up to 2 months after MCC receives the Credit by Evaluation form from the applicant.
MCC faculty will determine the number of credits awarded based on your evaluated training and the recommendation from LEAD. MCC’s decision is final. Additional credit will not be reconsidered unless you complete a new AAE evaluation and LEAD review. You will receive written notification when your credit evaluation is complete.