In partnership with Alianza Academic Evaluations, 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 Mesa Community College Beauty & Wellness Evaluation Application through Alianza Academic Evaluations
- Fee: $230 (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 after all required documents are received
Step 2: LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute Professional Equivalency Review
- Fee: $125
- 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 Alianza evaluation and the LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute recommendation and makes the final decision regarding college credit
Contact Information
Mesa Community College: [email protected]
LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute: [email protected]
Alianza Academic Evaluations: [email protected]
Step 1: Apply for an Alianza Credential Evaluation
You must complete the Mesa Community College Beauty & Wellness Evaluation Application through Alianza Academic Evaluations. 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
- Complete all required fields in the "Applicant Information" section.
- Then select “Next.”
Page 2: Educational Experience (Secondary School)
- Enter information about the secondary schools you attended outside the United States.
- Enter information about the relevant vocational education you received outside the United States.
- Upload copies of any available secondary school and vocational education documents. Alianza will review them and let you know if additional or official documents are required.
- Select “Next.”
Page 3: Postsecondary Educational Experience
- Indicate whether translation services are required and whether rush services are requested.
- Receiving Your Evaluation: Your completed evaluation will be emailed to you, Mesa Community College, and LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute at the same time. If you are located in the United States, you may also order a physical copy for an additional fee.
- Select “Next.”
Page 4: Supporting Files
- 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.
- Enter your payment information
- Select “Submit.”
Alianza Processing Time
Alianza typically completes evaluations within approximately 15 business days after your file is complete. Your processing time begins once:
- Your application is complete
- All required documents have been received
- Payment has been submitted
Additional time may be required if Alianza needs to verify documents or credentials with an international school or institution.
Step 2: LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute Review
After Alianza completes its evaluation:
- Alianza sends the evaluation to LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute and to Mesa Community College.
- LEAD assigns the Alianza 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: $125
Processing Time: Approximately 15 business days after LEAD receives the completed Alianza evaluation.
Step 3: MCC Credit by Evaluation Review
MCC will review the Alianza 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 Alianza 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 Alianza evaluation and LEAD review. You will receive written notification when your credit evaluation is complete.