equivalent experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equivalent experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to experience that is considered to be equal in value or relevance to a specific qualification or requirement. Example: "Candidates with equivalent experience will also be considered for the position, even if they do not hold the required degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's an equivalent experience, just slightly smoother".

The Guardian - Tech

The apprenticeship scheme is aimed at people with relevant A-levels or equivalent experience and will lead to an accredited level 4 diploma.

The Guardian

Obviously, the model here is the male body, but he was certain that women must have some equivalent experience, not visible but essentially identical.

The New Yorker

Chowdhury's mission is to connect us to the lives of Bangladeshi people and to create in video form an equivalent experience of their spiritual belief.

The Guardian - Arts

My equivalent experience was seeing Adrian Mitchell performing Tell Me Lies About Vietnam at the big demos in the late 60s but, sadly for me, I didn't get to the great Allen Ginsberg event at the Albert Hall in 1965.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police officers in the city with five years on the job now earn $54,000, a salary that lags behind that paid by Nassau and Suffolk Counties, where officers with equivalent experience earn $76,000 and $78,000.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Those are not equivalent experiences.

The New York Times - Books

These various experiences were termed "equivalent experiences".

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Another issue with this structure is that equivalent experiences are not necessarily equivalent.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

For those of you planning a PhD outside of the laboratory sciences, seek equivalent experiences.

Science Magazine

Therefore, there are many possible equivalent experiences within each domain (Table 1).

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equivalent experience" to broaden your candidate pool, especially in fields where formal qualifications may not always reflect practical abilities.

Common error

Avoid using "equivalent experience" as a blanket statement without considering the specific requirements of the role. Ensure that the alternative experience truly matches the necessary skills and responsibilities, otherwise, it can lead to mismatched expectations and performance issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equivalent experience" functions as a modifier describing the type of experience being considered. It usually appears in job postings or educational contexts, as Ludwig examples show, and it helps define the acceptable criteria for qualifications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equivalent experience" is a common phrase used to describe experience that can be considered a valid substitute for formal qualifications. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various sectors, particularly in news, science and business. This phrase broadens eligibility criteria, acknowledging that skills acquired through practical experience can often be as valuable as academic credentials. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly define what "equivalent" means in the specific context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "commensurate experience" and "comparable experience".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commensurate experience

Emphasizes a proportional or corresponding level of experience.

comparable experience

Highlights the similarity or likeness in experience.

similar expertise

Focuses on the level of skill and knowledge, rather than just experience.

equivalent qualification

Suggests a matching level of formal certification or training.

corresponding proficiency

Highlights a parallel level of competence or skill.

related background

Indicates a relevant or connected history of experience.

relevant exposure

Focuses on having been subjected to similar conditions or situations.

matching skillset

Emphasizes the possession of a comparable set of skills.

parallel knowledge

Highlights a similar understanding or awareness.

alternative training

Suggests a different, but equally valid, form of training or preparation.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate that I have "equivalent experience" if I lack formal qualifications?

Provide specific examples of projects, accomplishments, and responsibilities that demonstrate skills and knowledge comparable to those gained through formal education or training. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase the impact of your experience.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "equivalent experience"?

You can use alternatives like "commensurate experience", "comparable experience", or "similar expertise" depending on the context.

In what fields is "equivalent experience" most commonly accepted in place of formal education?

"Equivalent experience" is often considered in fields such as technology, creative arts, and trades where practical skills and a proven track record can outweigh formal qualifications. However, acceptance varies by industry and employer.

How does "equivalent experience" differ from simply having "experience"?

"Experience" refers to general exposure or involvement in a particular field or role. "Equivalent experience" implies that the experience provides a comparable level of skill, knowledge, or competence to a specific qualification or requirement. It suggests a direct substitution or alternative path to achieving the same level of proficiency.