Some large, regionally accredited U.S. universities outsource course evaluation and graduation candidate assessments to the University of California FCE, Inc. The University of California FCE, Inc. ensures that candidates meet curriculum requirements, including Areas of Study, prerequisite compliance for lower- and upper-level courses, and credit requirements for their degrees.

While a baccalaureate-degree candidate may have completed the required 120.0 semester units, they must also fulfill specific Areas of Study requirements to qualify for graduation.