Surgical education and training may be informed by local cultural and professional norms and varies worldwide. However, the establishment of defined criteria for training in surgical education provides the foundation for credentialing and licensing meant to protect the community being served. Standards in credentialing and licensing are also meant protect the professional integrity and validity of the surgeons practicing in a community, and in the realm of academic partnerships, provides a common understanding of training and trainees. Partners must understand that limitations with license reciprocity, research capabilities, and faculty development should be addressed in order to facilitate an equitable partnership.