At present, there is little reciprocal recognition in licensing from one country to another because occupational standards and requirements differ substantially. This means that an accounting or legal firm from one country might face obstacles in another, even to serve its domestic clients' needs. The firm must hire professionals within each foreign country or else earn certification abroad. The latter option can be difficult because the professionals may have to take examinations in a foreign language and study materials different from those in their home country. There also may be lengthy prerequisites for taking an examination, such as internships, time in residency, and coursework at a local university