Credential Evaluation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you earned a degree and then come to the United States, you may one day be in a position where a U.S. school, employer, licensing board, or immigration officer needs to better understand your education. Fortunately, the credential evaluation industry exists in the United States so that the academic, professional or educational background of individuals holding degrees from abroad can be validated. A credential evaluation translates your academic history into terms that a U.S. recipient can follow; this can help with finding a job, getting accepted into an educational program, obtaining an occupational license or receiving a visa. Furthermore, choosing the right kind of evaluation from a trusted evaluator can keep you from missing a critical deadline, paying extra money for revisions, and stressing about starting the next chapter of your life.

In short, a credential evaluation is an examination of an academic or professional background from outside of the United States, followed by a recommendation of what U.S. credential(s) it most resembles.

Credential evaluations can seem complicated, but this guide will help make the process easier. We’ll give some information about who typically receives credential evaluations and how they are completed.

What is a credential evaluation?

A credential evaluation compares education completed in another country with U.S. education standards. An evaluator carefully examines academic documents like transcripts, diplomas and certificates, looking for things like the issuing institution, credential name and country of education. Then, evaluators conduct further research to determine the program length, admission requirement, grading scale and institution status, among other things. If requested, a thorough course-by-course analysis is done to convert the credits, grades and grade point average into U.S. terms. The final report displays relevant information and conversion of academic values, culminating in a U.S. equivalency. Whether it be a “High School Diploma,” a “Bachelor of Science” or a “Doctor of Philosophy,” the equivalency is the evaluator’s recommendation of how best to understand the foreign credential in U.S. terms, which can be helpful for employment, education, licensure or immigration purposes. Service providers like IEE offer many kinds of credential evaluations, so feel free to browse the various options available and choose the report that best aligns with reaching your goal.

What the final report can show

• The U.S. educational equivalent of a foreign diploma, certificate, or degree
• The duration, admission requirement, years of attendance, and date of completion or conferral
• The institution that awarded the degree or hosted the student, plus its accreditation status in the country
• Courses, converted credits, grades, and GPA (in certain types of reports)
• Additional context that the evaluator wants the recipient to consider

What a credential evaluation cannot guarantee

Credential evaluations in the U.S. are typically advisory recommendations. While often extremely helpful, and in some cases a significant difference maker, a credential evaluation does not guarantee university admission, employment opportunities, success in a visa application, or approval from a licensing board. Decisions of this nature are always left to the discretion of the receiving institution. That is why one of the most important steps actually happens before you order: ask the recipient which evaluation provider, report type, and delivery method it requires.

Who needs a credential evaluation?

People usually order a credential evaluation when their education from outside the U.S. needs to be understood by a U.S. organization, such as a university, a company, an employer, a state licensing board, a law firm or a government official. While the credential evaluation helps these entities with making decisions or understanding candidates, it also helps the individuals being evaluated, as it certifies that their achievements are legitimate, authentic and applicable in the U.S. market. The need for a credential evaluation often begins with purpose, so let’s look at some examples of people who plan to use educational or academic backgrounds for various reasons once in the U.S.

Prospective University Students

One of the most common reasons for getting an evaluation is education. Higher educational institutions receive applications from international students all the time, but they may need assistance with understanding academic backgrounds. Before issuing an acceptance or rejection letter, a university’s admissions office will look at a credential evaluation to gauge if an international applicant meets admissions criteria. For graduate or doctoral-level programs, admissions committees may wish to see the equivalency, duration of the program, grade point average in U.S. terms or amount of credit earned. Additionally, students from abroad regularly transfer to U.S. institutions, and the U.S. institution will use a credential evaluation and its contents to place the student in the right level, grant exemptions or award transfer credit. If applying to join an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral-level program at a U.S. college or university, a Course Report usually helps the most. Always check your institution’s international student application page and review any instructions about obtaining a credential evaluation for higher education.

Job seekers and employers

An employer may need to confirm that an international credential is comparable to a particular degree in the U.S. Job descriptions often require a 4-year degree at a minimum; some may require an advanced degree like a master’s or a doctorate. The credential evaluation presents an equivalency, which the employer can use to make sure that the candidate for a role holds the right qualification. It also protects companies, as it enforces compliance with internal requirements. A simpler product like a Document Report may suffice in these cases. IEE’s employment evaluations page can help with understanding for employers and employees alike.

Immigrants

An immigration attorney or legal professional may request a credential evaluation to support a petition or visa application. Some visas require a certain level of education, so the credential evaluation can help convince immigration officials of eligibility. Applicants should convene with their attorneys or legal advisors to determine what report type is best for supporting a visa application. Notably, IEE recently enhanced and expanded its credential evaluations for immigration.

Professionals seeking a license

Many professions require a license from the state or local jurisdiction before a person can work; these professions include but are not limited to law, accounting, real estate, nursing, teaching, and cosmetology. State licensing boards set their own education and documentation requirements. It is recommended to first check if your state or locality mandates a license for your profession. If so, it is advised to contact the issuing authority and obtain written instructions about requirements for applicants holding degrees from other countries. IEE offers a general licensure-purposed report, as well as licensure reports specifically tailored for nursing, teaching and accounting.

Which credential evaluation report do you need?

Now that we’ve learned about purposes of reports, we can move specifically to the types of reports available. IEE offers several credential evaluation products for different goals, described on its evaluation services page.

Report fees and available options can change, so check IEE’s current credential evaluation pricing page before submitting an order. Ultimately, the recipient of the report is the best source for learning what type of report best fits your needs. If one is not specified, compare the content of each report before you decide which you’d like.

How does the credential evaluation process work?

From start to end, the credential evaluation process has several steps with moving pieces. Usually, those involved include the individual being evaluated, the credential evaluator, the institutions who send documents, and the recipient(s) of the report. Once you learn that you need a credential evaluation, it may be tricky to figure out your next move. Here are the typical steps in the full evaluation lifecycle:

Seven steps from order to delivery

1. Confirm the recipient’s rules. Ask which type of report that the recipient of your credential evaluation needs. An employer may want just a Document Report, but a licensing board or graduate admissions office may want a Course Report. It’s best to to check.
2. Select the appropriate report. Match the recipient’s requirements to the correct report option.
3. Review document requirements. Documents are the basis of the evaluation. They vary by country, credential, institution, and purpose, so it’s best to look into country-specific requirements.
4. Gather records and translations (if not already in English). Prepare the requested diplomas, certificates, transcripts, or marksheets. A scan of the document may be sufficient, but if your recipient requires original, authenticated documentation, you must arrange for your academic records to be sent. This can be done by contacting either the institution that awarded your credential or via an acceptable third party service. If your documentation is not in English, an accurate, word-for-word translation is usually required.
5. Place your order and make your payment. Enter names and education details carefully, identify recipients, and promptly upload your documents or have your documents sent.
6. Follow evaluation updates and respond to requests. IEE keeps you informed through every step of the process, but if something disrupts the successful construction of your evaluation, it may go on hold until the matter is resolved. Sometimes, an evaluator needs to verify the authenticity of your document with the institution that awarded your degree. In other cases, the evaluator may need another document from you to address a discrepancy.
7. Receive and review the report. Check that the report was delivered to the correct recipient. If you’re able to get a copy of your own, you may request it be delivered to you as well.

Check IEE’s report options and pricing before you submit your order. That way, your order matches the recipient’s requirements and the process will go faster and smoother.

What happens behind the scenes

Once all documents are received, the evaluation team takes time to review your credentials, conduct research and prepare a report.

The research and care going into each report guarantees quality. IEE itself is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which oversees ethics and standards in the industry. IEE’s staff is well-versed in international education systems. They use the combination of the documents presented for evaluation and a plethora of international education resources to determine the closest U.S. equivalency for the credential.

What documents are utilized for the credential evaluation?

Document requirements are not identical for every applicant. They can depend on the country of education, institution, credential, and recipient.

Common academic records

• Diplomas, degree certificates, confirmation of award letters
• Transcripts, marksheets, statements of results, or diploma supplements
• English translations when original records are in a different language
• Identity documentation (for biographical discrepancies)
• Additional documentation that the evaluator may require or request in order to build a complete, accurate evaluation

Official records versus applicant copies

Some evaluations or recipients require official records sent directly by the issuing institution or through an approved secure channel. Others may allow scans or copies to be used. The format of submission depends on the recipient, type of evaluation and even type of document. Follow the instructions for your specific order and recipient.

How to prevent document delays

Punctual and complete document submission allows for a more efficient process. Therefore, make sure every page is legible, complete, and correct. Include both the original-language record and a translation if needed. If a school has closed or cannot issue a record, contact the evaluator before ordering to discuss options for moving forward.

Lastly, it is crucial to know that document authenticity is one of the most important pieces of the evaluation, and evaluators go to great lengths to identify security features and verify that the document is genuine. Evaluators have protocols in place to detect, confirm and report fraud, so it is advised to never take the risk of submitting fraudulent documents. Please do not alter or change anything on the document as well. If there is an issue of legibility or insufficiency, the evaluation agency will be in touch.

How long does credential evaluation take?

Once all necessary documentation is received, IEE typically delivers an evaluation within 3 business days. This 3-day processing time is contingent on everything being complete and in order. Time spent waiting for missing records, translations, payment of fees or responses to necessary inquiries is separate.

What can affect the timeline?

• Missing, incomplete, or illegible documents
• Documents that do not follow the required submission method
• Delay in the submitting of English translations
• Queries about credential authenticity
• Complex academic histories involving deeper research or investigation
• Delivery time to the recipient after the report is complete

Managing expectations, meeting deadlines and being proactive

A credential evaluation can open all kinds of opportunities for people. Credential evaluation firms like IEE are here to help you achieve your goals, and they do not want you to miss a deadline, lose a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or delay your life plan. Therefore, act early. Purposely give plenty of time to confirm requirements, request original records from your schools, obtain translations, wait for your evaluation, and deliver the final report. In particular, make sure that the report you order matches the requirements of your recipient. Furthermore, submit all documents and stay involved in the process. IEE’s customer support team is available 24/7 to answer questions and give status updates.

Frequently asked questions about credential evaluations

Is a credential evaluation the same as a transcript?

No. A transcript is an academic record issued by an educational institution. A credential evaluation is an independent report that interprets qualifications earned in another education system by describing them in U.S. terms. The evaluator uses your transcript, among other documents, as source material.

Can I use one evaluation for several recipients?

If every recipient accepts the same evaluator, report type, and delivery method, then it is possible. Ask each recipient before ordering. One university may simply want a Document Report, while another may require course-by-course analysis. Furthermore, IEE’s reports indicate the purpose of the evaluation at the top; a prospective employer will best be served with an employment-purposed evaluation, while a licensing board ought to receive a licensure report. Fortunately, IEE gives you the chance to order additional reports in the event you want multiple purposes addressed.

Do records need to be translated into English?

Records not issued in English generally need a word-for-word English translation to be submitted with the original-language documents. Follow the evaluator’s instructions for acceptable translations. Plus, IEE’s translation service can assist with translation needs.

When does the three-business-day turnaround begin?

The official 3-day countdown begins once all documents needed for the evaluation are received.

Start your credential evaluation process with IEE

A successful application begins with one simple action: confirm exactly what the receiving organization requires. Then, select the matching report, prepare complete records, and submit them according to the instructions. IEE is here with you every step of the way, boasting more than four decades of experience, membership in NACES, a three-business-day standard processing time, and 24/7 support.

Start your credential evaluation with IEE or contact the IEE support team if you need help moving forward.