So, you’re ready for your International Credential Evaluation. The first question on your mind is probably, “What documents do I need?” On the surface, the answer is simple: your diploma and your transcripts. These confirm the degree you earned and list the courses you took. The full answer, however, isn’t always so straightforward. Since every country has a unique education system, we tailor our requirements to create an accurate report. This means the exact documents you need will depend on where you studied and the type of evaluation you choose.
What is an International Credential Evaluation?
Think of an international credential evaluation as a translation service for your academic achievements. At its core, a credential evaluation is a professional report that compares the degrees and coursework you completed in another country to the educational standards in the United States or Canada. This report helps schools, employers, and government agencies understand the value of your education by converting it into terms they recognize, like a U.S. equivalent degree type and Grade Point Average (GPA). It bridges the gap between different educational systems, ensuring your hard work is accurately represented and understood, no matter where you earned your diploma.
This process is essential because an institution in the U.S. might not be familiar with the grading system or degree structure of your home country. An evaluation report provides a clear, standardized assessment that puts everyone on the same page. It validates your academic history and presents it in a format that is trusted and accepted across the country. Whether you’re applying for further education, a new job, or professional licensure, a credential evaluation gives your international qualifications the recognition they deserve, opening doors to your next big opportunity.
Why you might need an evaluation
You will likely need a credential evaluation report anytime you need to prove your educational background to a U.S. or Canadian organization. This formal report helps schools, employers, licensing boards, and immigration offices understand the education you received in another country. For example, if you’re applying to a university, an evaluation will be a key part of your application. If you’re seeking employment, a company may require a report to verify you meet their educational qualifications. It’s also a common requirement for obtaining a professional license in fields like nursing or accounting, or for immigration purposes such as applying for an H-1B visa.
The importance of NACES membership
When you’re looking for an evaluation service, you’ll probably see the term “NACES member” mentioned frequently—and for good reason. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an organization that sets the professional standards for the field. To become a member, an evaluation service must undergo a rigorous application and review process, proving it meets high standards for research, staff expertise, and ethics. Choosing a NACES member agency like International Education Evaluation (IEE) ensures that your report will be accurate, reliable, and widely accepted by institutions across the United States.
The Credential Evaluation Process
Getting your credentials evaluated might seem like a complex task, but it can be broken down into a few clear steps. The general process involves identifying the type of report you need, gathering your official academic documents, submitting them to an evaluation agency, and waiting for the verification and evaluation to be completed. While each agency has its own specific procedures, understanding the basic workflow will help you prepare and ensure everything goes smoothly. The key is to start by confirming exactly what the receiving institution requires before you begin your application. From there, you can follow a straightforward path to getting your final report.
First, check the requirements of your receiving institution
Before you do anything else, the most important first step is to contact the school, employer, or licensing board you are applying to. You need to ask them exactly which type of report they require. The two most common types are a document-by-document evaluation, which identifies your credentials and their U.S. equivalents, and a course-by-course evaluation, which provides a more detailed breakdown of your coursework, grades, and credits. Since each institution has its own rules, confirming their specific needs upfront will save you time, money, and potential headaches. You can learn more about the different evaluation service options to see what each report includes.
The document verification process
A crucial part of any credible evaluation is the verification of your documents. This step ensures the authenticity of your academic records and maintains the integrity of the entire process. During verification, the evaluation agency will carefully review your diplomas and transcripts to confirm they are legitimate. In some cases, the agency may need to contact your former school or university directly to verify the documents you submitted. This is a standard quality control measure that protects you and the institution receiving your report. Providing clear, official documents from the start helps make this verification service as efficient as possible.
What isn’t evaluated?
It’s just as important to understand what a credential evaluation does not cover. These reports are designed exclusively to assess formal academic achievements, such as degrees and diplomas earned from recognized educational institutions. They do not evaluate non-academic qualifications. This means that things like work experience, professional training, workshops, apprenticeships, or non-credit courses will not be included in your report. The focus remains strictly on your formal education and how it compares to U.S. or Canadian standards. If you have questions about what qualifies, it’s always a good idea to check the agency’s FAQ page for clarification.
Types of Evaluations and Their Requirements
- Document Report
Document reports are the most basic type of evaluation and have the least amount of required documents. This evaluation will include the US equivalency, institutional accreditation and program entrance requirements. For this evaluation you will need to provide the following:
● Diploma/degree certificate that confirms the degree awarded and the program completion date.
- Course-by-Course Evaluation
Course-by-course evaluations are a more comprehensive view of an academic program. They include all the same information as document reports, as well as a GPA calculation and course grade and credit conversions. To receive a course-by-course evaluation, you must provide the following:
● Diploma/degree certificate
● Transcripts/grade reports that include all the courses taken during the duration of the program and the grades earned. This document may be broken into semesters, years or a consolidated list.
- Nursing Report
Lastly, IEE’s nursing reports are used by nursing boards to help clients move towards nursing licensure or continuing education in the USA. The requirements vary from state to state, but all nursing credentials must be issued directly by their issuing institutions. For more information on nursing evaluations, you may see more information for our partnering state boards here.
Common report types
Understanding the different types of evaluation reports is the first step to getting the right one for your needs. The report you choose will depend entirely on the requirements of the university, employer, or licensing board you’re submitting it to. Think of it like ordering a coffee—sometimes a simple black coffee does the job, but other times you need a detailed, multi-ingredient latte. Each report serves a distinct purpose, from providing a general overview of your education to a detailed breakdown of every course you’ve ever taken. Let’s look at the most common types of evaluation services so you can feel confident selecting the right one.
General Report
A General Report is the most basic type of evaluation. Its main purpose is to confirm that you have completed a certain level of education and to state its U.S. equivalent. This report essentially compares your degrees and studies from another country to what they would be in the U.S., helping colleges, employers, and government agencies understand your foreign education at a glance. It’s often sufficient for employment purposes or to satisfy certain immigration requirements where a simple verification of your degree is all that’s needed. It doesn’t list individual courses or grades, but it officially verifies your credentials and their standing in the United States.
Document-by-Document Report
A Document-by-Document Report goes one step further than a General Report. This evaluation identifies each of your post-secondary credentials, like a bachelor’s degree or a diploma, and provides its U.S. equivalency. In addition to verifying your degree, it will also confirm the accreditation status of the institution you attended and list the dates you were enrolled. This type of report is a common requirement for individuals applying to undergraduate or graduate programs in the U.S. who don’t need to transfer credits. It provides universities with the assurance that your academic background meets their admission standards for higher education.
Course-by-Course Report
The Course-by-Course Report is the most detailed and comprehensive evaluation available. It includes all the information from a Document-by-Document report but also provides a full breakdown of your academic record. This report lists every course you took, converts your credits or hours of study into U.S. semester credits, and translates your grades into the U.S. 4.0 GPA scale. This level of detail is essential if you plan to transfer credits to a U.S. institution, apply for graduate school, or need to meet specific requirements for professional licensure in fields like accounting or engineering. It gives receiving institutions a complete picture of your academic performance.
Special considerations for certain countries
Every country’s education system is unique, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach to credential evaluation simply doesn’t work. An expert evaluator understands the nuances between different systems, from the grading scales and credit hours to the structure of degree programs. For example, some three-year bachelor’s degrees from India may be considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, but only if the degree was earned with high marks and the university holds a top-tier accreditation from India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This is just one instance where deep institutional knowledge is critical for an accurate evaluation.
These complexities are precisely why it’s so important to follow the specific document requirements for your country of study. The documents needed from a university in Nigeria might be different from those required from a university in the Philippines or Colombia. An experienced evaluation agency, especially a NACES member like IEE, has dedicated teams who specialize in the educational systems of different regions. They know what to look for, how to interpret various transcripts and diplomas, and how to accurately equate them to the U.S. system, ensuring your hard work is properly recognized no matter where in the world you studied.
Provisional vs Official Evaluations
In addition to the different types of evaluations, we also offer Provisional and Official Evaluations. Understanding the difference is key to determining which is the best option for your needs.
Provisional Evaluations
Provisional evaluations are based on scans or photocopies of your documents. Provisional evaluations can be used for purposes such as employment and education, but are more commonly used for immigration and the military. These evaluations are commonly used because of the ease of providing documentation without the additional expense of postal or university fees. However, before proceeding with a provisional evaluation, it is encouraged that it be confirmed that the recipient will accept this type of evaluation, as official records are not being directly verified by IEE.
Official Evaluations
Official evaluations are based on either original documents, are verified by IEE or are based on documents provided directly from an institution or a third-party verification partner. The main purpose of these evaluations is for education. While the process of obtaining official documents can be difficult, official evaluations also confirm the validity of the documents based on the expertise of our verifications team.
Additionally, we also can complete official evaluations with scans in situations where the Ministry of Education or issuing university is able to verify the documentation received online via verification portals.
Determining Which Documents to Send
When determining what documentation is required for an evaluation, there is no universal answer that fits every situation. In order to provide accurate assessments in the quickest time, we encourage all students to review our document requirements for their specific country before beginning the evaluation process.
Secondary School Documentation
For secondary school credentials, determining the proper issuing authority can be difficult. Many clients will contact their high schools for documentation, but in many cases, this will not result in the best equivalency for their credentials. Oftentimes, to issue a full equivalency, IEE will require documents to come from the Ministry of Education or an external examination agency, depending on the country of education. IEE asks for these documents not only to confirm the completion of all necessary examinations and graduation requirements, but also to provide the best evaluation based on the complete academic experience of our clients.
Post-Secondary Documentation
University documents can be more self-explanatory about which institution should issue the documentation. Notable exceptions arise in countries such as India, where we are unable to accept documentation from affiliated schools or China, where documentation issued by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) is required. However, in many cases, IEE seeks to receive documentation directly from the school by post or in sealed envelopes issued by the school to confirm not only the documentation but that the correct issuing institution is providing the documentation.
We also can accept documentation via email rather than post, but all emails must meet our strict verification standards. To deem an email as verifiable, it must be either clearly listed on the institution’s website or belonging to the relevant department of the issuing institution.
In conclusion, international credential evaluation can be an overwhelming process for clients, so we strive to make our evaluation requirements as clear and concise as possible. By carefully reviewing the document requirements for your country and evaluation type, you can ensure a smooth and timely process. Whether you’re applying for further education, licensure, or immigration, providing accurate and complete documents is key so that we might help you pursue you academic and professional goals.
Comparing Evaluation Agencies
Choosing the right credential evaluation agency can feel like a big decision, but it becomes much clearer when you know what to look for. Beyond ensuring the agency is a NACES member, three key factors can help you compare your options: processing time, total cost, and the agency’s reputation. Thinking through these points will help you find a service that fits your specific timeline, budget, and needs. It’s about finding a partner who can make this part of your journey as smooth as possible, so you can focus on your academic or professional goals without unnecessary delays or surprise expenses.
Processing time
One of the most critical factors in your decision will likely be how quickly you can get your completed evaluation report. Application deadlines wait for no one, so understanding an agency’s turnaround time is essential. Some services, like ECE, state that most reports are finished within five business days after they receive all your required documents. Others prioritize speed. For instance, at IEE, we built our process to deliver most evaluations in just three business days or less. Remember that this clock starts only when the agency has every single document they need, so be sure to send your materials in as early as you can.
Cost of services
The cost of an evaluation is more than just the price of the report itself. When comparing agencies, it’s important to look at the complete picture, including the main report fee and any additional services you might need. These can include rush processing, extra report copies, or translation services. Taking a moment to map out the total potential cost from different providers will help you find an option that works for your budget without any last-minute surprises. This transparency ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for from the start.
Evaluation report fees
The primary expense you’ll encounter is the fee for the evaluation report. The price often depends on the type of report you need. For example, a Course-by-Course report, which is one of the most commonly requested types, provides a detailed breakdown of your academic history and is typically more expensive than a general or document-by-document report. Each agency has its own fee structure, so it’s a good idea to review the pricing pages on their websites. This will help you directly compare the costs for the specific type of evaluation your receiving institution or employer requires.
Additional service fees
Beyond the main report, you might need other services that come with their own fees. If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll either need to provide a certified translation or use the agency’s in-house service. Some agencies, like ECE, offer a translation waiver for a fee. If you’re on a tight deadline, rush processing is another common add-on. At IEE, we offer a 2-business-day rush service for an additional $100 or even a same-day option for $200. Always factor in these potential costs when you compare services to get a true sense of the final price.
Agency experience and reputation
When you entrust your academic documents to an agency, you want to be sure they are experienced and well-regarded. Many applicants look for established names in the field. For example, WES has been operating for over 50 years, and ECE has over 45 years of experience and is a founding member of NACES. The most important credential to look for is membership in NACES, as this is the gold standard for recognition by U.S. institutions and employers. As a proud NACES member, IEE combines rigorous evaluation standards with a commitment to expert guidance and industry-leading turnaround times, ensuring your report is both accurate and widely accepted.
Important Agency Policies to Know
Before you submit your application and payment, it’s wise to understand a few key policies that can impact your experience. Things like how long your report is valid, what happens if you’re missing a document, or how to handle name changes can make a big difference. Knowing these details ahead of time helps set clear expectations and prevents potential issues down the road. Think of it as reading the fine print—a small step that can save you a lot of time and stress later on.
Report lifespan and updates
Your evaluation report may not be valid forever. Many agencies have a policy on how long they will keep your report on file and allow you to order copies. For instance, ECE allows you to order copies or request an update to your report for up to five years after it was first issued. This is useful if you need to add a new degree or more coursework to your file. Since policies can vary, it’s always a good idea to check how long an agency will store your records, especially if you anticipate needing your evaluation for future applications.
If you can’t provide required documents
What happens if you can’t get a specific document your agency requires? This is a critical question to ask before you apply. Most agencies have strict policies on this matter. For example, ECE’s policy states that if you cannot provide the necessary documents, they usually cannot complete the evaluation, and no refunds are issued for canceled orders. This is why it’s so important to carefully review the document requirements for your country of education before you start the process. Confirming you can obtain everything on the list will ensure your application proceeds smoothly.
Handling name differences on documents
It’s common for an applicant’s current legal name to be different from the name on their academic documents, often due to marriage or other life events. Credential evaluation agencies have procedures for this. Typically, you will be able to note the name difference on your application form. However, you will likely need to provide official proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or a court order. Being prepared with this supporting documentation will help the agency verify your identity and prevent any delays in processing your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which type of evaluation report to order? The best way to figure this out is to ask the institution that will receive your report. Every school, employer, or licensing board has its own specific requirements. Before you start an application, contact their admissions or HR department and ask them directly which type of report they need, whether it’s a Document-by-Document or a more detailed Course-by-Course evaluation. Getting this information first will save you time and ensure you order the correct report from the start.
What if my academic documents are not in English? If your diplomas or transcripts are in another language, you will need to provide a complete and certified English translation along with the original language documents. Many evaluation agencies, including IEE, offer in-house translation services for an additional fee. This can simplify the process, as you can have both the translation and evaluation handled by one provider, ensuring the terminology is accurate and consistent.
Can I submit photocopies of my documents, or do they have to be originals? This depends on the requirements of the institution receiving your report. Some organizations will accept a “provisional” evaluation, which can be based on clear scans or photocopies of your documents. However, many universities and licensing boards require an “official” evaluation, which means the documents must be sent directly from your former school or verified by the evaluation agency. It’s always best to confirm what your receiving institution will accept before you begin.
How long does the evaluation process actually take? The processing time, often called the turnaround time, begins only after the evaluation agency has received every single required document and your payment has been processed. At IEE, we complete most evaluations in three business days from that point. If you’re missing a transcript or a translation, the clock hasn’t started yet. This is why it’s so important to gather all your paperwork and review the document requirements for your country before submitting your application.
Why is it so important to choose a NACES member agency? Choosing a NACES member agency gives you peace of mind that your evaluation report will be widely accepted. NACES sets the professional standard for the industry, and its members have gone through a strict vetting process to prove their methods are sound and their reports are reliable. When a school or employer sees a report from a NACES agency like IEE, they trust its quality and accuracy, which makes your application process much smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm the exact report you need: Before you begin, contact the institution you’re applying to and ask for their specific evaluation requirements; this ensures you order the correct report, like a document-by-document or course-by-course, right from the start.
- Review the specific document list for your country: Since educational systems differ globally, the required documents change depending on where you studied, so check the agency’s country-specific guidelines carefully to prevent delays.
- Compare agencies on more than just price: When selecting a NACES-member agency, look at the complete picture, including processing speed, total cost with any potential add-on fees, and their overall experience to find a service that fits your timeline and budget.