You worked hard for your degree, and it represents a huge achievement. But what happens when you bring that credential to a new country? Ambitious people from all over the world use credential evaluation services to have their achievements recognized, opening doors to new opportunities. It’s a credential evaluator’s job to deliver a fair and understandable report that accurately interprets your academic journey. A proper education system credential evaluation is the key. It ensures your accomplishments are understood correctly, no matter where you’re from.
Once documentation is received, an evaluator starts constructing the credential evaluation by asking a simple question: where is this document from? From there, more questions are asked. What is the education system of the country like? What kind of job or further education is one qualified for upon degree conferral? Does it resemble a US credential in any way?
This article will explore how variations in international education systems influence the credential evaluation process. We will examine different factors that can affect the interpretation of a credential, identify some basic educational patterns found across the globe and explore how an education system’s structure affects methodologies, policies and conclusions.
How to Get a Credential Evaluation: A Practical Guide
Getting your credentials evaluated can feel like a big task, but it’s a straightforward process when you break it down. Think of it as a series of clear, manageable steps that lead you toward your goal, whether that’s continuing your education, starting a new job, or beginning a new life in another country. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from picking the right service to submitting your documents, so you can feel confident and prepared.
Choosing the Right Evaluation Service
The first and most important decision is selecting an evaluation agency. The right partner can make the entire process smooth and successful. As one source notes, “Choosing the right credential evaluator is very important. It affects how fast your application is processed, how your degree is recognized, and if your application is successful.” Your choice sets the foundation for your entire application, so it’s worth taking the time to find a service that is credible, efficient, and trusted by the institution or organization you’re applying to.
The Importance of NACES Accreditation
When you start looking for an evaluator, you’ll likely see the term “NACES” mentioned. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of independent, non-governmental organizations that provide credential evaluation services. Membership in NACES is a mark of quality and is recognized by universities, employers, and government agencies across the U.S. Choosing a NACES member agency, like IEE, ensures your report will be widely accepted and meets the highest standards of the profession.
Comparing Top Evaluation Agencies
While many agencies are NACES members, they differ in their services, speed, and support. For example, World Education Services (WES) is a well-known provider that has completed millions of evaluations. When comparing your options, look at factors like turnaround time, customer support, and pricing transparency. Some services, like IEE, prioritize speed with options for a 3-day evaluation and offer 24/7 support to help you with any questions. Consider what matters most for your specific situation—is it speed, cost, or specialized expertise?
Understanding Evaluation Reports, Costs, and Timelines
Once you have a few agencies in mind, the next step is to understand the different types of reports they offer and what you can expect in terms of cost and timing. Not all evaluations are the same, and you’ll need to select the one that matches the requirements of your receiving institution. This will help you avoid delays and ensure you provide exactly what is needed for your application.
Types of Evaluation Reports
Most agencies offer two main types of reports. A Document-by-Document evaluation identifies and describes your credentials, providing the U.S. equivalent for each one. This is often sufficient for employment or immigration purposes. A Course-by-Course evaluation provides a more detailed breakdown, listing all your post-secondary courses and converting the credits and grades into U.S. equivalents. This is typically required for college and university admissions or professional licensure. You can explore the different evaluation service options to see which one fits your needs.
Typical Costs and Processing Times
Costs can vary based on the type of report and the agency you choose. Generally, a document-by-document evaluation might cost between $75 and $150, while a course-by-course evaluation can range from $150 to $300. Processing times also differ significantly, from a few weeks to several months. If you’re on a tight deadline, look for services that offer expedited options. At IEE, we provide clear, upfront pricing and an industry-leading turnaround time to help you meet your deadlines without stress.
The Evaluation Process: Applicant Recommendations
With a service and report type selected, you’re ready to begin the application. Following a few key steps can help ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Being organized and proactive will save you time and help you avoid common pitfalls that can delay your evaluation. Here’s a simple, three-step approach to guide you.
Step 1: Check Requirements with Your Receiving Institution
Before you submit anything, “always check with the person or group you’re applying to…to make sure you get the correct type of report.” Your university admissions office, licensing board, or employer will have specific requirements. Confirm which type of evaluation they need (Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course) and if they have a preferred list of evaluation agencies. This simple check can prevent you from spending time and money on the wrong report.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents and Translations
Next, collect all the necessary paperwork. This usually includes your transcripts, diplomas, and proof of name. Each agency has specific document requirements, so review their checklist carefully. If your original documents are not in English, you will almost always need a certified translation to accompany them. Planning for this early is key, as translation can add time to your overall process. Many evaluation services, including IEE, also offer professional translation services to simplify this step.
Step 3: Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To keep things moving smoothly, “collect all your transcripts, diplomas, and ID well in advance.” Start the process as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time to handle any unexpected delays, like waiting for your former university to send official documents. Double-check your application for accuracy before submitting it, and keep copies of everything you send. A little preparation goes a long way in making the evaluation process a positive experience.
Specialized Evaluations for Professional Licensure
If you’re pursuing a career in a licensed field like engineering, nursing, or accounting, you may need a specialized evaluation. These professions have unique requirements set by their respective licensing boards, and your evaluation must meet those specific standards. It’s essential to work with an evaluation service that understands the nuances of these fields and can provide a report that satisfies the board’s criteria.
Engineering and Surveying Requirements
For engineers and surveyors, organizations like NCEES offer evaluations to determine if an international degree is equivalent to a U.S. accredited degree. These evaluations are often a prerequisite for taking licensure exams like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. When seeking an evaluation for professional licensure, ensure the agency you choose is familiar with the requirements of your state’s engineering board.
Healthcare Profession Requirements
Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, often need specialized evaluations to practice in the U.S. or Canada. These reports are tailored to meet the strict standards of nursing boards and other healthcare credentialing bodies. They verify that your education and training are equivalent to that of a U.S.-trained professional, which is a critical step for licensure and employment. Services like IEE offer dedicated evaluations for nursing to help you meet these specific requirements and advance your career.
Key Factors That Shape a US Academic Equivalency
An academic equivalency describes the US program that the credential from another country most closely resembles. It indicates that an individual has an educational record like what is found in the US at that level. Equivalencies are used for many reasons. An employer or licensing board may need an equivalency to show that an applicant has the requisite qualifications for the position or occupation as mandated by company policy or state law. An immigration officer may use an equivalency to determine that the applicant is eligible for a certain visa. And an admissions specialist may use an equivalency to know that a prospective student has the proper academic background to be granted a spot in a program.
To build an equivalency, a credential evaluator must know a few key factors. First is the credential’s country; this tells the evaluator both the source of the document and the education system from which the credential was obtained. The education system refers to the structure within the country that allows individuals to become educated, trained and authorized to work or continue study; it is often articulated in a framework, which contains information about curriculum, length of study and expectations of competency. From there, an evaluator usually identifies the admissions requirement, the minimum program duration, the institution and its recognition or accreditation status, and the field of study. Some other factors for equivalency conclusions include the level of study, the specific professional or vocational outcome of the program and the access to more advanced academic levels.
While everyone’s grades, periods of enrollment and personal achievements may be different, credential evaluators have identified common trends in systems across the world. By collecting research resources, utilizing databases and networks, and gaining experience over the years, evaluation professionals have a good sense of how credentials in diverse systems function and thus can approximate an equivalency for these credentials. The final results are published on the credential evaluation.
Let’s now look at specific elements in education systems that influence equivalencies.
Global Education Models That Influence Credential Evaluations
Given the interconnected nature of the world, many countries have either inherited from or based their education system on that of somewhere else. Let’s look at a few systems that have served as baselines for other countries and the general education system they use.
A: The US Based Education Model and Its Global Influence
Many countries across the world have adopted patterns like the United States. In these places, students take 12 years of elementary, middle and secondary school, followed by a tertiary system of post-secondary education with both 4-year bachelor’s degrees and advanced credentials like master’s and doctoral degrees. Examples include South Korea, Japan, Ghana, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Spain, Turkey and many provinces in Canada. The system of credits at the post-secondary level often resembles the United States’ post-secondary habits as well. A simple face value comparison is often sufficient in these places. While some institutions may have their own credit systems, and while certain fields like engineering or architecture may require more time to complete, these countries have many similarities that make it easier for credential evaluators to find an equivalency in US terms.
B: The United Kingdom and Commonwealth Style Education Systems
Given the legacy of the British Empire and the continued existence of the Commonwealth of Nations, it is not surprising that many countries follow an education pattern similar to the United Kingdom.
Students complete 6 years of primary education, followed by 5 years of secondary education, culminating in the General Certificate of Secondary Education. After general secondary education, individuals spend 2 years in a university-preparatory program, which results in a General Certificate of Education – Advanced Level. This 2-year program is rigorous and meant to give students adequate preparation for university studies. Undergraduate education comes next, typically lasts 3 years and culminates in the bachelor’s degree. Credentials are often available after each year, in which students get a certificate or diploma that they can use as they wish. Finally, individuals can pursue master’s and doctoral-level study for more specialized education.
Although the particulars may vary, many countries across the Caribbean, Anglophone Africa and East Asia have embraced a system like the United Kingdom. Credential titles may differ but the basic practice is the same. Sixteen countries and territories, including Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Guyana, confer the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, followed by the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination Certificate after university-preparatory study; these are awarded by the Caribbean Examinations Council. This leads to bachelor’s degrees, which are usually 3 or 4 years long. African countries including Uganda, Zimbabwe and the English-speaking regions of Cameroon follow the UK format too. In Asia, this style is found in Singapore, Malaysia, and was active in Hong Kong until 2012.
Additionally, many countries have teaching centers for UK-based institutions, with a final credential awarded by the institution in the United Kingdom. These are found in countries that follow a UK-model, as well as countries that may have something different but have still created pathways for students to achieve such credentials. These centers have been spotted in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and more, with final certificates issued by UK-based institutions, from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to universities like University of Sunderland. Furthermore, many secondary schools follow the UK pattern, allowing individuals from these schools to take examinations from one of the six major examination boards, such as Cambridge International Education; IEE has seen cases like these from Kenya, Namibia and more.
As the university-preparatory programs from UK-styled systems are advanced in nature and give sufficient preparation for university study in the country or province, many US-based higher education institutions and credential evaluation providers are willing to consider these equivalent to university-level study in the United States. They may assign credit that can be used towards a university program.
C: The French Inspired Education System Across the Francophone World
The French educational model serves as another baseline found in countries across the world. In this system, individuals complete 9 years of elementary and lower secondary education, followed by 3 years of secondary education; the final qualification is called the Baccalauréat. Similar to the United Kingdom’s boards, it is possible to find secondary schools outside France that offer the opportunity for individuals to sit for examinations administered by boards in France; this allows students to receive a secondary-level credential from France.
At the post-secondary level, the most recognizable progression of educational credentials is called the “LMD” progression; “LMD” stands for “Licence-Master-Doctorate.” This method of educational matriculation is found across Europe and Francophone systems. This progression recognizes 3 levels of education, marked as ‘first cycle’ for undergraduate, ‘second cycle’ for graduate, and ‘third cycle’ for doctorate-level. At the conclusion of each level in the LMD progression, an individual is awarded a credential, which can be used in the country for employment, education and more.
The Licence typically lasts 3 years and functions similarly to the US bachelor’s degree. However, there are also a number of undergraduate-level exit credentials available in France. After 1 or 2 years, a student can receive a diploma, such as Diplôme ďÉtudes Universitaires Générales, which is more generalized in content, or a more specialized, technically oriented qualification like the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur. Both credentials allow an individual to receive advanced standing in a Licence program rather than starting from scratch; usually after a year, the remaining work for a Licence can be completed.
The second cycle in the LMD structure results in a master’s degree after two years of advanced, specialized study. After year 1, individuals are often awarded a Maîtrise, a certificate signifying the completion of the first part of the second cycle. Should an individual continue with the second year, they will likely complete a thesis and receive a Master’s credential, which gives access to the third and final cycle of the formal education system. The Doctorate level is the most advanced and resembles doctoral-level study elsewhere.
Outside of the LMD structure, France also features advanced study in fields like engineering. After 2 years of post-secondary study, a student may be eligible to pursue a 3-year engineering degree, which culminates in the award of a Diplôme d’ingénieur.
France has made many kinds of secondary and post-secondary credentials available for learners, and systems in the Francophone world have embraced similar methods mirroring the French way. Haiti is the prominent example in the Western Hemisphere. The French model also appears across French-speaking countries in Africa and the Middle East, such as Algeria, Lebanon, Senegal, Niger and Tunisia. These countries contain their own variations, be it duration of elementary and secondary education in some or more credentials available in others. Furthermore, while examining baseline models like the French system can be good as a starting point or for reference, credential evaluators treat each system individually, and a historical relationship or shared language with another country may not indicate easy or exact comparability. As a result, organizations like IEE consult a plethora of resources to guarantee a fair and accurate representation of the country’s system and its closest US equivalency.
D: The Russian Based Education Structure and Its International Variations
Russia’s education system has experienced changes over the last several decades. During the Soviet Union, elementary and secondary education lasted 10 years; since 1990, the system allows for 11 years. University study commonly takes 5 years. Programs will contain entry level courses, general education courses and advanced courses in specific subjects, similar to an undergraduate program in the US; it will also include research, a thesis and maybe internships or practicals. As these Diplom Spetsialista programs start after secondary education and allow students to pursue doctoral-level study when done, IEE will often equate these to a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Many countries that were part of the former Soviet Union have an education system similar to Russia, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
In addition to this model, countries following the Russian system may also have a scheme mirroring the standard tertiary format found across the world, with the 4-year bachelor’s degree (Diplom Bakalavra), followed by a master’s degree (Diplom Magistra). These have been seen with increasing frequency from countries across the former Soviet Union, including Russia. It is also possible to jump between the two, with those holders of a Diplom Bakalavra being able to earn a Diplom Spetsialista after an additional year of study.
How Eleven and Thirteen Year School Systems Compare to the United States
While the United States has a 12-year system, many countries use a combination of 11 years to complete elementary and secondary education. In some instances, like Azerbaijan, Colombia or El Salvador, students receive their secondary-level exit credential and move straight into an undergraduate university program, which can last 4 or 5 years before graduate studies commence.
Another format involves 13-year systems; these are education systems in which a student completes primary and secondary schooling after 13 years. Completion often give access to 3-year undergraduate degrees in the country of education. However, to be granted university credit like the 11+2 systems based on the UK-model, the upper secondary school experience must be rigorous and complex enough that evaluators can view portions of the credential as being on par with university-level work in the United States. This happens in Iceland and Norway, whose secondary-level credentials often result in a high school diploma equivalency along with some undergraduate credit. Some credentials in India and Pakistan may also be eligible for this approach, such as the Indian engineering diplomas issued by state boards of technical education.
These 13-year systems have a key systemic concept in common with the UK-based models: they each grant an individual sufficient preparation for participation in a university-level program. While the first-cycle, undergraduate degree in these countries often lasts 3 years, credential evaluators across the industry will often consider a degree from a system like this as equivalent to the 4-year bachelor’s degree in the United States. This is because an individual in aggregate has both a secondary-level diploma and a minimum 4 years’ worth of progressively complex post-secondary study leading to a credential that, upon conferral, grants access to graduate-level studies; this mirrors their counterparts in the United States and underscores the influence that an education system has on an evaluation.
How Evaluation Methodology Impacts the Final Equivalency
With so many nations and regions on Earth, it is unsurprising that most education systems don’t perfectly match the US system. Regardless, credentials at different levels can be understood as meeting or exceeding the standards in the United States by invoking the right methodology.
IEE has developed two methodologies for generating equivalencies: year-counting and benchmarking. Each of these methodologies consider the unique factors that contribute to an equivalency, but they place priority on some factors more than others. In the year-count methodology, duration is most essential. This methodology counts the amount of years or academic terms required to complete the program. Meanwhile, the benchmark methodology prioritizes level of study, educational access and contact hours rather than raw amount of years or terms; while a program may be 3 years in length, an evaluator may view it as equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in the United States if appropriate.
The application of methodology depends on a few considerations. First is the purpose of evaluation; at this point, IEE exclusively uses a Year-count methodology on evaluations made for military, immigration or licensure purposes. Second is recipient; IEE gives recipient institutions, from employers to higher educational institutions, the opportunity to select their preferred methodology. The last consideration is the country of education.
While variations exist, a country may be eligible for benchmarking based on its qualification framework. Evaluators consult frameworks to get a sense of what is required to obtain a credential and what the credential unlocks for the individual.
Frameworks may share information about duration too. In many cases, countries have a first cycle, undergraduate credential that takes 3 years to achieve, followed by a 1- or 2-year second cycle, graduate credential, mirroring the LMD method seen in France. Examples with this scenario include India, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
While IEE has this approach, it may not be applicable in certain countries due to the education system there. An undergraduate bachelor’s degree program may be 3 years long, but it may not meet our criteria for a bachelor’s degree equivalency. This could be due to less raw time in the program or lack of professional access upon conferral. In some countries, while 3 years are required to achieve the bachelor’s degree, another year at a higher academic level may be required before an individual embarks on what is considered graduate-level study. Systems like this include Australia, Canada-Ontario, Myanmar and South Africa. This fourth year may be called an “Honours” bachelor’s degree program, or it may be called a different credential name, such as “Graduate Diploma.”
The evaluation methodology will always be visible at the top of an IEE report. For more information about how IEE utilizes methodologies, feel free to read our White Paper on the topic.
How Diverse Education Pathways Lead to Comparable US Outcomes
In over 4 decades of evaluations, IEE has seen credentials of all sorts. It’s extremely common to see credentials from higher educational institutions in fields like business, engineering, fine arts, social science, medicine or technology. We’ve also seen culinary arts, cosmetology, aircraft piloting and opticianry, among other practical subjects. Certainly, systems produce credentials that hold professional value or academic repute in the home country, but there may not be a perfect way to translate them into US terms.
One example of this relates to vocational credentials. Countries like Germany, Italy or Philippines have specific vocational tracks that can begin as early as secondary school. An individual may complete an apprenticeship, take professional examinations or go straight into the workforce. By contrast, the United States does not have a similarly centralized infrastructure for vocational education. IEE attempts to display the equivalency in a way that demonstrates its value and the context surrounding the pursuit and perception of the credential; however, it also attempts to compare it to the most applicable US program.
Some systems have various credentials available for specific vocations, such as nursing. Due to the sophisticated nature of nursing education across the world, as well as the significant demand for qualified nurses in a continuous shortage in the US, IEE has many specific nursing licensure products available, as well as a selection of US equivalencies to match the method of education to its closest US counterpart, despite differences between the US system and the nursing credentials within other systems.
In many countries and periods of time, undergraduate and graduate education is achieved in one single credential; these are sometimes called ‘long cycle’ programs. In these cases, a student is admitted after secondary education and takes about five years to graduate. This format was commonly found in Europe until the Bologna reforms were introduced in the late 1990s. As discussed earlier, this format of education is still found in Russia.
A last instance involves professional education in fields like medicine, law, physical therapy or dentistry. In the United States, degrees in these fields are at the graduate-level, with individuals eligible for admission after earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree; some countries follow a similar pattern, such as law degrees in South Korea. Most countries allow education in these professionally oriented fields to start straight after high school. Credential evaluators often equate credentials from these systems to a first professional degree. When applicable, IEE includes an additional note on reports to provide recipients with context, professional rights and advice about credentials from these systems.
Why Understanding Global Education Systems Strengthens Every Evaluation
Credential evaluation in comparative education starts with the premise that a complete credential in one country can be equated to a complete credential in another. As demonstrated, IEE considers various aspects in generating an equivalency, placing great care on understanding the education system from which a credential comes. Every evaluation is given attention and diligence before it is sent to a university, employer, licensing board or immigration applicant. Our dedication to excellence, understanding and transparency is inspiring so many to choose us as their credential evaluation provider. Start your evaluation journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
My country’s education system is completely different from the one in the US. Can my degree still be evaluated fairly? Yes, absolutely. A core part of our job is to understand the unique structure of education systems around the world. We look beyond just the name of your degree and consider factors like your country’s educational framework, what was required to enter your program, and what opportunities the degree gives you for further study or work. This context allows us to find the most accurate US equivalent for your hard work.
My bachelor’s degree only took three years to complete. Will it be considered equivalent to a four-year US degree? It very well could be. Many education systems around the world feature intensive three-year bachelor’s programs that are widely recognized as equivalent to a four-year degree in the United States. This is often because the final years of secondary school in those systems are at a very advanced level. We look at your entire academic path to determine the most appropriate equivalency.
Why do I need to check with my university or employer before ordering an evaluation? This is a crucial step because the institution you’re applying to has specific requirements. Some may only need a general report confirming your degree, while others will want a detailed breakdown of every course you took. Checking with them first ensures you order the correct type of report from the start, which prevents delays and saves you from spending money on a report they can’t accept.
What’s the difference between a “benchmark” and a “year-count” evaluation? Think of them as two different approaches to understanding your credentials. A year-count methodology focuses on the length of your program, which is often the standard for immigration or military purposes. A benchmark methodology is more holistic; it considers the level of your studies and what your degree qualifies you for in your home country. The right approach depends on the purpose of your evaluation and the requirements of the institution receiving it.
I’m a nurse who was educated abroad. Is the evaluation process different for professional licenses? Yes, the process for professional licensure is often more specific. Fields like nursing, engineering, and accounting have licensing boards with very particular standards that your evaluation must meet. It’s important to work with an evaluator who understands these requirements to ensure your report contains all the necessary information for the board to approve your application to practice.
Key Takeaways
- Start with a clear plan: Before applying, confirm the exact report type your institution needs, gather your documents and translations early, and select a NACES member agency to ensure your evaluation is widely accepted.
- Recognize that context is key: Your US equivalency isn’t just a title translation; it’s a comprehensive comparison of your home country’s entire education system, from program length to admission standards, against the US framework.
- Understand how methodology shapes your result: The evaluation approach, like year-counting or benchmarking, directly influences the final outcome. This is why a three-year degree, when combined with rigorous pre-university study, can be equivalent to a four-year US bachelor’s degree.