For immigrants and international professionals seeking employment or further education in the United States, having your foreign credentials recognized is crucial. Credential evaluation services play a vital role in this process, helping to translate your academic and professional qualifications into terms that U.S. employers and educational institutions can understand and appreciate.

What is Credential Evaluation?

Credential evaluation is the process of comparing academic and professional qualifications earned in one country to their U.S. equivalents.

Key aspects:

• Validates the authenticity of foreign credentials
• Determines U.S. equivalency of foreign degrees and diplomas
• Provides a detailed report for use in job applications or further education

When is Credential Evaluation Needed?

You may need a credential evaluation for:

• Applying for jobs in the U.S.
• Pursuing further education in American institutions
• Obtaining professional licensure or certification
• Immigration purposes (e.g., H1B visa applications)

Types of Credential Evaluation Reports

Most evaluation services offer two main types of reports:

a) Document-by-Document Evaluation:

• Provides U.S. equivalency for each diploma or degree
• Typically sufficient for employment purposes

b) Course-by-Course Evaluation:

• Includes a breakdown of individual courses and grades
• Often required for university admissions or transfer credits

Choosing a Credential Evaluation Service

Several reputable organizations provide credential evaluation services. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Recognition: Ensure the service is widely accepted by U.S. employers and educational institutions
• Turnaround time: Consider how quickly you need the evaluation
• Cost: Prices can vary significantly between providers
• Specialization: Some services focus on specific fields or countries

Major Credential Evaluation Services

a) World Education Services (WES)

• Website: https://www.wes.org/
• Known for: Comprehensive evaluations accepted by many institutions

b) Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

• Website: https://www.ece.org/
• Known for: Detailed reports and specialized evaluations

c) National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

• Website: https://www.naces.org/
• A group of reputable evaluation services; members adhere to strict standards

d) Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)

• Website: https://aice-eval.org/
• Another group of trusted evaluation services

The Evaluation Process

Typical steps in the credential evaluation process:

Choose an evaluation service

Submit required documents (usually original or certified copies)

Pay the evaluation fee

Wait for the evaluation to be completed (can take a few weeks)

Receive and review your evaluation report

Preparing Your Documents

Most services require:

• Official transcripts
• Copies of diplomas or certificates
• Certified translations of documents not in English
• Proof of accreditation for the issuing institution

Using Your Evaluation Report

Once you receive your evaluation:

• Include it with job applications
• Submit it as part of university applications
• Use it to support visa applications where required

Challenges and Solutions

Common issues:

• Missing documents: Work with your home country institutions to obtain necessary records
• Unaccredited institutions: Some U.S. organizations may not recognize degrees from certain schools
• Specialized fields: Seek evaluators with expertise in your specific area of study

Additional Considerations

• Some professions (e.g., medicine, law) may require additional steps beyond basic credential evaluation
• Keep copies of all documents and correspondence with evaluation services
• Check if your target employer or institution prefers a specific evaluation service

Resources:

• U.S. Department of Education on Foreign Credential Recognition: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators: https://www.nafsa.org/

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for academic and marketing purposes only and should not be construed as legal or career advice. It is essential to consult with qualified immigration attorneys, educational advisors, or career counselors for accurate and up-to-date counsel specific to your individual circumstances. Credential evaluation processes and requirements can vary and are subject to change. Professional guidance is crucial to ensure compliance and informed decision-making.

OpenSphere is a technology company and does not hold itself out as a credential evaluation or immigration advisory firm. It operates independently and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any credential evaluation service, the U.S. Department of Education, or any government entity. OpenSphere, its authors, and agents do not warrant the accuracy or real-world applicability of the information herein, nor are they liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.