At ACEI, we understand international students’ unique challenges when pursuing education, employment, or professional licensing in a new country. Credential evaluation is one of the most important—yet often misunderstood—steps in that journey. This article explains credential evaluations, why they matter, and how we help bridge the gap between global education systems and the expectations of U.S. institutions and employers.
What Is a Credential Evaluation?
A credential evaluation analyzes academic documents earned outside the U.S. and determines their equivalency in the context of the U.S. education system. At ACEI, we review your transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and related academic records to produce a detailed report that clearly defines how your international credentials compare to U.S. standards.
For example, American institutions do not automatically understand a Bachelor’s degree from India or a Master’s degree from the United Kingdom. Through our evaluation, we determine the U.S. academic equivalent, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and present that in a format that admissions officers, employers, and licensing boards can easily interpret.
As a proud charter member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), ACEI adheres to rigorous evaluation standards. We rely on verified sources, international education frameworks, and professional judgment informed by more than 30 years of experience to ensure our reports are accurate, consistent, and trusted.
Why Credential Evaluations Matter
Whether you’re applying to a university, seeking employment, or pursuing licensure in the U.S., your credentials must be understood within the local context. That’s where we come in.
1. University Admissions
Colleges and universities require international applicants to submit credential evaluation reports. These help admissions staff determine if your previous studies meet program prerequisites or qualify you for transfer credit. Without an evaluation, unfamiliar academic terms, degree structures, or grading systems may prevent your application from being properly reviewed.
2. Employment Opportunities
Employers use credential evaluations to confirm that international job candidates have the educational background necessary for a position. Our reports communicate how your education aligns with U.S. standards, giving employers confidence in your qualifications.
3. Professional Licensing
A credential evaluation is often required if you plan to work in a licensed profession, such as engineering, accounting, education, or nursing. Licensing boards rely on our detailed analysis to verify that your academic history meets their standards, coursework requirements, or degree-level thresholds.
4. Immigration and Certification
Credential evaluations also play a key role in immigration applications, particularly visas and permanent residency pathways requiring an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). We help ensure that your qualifications are formally recognized and appropriately valued.
Our Evaluation Process
At ACEI, we’ve streamlined the credential evaluation process into two core phases:
1. Document Verification
First, we verify the authenticity of your academic documents. This includes checking that your institution is recognized by the appropriate educational authorities in your home country and that your transcripts and certificates are legitimate and unaltered. In many cases, we require official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution or provided in sealed envelopes. We also use digital verification tools or contact institutions when needed to ensure accuracy.
2. Academic Equivalency Assessment
After verification, we conduct a comprehensive review to determine how your credentials compare to U.S. educational benchmarks. We consider program duration, entry requirements, curriculum structure, credit systems, institutional recognition, and grading scales. Drawing from our extensive international education library and AICE-referenced standards, we issue a report detailing the U.S. academic equivalents of each credential.
Our evaluations are accepted by U.S. universities, employers, government agencies, and licensing bodies because they are built on integrity, transparency, and decades of subject matter expertise.
Key Benefits of Credential Evaluation
Accurate Academic Placement
We ensure that students are placed at the correct academic level. Our evaluations help admissions officers determine eligibility and transferability, saving time and preventing the repetition of coursework.
Trust and Credibility
As an independent and authoritative source, ACEI provides credential evaluations that institutions and employers trust. Our membership in AICE ensures that every report aligns with established professional standards.
Time and Cost Savings
A proper evaluation may allow you to skip redundant coursework or avoid unnecessary academic programs. For working professionals, it can eliminate the need to earn a second degree when your original one already meets U.S. requirements.
Recognition of Your Achievements
Most importantly, we help ensure your academic accomplishments are understood and respected. Instead of being overlooked or misunderstood, your education is presented in the clearest, most favorable terms possible.
Why Choose ACEI?
Founded in 1994, the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) is a trusted leader in international credential evaluation. As a charter member of AICE, we uphold a code of ethics and evaluation guidelines designed to ensure fairness, reliability, and cross-border comparability.
Institutions and employers across the U.S. turn to ACEI for evaluations on which they can depend. We work with individuals from over 100 countries annually and are committed to helping our clients make informed, empowered decisions about their academic and professional futures.
Get Started with Your Credential Evaluation
A credential evaluation is critical to achieving your goals if you plan to study, work, or seek licensure in the United States. At ACEI, we’re here to guide you through the process with care, accuracy, and expertise.
Learn more about:
- Review service options and fees
- Access required forms and document checklists
- Begin your credential evaluation process.
Have questions? Contact us directly—we’re happy to help.
Your education has value. Let us help ensure it’s recognized.
