For many international students and professionals, navigating the credential evaluation process can seem daunting. However, it becomes a clear and manageable journey with the right guidance. This step-by-step guide demystifies the process, enabling you to confidently prepare, submit, and receive your academic equivalency report. Whether you’re applying to a university, pursuing licensure, or seeking employment, understanding the process will help you avoid delays and ensure your credentials are appropriately recognized.
Step 1: Choose a Recognized Foreign Evaluation Service
The first step is selecting a reputable credential evaluation agency whose reports are trusted by universities, employers, and licensing boards. When making your decision, consider the following:
- Accreditation and Memberships: In the U.S., agencies affiliated with professional associations such as the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) are widely recognized. For instance, ACEI is a charter member of AICE, upholding rigorous standards for accuracy, integrity, and global best practices.
- Types of Evaluations Offered: Determine whether you need a general (document-by-document) or detailed (course-by-course) evaluation. Visit ACEI’s Evaluation Services page for an overview.
- Processing Times and Fees: Compare turnaround times and pricing. Confirm if rush processing is available if you’re on a tight deadline.
- Application Process: Reputable evaluators provide clear application instructions and accessible support. ACEI offers an intuitive online application portal.
Tip: Check with your university or employer for preferred providers to ensure compatibility.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you’ve selected a provider, gather the necessary documents. Accurate and complete documentation ensures a smoother evaluation process:
- Official Transcripts: These must be issued by your academic institution and often sent in a sealed envelope or through secure electronic delivery. Platforms like CHESICC or Digitary Global are commonly used.
- Degree Certificates or Diplomas: Provide legible copies of each credential earned. Some services require notarization or attestation—refer to ACEI’s guidelines for specific instructions.
- Certified Translations: Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified, literal translations. ACEI offers translation services or can refer you to qualified providers.
- Identification: A government-issued ID (e.g., passport) may be required to confirm the name on your academic records.
- Application Form: Complete your evaluator’s form accurately, listing your institutions, programs, and credential names as they appear on your transcripts.
- Payment: Pay the evaluation fee and keep a record of your receipt. Evaluation costs typically range from $100 to $250, depending on the report type.
Use a checklist to stay organized, especially when requesting multiple institutions’ records.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Documents
Once everything is ready, it’s time to submit:
- Apply Online: Most evaluators, including ACEI, accept applications through an online portal. Be sure to specify the report type and recipients (universities, employers, etc.).
- Send Documents: Upload what you can digitally, but ensure that official transcripts follow the required format (sealed or secure electronic delivery).
- Payment Confirmation: Submit payment and retain a copy of your confirmation. Processing begins only after payment is received.
- Follow Up: Monitor your email or application dashboard for status updates and requests for additional materials.
Note: Include any reference number in correspondence or transcript shipments to help evaluators match documents to your file.
Step 4: Credential Review and Evaluation
With your application and documents in hand, the evaluation process begins behind the scenes:
- Document Verification: Evaluators authenticate your credentials by checking institution recognition, document integrity, and transmission method.
- Academic Analysis: Using global education references, evaluators assess the level, scope, and content of your studies to determine their U.S. equivalency.
- Grade Conversion (if applicable): For course-by-course reports, your grades will be converted to the U.S. GPA scale, and courses classified by academic level.
Throughout this process, reputable agencies like ACEI rely on decades of data and international academic standards to ensure fair, defensible evaluations.
Step 5: Receive and Use Your Evaluation Report
When the evaluation is complete, here’s what happens next:
- Final Report: You’ll receive an official evaluation report detailing your credentials, their U.S. equivalency, and (for course-by-course reports) course-by-course breakdowns and converted GPA.
- Delivery: Reports can be mailed or sent electronically. ACEI offers secure electronic delivery to institutions when available, reducing delays.
- Review and Confirmation: Check your report for accuracy. If corrections are needed, contact the evaluator promptly.
- Forwarding Reports: Provide the report to your intended recipients (e.g., via admissions portals or licensing applications). You can often request additional copies for future use.
Many agencies retain your records for several years, making reordering or requesting new reports easy.
Tips for a Smooth Credential Evaluation
- Start Early: Begin the process well before any deadlines to accommodate transcript delivery or translation delays.
- Stay Organized: Keep digital and physical records of all submissions, payments, and correspondence.
- Use Secure Delivery Channels: Use them if your institution partners with electronic transcript networks.
- Check Recipient Requirements: Some institutions have unique guidelines, so always verify how they prefer to receive evaluations.
Ready to Begin? ACEI Is Here to Help
At ACEI, we’ve assisted thousands of international students and professionals in navigating the credential evaluation process with clarity and confidence. As a charter member of AICE, we’re committed to transparency, integrity, and global academic standards.
Start your evaluation today or visit our Evaluation Services page to explore our offerings.
Whether applying to college, seeking professional licensure, or changing careers, ACEI is your trusted partner in translating academic achievement across borders.
