Get Your International Academic Credentials Recognized in the U.S.
If you earned your degree outside the United States and plan to study, work, or obtain licensure in Illinois, you will likely need a foreign credential evaluation. This official report determines how your international education compares to the U.S. system—a critical step for university admission, employment, immigration, or professional licensing.
But where should you go for a credential evaluation in Illinois?
Do You Need a Local Office in Illinois?
Not necessarily. While some applicants assume they must find a local agency in Chicago or nearby, the most important factor is whether the credential evaluation agency is recognized by institutions and licensing boards in Illinois, not where it is physically located.
What Is a Foreign Credential Evaluation?
A foreign credential evaluation assesses academic documents such as diplomas, transcripts, and certificates issued outside the United States. The evaluation determines the U.S. equivalency of your studies and credentials. Depending on the type of report, it may include:
• The name of the credential and degree equivalency
• The institution attended and the country of origin.
• Dates of attendance and graduation
• Course-by-course breakdown with U.S. grade and credit conversions (if requested)
Who Requires an Evaluation in Illinois?
Credential evaluations are often required by:
• Colleges and universities in Illinois
• Employers verifying foreign academic qualifications.
• State licensing boards for professions such as nursing, engineering, and teaching
• Immigration services requiring education verification
Depending on the purpose, you may need a document-by-document or course-by-course report.
Global Evaluation Services That Serve Illinois
Although some agencies may be located in Illinois, geographic proximity is not a requirement. What matters is that the agency provides evaluations that U.S. institutions widely accept.
ACEI (Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.) is a recognized provider that serves applicants across Illinois and beyond. Based in California, ACEI operates nationally and internationally, offering evaluations for academic, professional, and immigration purposes.
AICE Membership and Recognition
ACEI is a charter member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Membership in AICE signifies adherence to the highest standards of professional practice in the fields of international education and credential evaluation.
AICE-member organizations like ACEI are trusted by:
• Public and private colleges and universities
• Illinois State licensing boards
• Employers and government agencies
Even though ACEI is not physically based in Illinois, its reports are routinely accepted by Illinois institutions because of its AICE affiliation and longstanding reputation.
Why Choose ACEI?
• Recognition: ACEI’s evaluations are widely accepted throughout Illinois and the United States.
• Convenience: Evaluations can be completed online—no need to visit an office in person.
• Experience: ACEI has been evaluating international credentials since 1994.
• Flexibility: Offers both general and detailed evaluation reports based on your needs.
How to Get Started
1. Determine your evaluation type.
• Compare document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations
2. Prepare your documents
• Include diplomas, transcripts, and certified translations (if applicable)
3. Apply online
• Visit ACEI’s Evaluation Services page to begin the application.
4. Receive your report
• Delivered digitally or by mail, depending on your preference
Final Thoughts
Illinois has a diverse population of internationally educated students and professionals. Getting your credentials evaluated is a key step whether you’re applying to a university, seeking a job, or obtaining licensure. You do not need to visit a local office—a trusted, nationally recognized evaluator like ACEI can help you complete the process from anywhere.
Begin your credential evaluation today and take the next step toward your academic or professional goals.
Begin your credential evaluation today and take the next step toward your academic or professional goals.
Click here to Start your application with ACEI
The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI), was founded in 1994 and is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. ACEI is a full-service company providing complete and integrated services in the areas of international education research, credential evaluation, and translation. acei-global.org
