Verifying academic credentials from different countries requires knowledge of local educational systems and official channels. When it comes to El Salvador, understanding how to authenticate high school records is essential for credential evaluators, admissions officers, and employers alike. In this blog, we outline the key steps for verifying high school documents issued in El Salvador.
Understanding the Issuing Authority
In El Salvador, secondary education is regulated by the Ministerio de Educación de El Salvador (MINED). This government body oversees both public and private secondary institutions. Students who complete secondary education are awarded the Título de Bachiller (High School Diploma), along with a transcript of grades, known as the Certificación de Estudios or Certificación de Notas.
Private schools must be recognized and authorized by MINED to issue valid credentials. Therefore, ensuring that the institution is officially sanctioned is the first step in the verification process.
Key Documents to Verify
- Título de Bachiller (High School Diploma)
- Certificación de Estudios / Notas (Transcript of Grades)
These documents are typically in Spanish and bear the school’s seal, authorized signatures, and, in most cases, stamps from the Ministry.
How to Verify Salvadoran High School Credentials
- Contact the Ministry of Education (MINED)
The most authoritative way to verify documents is directly through MINED. Here’s how:
- Online Portal:
The portal https://consultaestudiantil.mined.gob.sv is designed for student records verification, though it’s primarily used within El Salvador. - Email Request:
For credential evaluators and institutions abroad, sending a formal email to MINED is recommended. Include the following:- Scanned copies of the diploma and transcript
- Full name of the applicant
- Year of graduation
- Name of the issuing school
- A formal request for verification
Suggested email contacts:
- Verify with the Issuing School
If the school is still operational, it may be possible to reach out directly. Provide the same information as you would to MINED, and ask for written confirmation of the student’s attendance, graduation, and the authenticity of the documents issued.
- Consult the Salvadoran Embassy or Consulate
In cases where contact with MINED or the school proves difficult, the nearest Salvadoran consulate or embassy can often assist with verification, document authentication, or guidance on appropriate steps.
Watch for Red Flags
When reviewing documents, keep an eye out for:
- Schools not listed by MINED
- Unofficial-looking documents (e.g., handwritten or missing official seals)
- Inconsistent grading formats
Official documents from El Salvador are typically printed on letterhead and include signatures and embossed seals or stamps.
Evaluation Notes for Credential Analysts
- The Título de Bachiller is generally considered equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
- The Salvadoran education system follows a 6-3-3 structure: 6 years of primary, 3 years of lower secondary, and 3 years of upper secondary.
- Grading is on a 0–10 scale, with 6 as the minimum passing grade.
Conclusion
Properly verifying high school credentials from El Salvador ensures both institutional compliance and academic integrity. By consulting MINED, verifying school legitimacy, and checking for document authenticity, institutions and evaluators can confidently assess Salvadoran academic records.
If you’re an admissions officer or credential evaluator looking for assistance verifying international documents, contact us at ACEI. We’re here to help ensure accuracy, consistency, and recognition across borders.
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, training and consultancy. https://acei-global.org/
