Where to Evaluate Your International Degree in the USA

In today’s interconnected world, education and career opportunities often span multiple countries. For international students and professionals aiming to work or continue their education in the USA, having their international degrees evaluated is crucial. This evaluation helps ensure that their qualifications are understood and recognized by U.S. employers, educational institutions, and licensing boards. This guide provides a detailed overview of where to evaluate your international degree in the USA, including top credential evaluation services, the evaluation process, and tips for choosing the right service.

Understanding Credential Evaluation

Credential evaluation is the process of comparing academic and professional qualifications earned in one country to the standards of education and employment in another country. In the context of the USA, credential evaluation helps determine the equivalency of an international degree to a U.S. degree. This evaluation is essential for:

Employment: Employers need to understand the educational background of international candidates.
Further Education: Universities and colleges assess international students’ previous academic achievements to place them in appropriate programs.
Licensure: Professional licensing boards require credential evaluations to ensure that applicants meet the necessary qualifications.
Immigration: Some visa categories, such as the H-1B, require a credential evaluation as part of the application process.

Types of Credential Evaluations

Several types of credential evaluations serve different purposes:

Document-by-Document Evaluation: Provides a summary of your educational background, including institutions attended, dates of attendance, and credentials earned.
Course-by-Course Evaluation: Offers a detailed analysis, providing U.S. credit equivalencies and grades for each course. Often required for further education and certain professional licensures.
Specialized Evaluations: Tailored for specific purposes, such as teacher certification, nursing licensure, or immigration.

Top Credential Evaluation Services in the USA

Here are some of the top credential evaluation agencies in the USA:

Document Evaluation

Overview: Document Evaluation provides comprehensive and trusted credential evaluation services, including academic and work experience evaluations and expert opinion letters.
Services Offered: Document-by-document, course-by-course evaluations, and specialized assessments tailored to individual needs.
Process: Applicants can submit their documents online or via mail. The company provides clear instructions and a user-friendly platform for tracking the evaluation process.
Pros: Offers personalized service and detailed evaluations tailored to various needs, including academic, professional, and immigration purposes. Recognized for its fast and reliable service.
Cons: The fee structure might be higher for expedited services compared to other agencies.

World Education Services (WES)

Overview: WES is a leading credential evaluation service established in 1974, having evaluated over three million credentials.
Services Offered: Document-by-document, course-by-course, and specialized evaluations.
Process: Applicants create an account, submit their documents, and track the process online. WES has a comprehensive verification process.
Pros: Widely recognized by employers and institutions. Fast turnaround times and a robust online platform.
Cons: Higher fees compared to some other services; strict document requirements.

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Overview: ECE, established in 1980, is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Services Offered: Document-by-document, course-by-course, and specialized evaluations.
Process: Submit documents online or by mail with detailed country-specific guidelines.
Pros: Thorough evaluations, competitive pricing, and discounts for certain applicants.
Cons: Longer processing times during peak periods.

International Education Evaluations (IEE)

Overview: IEE has provided credential evaluations for over 30 years and is a NACES member.
Services Offered: Document-by-document, course-by-course, and specialized evaluations.
Process: Documents can be submitted online or by mail with detailed country-specific guides.
Pros: Competitive pricing, expedited services, and a customer-centric approach.
Cons: May not be as widely recognized as WES or ECE.

American Education Research Corporation (AERC)

Overview: AERC, established in 1994, is a NACES member offering various evaluation services.
Services Offered: Document-by-document, course-by-course, and specialized evaluations.
Process: Submit documents online or by mail with clear instructions.
Pros: Accurate evaluations, competitive pricing, and expedited services.
Cons: Longer processing times, especially during peak periods.

International Education Research Foundation (IERF)

Overview: IERF, established in 1969, is one of the oldest credential evaluation services and a NACES member.
Services Offered: Document-by-document, course-by-course, and specialized evaluations.
Process: Online or mail submission with detailed guidelines.
Pros: Widely recognized, competitive pricing, and a range of services.
Cons: Processing time can be longer; online platform may be less user-friendly.

Steps to Get Your International Degree Evaluated

Research and Choose an Evaluation Service: Start by researching the credential evaluation services listed above. Consider factors such as recognition, cost, processing time, and the specific requirements of your employer or educational institution.
Create an Account and Complete the Application: Once you have chosen an evaluation service, create an account on their website and complete the application form. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your educational background.
Submit Your Documents: Gather and submit the required documents. This typically includes academic transcripts, degree certificates, and translations if necessary. Follow the specific document submission guidelines provided by the evaluation service.
Pay the Evaluation Fee: Pay the evaluation fee, which varies depending on the type of evaluation and the service provider. Some agencies offer expedited services for an additional fee.
Track Your Evaluation: Most evaluation services provide an online tracking system. Use this system to monitor the status of your evaluation and receive updates.
Receive Your Evaluation Report: Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive a detailed report. This report will include information about the equivalency of your international degree to a U.S. degree, course-by-course analysis (if applicable), and any other relevant details.

Tips for Choosing the Right Credential Evaluation Service

Recognition: Ensure that the evaluation service is recognized by the institution or employer you are applying to. Check their membership in organizations such as NACES or AICE.
Cost: Compare the fees of different evaluation services. Consider any additional costs for expedited services or extra copies of the evaluation report.
Processing Time: Consider the processing time, especially if you have a tight deadline. Some services offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Customer Service: Look for evaluation services that offer excellent customer support. Read reviews and testimonials from other applicants to gauge their experiences.
Document Requirements: Check the document requirements for each evaluation service. Some services have stricter requirements, which can be challenging to meet.
Specialization: If you need a specialized evaluation (e.g., for professional licensure), choose a service that offers this specific type of evaluation.

Conclusion

Evaluating your international degree in the USA is a crucial step for ensuring that your qualifications are recognized and valued. With various credential evaluation services available, including Document Evaluation, it’s essential to select the right one based on your needs, budget, and timeline. Understanding the process and choosing a reputable evaluation service can pave the way for a successful academic or professional journey in the United States. Whether you are seeking employment, further education, or professional licensure, a thorough and accurate credential evaluation will help you achieve your goals and open doors to new opportunities.