If you’re beginning your journey toward international education, immigration, or professional licensing, you’ll likely encounter a requirement to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). One of the most common questions applicants have is whether it’s necessary to submit all academic credentials for evaluation, including high school transcripts and certificates.
This comprehensive guide addresses that question in detail. Whether you’re planning to move abroad, continue your studies, or apply for permanent residency under a points-based immigration system, understanding what to submit for an ECA is critical for a smooth and successful application.
What Is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
An Educational Credential Assessment is a process conducted by a recognized credential evaluation body to determine the equivalency of your foreign education to the educational standards of the destination country. It verifies your degree or diploma and indicates whether it is comparable to a local credential at the same academic level.
An ECA is often mandatory for skilled immigration, education admission, and some licensing or professional certification processes.
Is It Mandatory to Submit All Credentials?
No, it is not always mandatory to submit all your credentials, including high school qualifications, unless specifically required.
Most immigration and academic institutions require only your highest completed credential. For example, if you have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, such as a master’s or professional degree, you typically do not need to submit your high school credentials.
However, there are exceptions depending on the purpose of the ECA and the organization to which you are submitting it.
When You May Not Need to Submit High School Credentials
1. Applying for Immigration (e.g., Express Entry)
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In most immigration applications under skilled worker programs, only your highest post-secondary credential is needed to award points for education.
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If you have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, you generally don’t need to include high school documents.
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Submitting only your highest qualification can speed up the evaluation process and avoid unnecessary delays.
2. If You’re Not Claiming Points for High School
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If your high school education does not contribute to your immigration points or is not required for the assessment, omitting it won’t negatively affect your application.
When You May Need to Submit High School Credentials
1. You Have No Post-secondary Education
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If your highest level of education is a high school diploma or secondary school certificate, then you must submit it to receive any educational points or consideration.
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This is especially relevant for applicants whose college or university education may not be recognized or accredited.
2. The Assessment Body Requests It
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Some assessment agencies may ask for additional documents, including high school records, if they cannot clearly assess your higher education without it.
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In rare cases, if there are inconsistencies or gaps in your academic timeline, they may require a complete academic history.
3. Licensing or Professional Boards
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Some professional regulatory authorities (such as those in healthcare, engineering, or law) might require all academic records, including secondary schooling, especially if your high school studies form a prerequisite for professional training.
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If you’re seeking licensure, it is best to check the exact documentation required by the regulatory authority.
4. University or College Admission
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For academic admission into undergraduate programs, institutions might require high school transcripts, even if you have partially completed post-secondary education.
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In graduate admissions, undergraduate records are essential, but secondary school certificates might be requested as part of your academic background verification.
Strategic Considerations for ECA Submission
✅ Submit Only What Is Necessary
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If the purpose is immigration and you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, submit only your highest credential to save time and cost.
✅ Consider Getting Multiple Credentials Evaluated (If Beneficial)
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If you have two or more post-secondary qualifications (e.g., a diploma and a degree), submitting both may qualify you for additional points, especially under certain immigration systems.
✅ Include High School Only When Required
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If there’s a specific requirement for a full academic history or a particular credential pathway (such as 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 systems), high school transcripts might be useful to demonstrate the education structure.
✅ Always Refer to the Official Guidelines
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Requirements may vary depending on the destination country, purpose of the ECA, and the evaluation agency. Always refer to the official documentation checklist or contact the organization if in doubt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting too many documents unnecessarily: This can slow down processing times and increase costs.
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Forgetting to submit supporting documents for post-secondary education: Some institutions require mark sheets, degree certificates, and verification letters.
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Assuming that one ECA covers all purposes: Immigration ECAs might differ in requirements from academic or licensure ECAs.
Final Thoughts
The decision to submit all academic credentials, including your high school diploma, depends on your goals, the evaluation agency’s requirements, and the regulations of the country or organization you’re applying to. In most immigration scenarios, your highest completed post-secondary credential will suffice.
However, if your education history is limited to secondary school or if you’re applying for university admission or professional licensing, including your high school records might be essential. Always tailor your document submission based on the purpose of your application and carefully read the requirements of the evaluating authority.
