If you’ve earned or are in the process of earning an undergraduate or graduate degree outside of North America, securing a credential evaluation is a critical step—especially when applying for university admission, professional licensing, or immigration. This detailed guide will walk you through the purpose, process, and best practices for obtaining such an evaluation.
What Is Credential Evaluation?
Credential evaluation is the process of comparing foreign academic achievements to the education standards in Canada or the United States. The resulting report serves as a trusted equivalency gauge, helping institutions like universities, licensing boards, employers, and immigration authorities understand your academic credentials.
These evaluations typically include:
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Verification of document authenticity
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Description of your credentials (e.g., degree type, level)
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Translated equivalency into North American academic standards
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Possibly a GPA equivalent or course-by-course detail depending on the type of evaluation
Types of Evaluation Reports — Choose What Suits Your Needs
Credential evaluators generally offer two main types of reports:
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Document-by-Document Evaluation
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Converts each academic credential into Canadian or U.S. equivalents without providing course-level details.
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Commonly used for job applications, immigration documentation, or freshman university admissions.
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Course-by-Course Evaluation
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Includes all features of the document-by-document report plus a subject-wise breakdown of courses, grades, credits, and a calculated GPA.
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Preferred or required for graduate admissions, credit transfers, and professional licensing boards.
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For immigration pathways—especially those managed by government agencies—specific types of evaluations (like Educational Credential Assessments) may be mandatory and often carry a multi-year validity.
Step-by-Step: Navigating the Evaluation Process
Here’s how to get started and complete your credential evaluation efficiently:
1. Register & Create Your Application
Start by applying for an evaluation, indicating your purpose (e.g., study, employment, licensing). Once submitted, you’re assigned a unique reference number—this must be included on all documentation you send to the evaluator.
2. Choose the Right Report Type
Select the evaluation format that matches your goals—either the basic equivalency or the detailed course breakdown. Your target institution or licensing body usually stipulates which one is required.
3. Prepare & Submit Academic Documents
Send official academic documents (transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates) directly from your institution in sealed and signed envelopes. If your documents are in a language other than English, a certified translation must accompany them. Evaluating organizations do not provide translation services—you need to arrange these externally.
4. Wait for Verification & Processing
Once your evaluator receives all the required documents and confirms their authenticity, the evaluation report is generated. Many providers aim to complete this within a few business days; however, actual timelines can vary widely depending on the evaluator and the origin of your documents.
5. Receive & Share Your Evaluation Report
The finalized report is sent to you and any institutions you designated during the application. Some services may also offer a “package” option—depending on your needs—that stores verified documents for future requests or enables quick forwarding to institutions.
Common Challenges & Delays to Anticipate
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Transcript processing times vary widely—some universities take weeks, even months, to issue official documents.
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Sealed transmission is often mandatory. Sending copies or self-handled originals risks rejection or delays.
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Language barriers: Translations must be certified and accurate; mistakes may require resubmission.
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Processing times may be longer than advertised, especially during peak admission cycles.
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Extra fees: Additional evaluation for updated records, document forwarding, or expedited service may require separate payments.
Digital Solutions & Extended Services
Many credential evaluation providers offer tech-enhanced services such as:
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Digital storage of credentials and evaluation reports
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Easy re-sending to future institutions (“send-on-demand” features)
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Centrally managed dashboards to track submission status
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Digital badges for verified credentials to share on social profiles
These options can make credential management more efficient, especially for repeat applicants.
Final Thoughts
A credential evaluation converts your academic accomplishments into recognized North American terms, opening pathways to higher education, professional licensure, and immigration. By:
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Choosing the right report type,
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Submitting documents correctly and promptly,
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Planning for possible delays, and
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Utilizing digital storage or forwarding services.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
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