After submitting your academic documents and waiting patiently for the credential evaluation process to be completed, you finally receive your report. However, upon reviewing it, you notice something doesn’t look right. Maybe there’s a spelling mistake in your name, an incorrect academic title, or an unexpected equivalency result. Understandably, this can be frustrating, especially when the evaluation plays a critical role in your plans for immigration, employment, or further education.
If you’ve found an error on your report or disagree with the result of your credential evaluation, you are not alone. This is a common concern for many applicants. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to address these issues. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know if you find yourself in this situation.
Understanding the Nature of Credential Evaluation Reports
Before diving into your options, it’s important to understand what a credential evaluation report is and what it aims to do. These reports assess your academic credentials from a foreign institution and provide an equivalency in terms of the educational standards of the country you are applying to—often Canada, the United States, or other internationally recognized systems.
The evaluation is typically conducted by experts who follow strict academic frameworks, international recognition practices, and historical data on institutions worldwide. Despite this rigorous process, errors can still happen, and in some cases, applicants may have genuine grounds for disputing the results.
Common Types of Errors on Evaluation Reports
Not every issue on a report is a misjudgment in academic equivalency. Many discrepancies arise due to:
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Clerical mistakes: Misspellings in names, incorrect dates of birth, or formatting issues.
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Mislabeling of credentials: Incorrect interpretation of degree titles or academic programs.
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Omitted credentials or documents: If one of your qualifications was not evaluated due to a missing document or unclear information.
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Misunderstood grading scales: Inconsistencies caused by how foreign grading systems are converted.
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Incomplete or incorrect translations: If translations submitted were inaccurate, the evaluation might reflect those errors.
What If You Simply Don’t Agree with the Result?
It’s essential to separate objective errors from subjective dissatisfaction. If you believe the evaluation result is lower than you expected (for example, a Master’s degree from your home country being equated to a Postgraduate Diploma), that doesn’t necessarily mean an error has occurred. The evaluation body bases decisions on equivalency standards that take into account factors such as:
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Duration of study
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Recognition of the awarding institution
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Curriculum and academic rigor
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Official status of the credential in the country of origin
That said, if you still believe your report does not accurately reflect your academic background, you may request a review or reassessment.
Steps to Take If You Find an Error or Disagree with the Report
Here’s what you can do if you spot an error or disagree with the result:
1. Carefully Review the Report
Start by reading the entire report thoroughly. Check for factual accuracy in all the following areas:
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Personal details
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Names and titles of academic credentials
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Dates of study
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Institution name and location
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Grading scales and final result interpretations
If any of these are incorrect, document them clearly.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation
If you are disputing the evaluation or reporting an error, collect the necessary documentation:
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Corrected or updated academic transcripts
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Degree certificates
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Official letters from your institution
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Certified translations (if applicable)
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Any correspondence indicating errors during document submission
Documentation is key—claims made without supporting evidence are rarely considered.
3. Submit a Written Request for Review or Correction
You will need to contact the evaluation body and submit a formal written request. In your request:
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Clearly describe the error or point of disagreement
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State what outcome you are seeking (e.g., correction of a credential name, reassessment of equivalency)
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Attach relevant supporting documentation
The request should be concise, professional, and respectful. Keep a record of all communications.
4. Understand the Review Policy
Different credential evaluation authorities have their own policies regarding corrections and reassessments. Some allow for minor corrections to be made at no cost, while others may charge a fee for more in-depth reevaluations.
Processing times may vary depending on the nature of the correction. Clerical corrections may take a few days, while full reassessments could take several weeks or more.
Will the Report Be Revised?
If the issue is a simple clerical error (misspelling, incorrect date, etc.), it is very likely that the report will be corrected and a new version issued.
If the issue involves a challenge to the equivalency result, it may be subjected to a deeper review. In most cases, the evaluation body will only revise the report if:
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There was a factual or interpretive error
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New, credible documents change the outcome
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The evaluation was conducted using outdated criteria or misapplied academic standards
However, changes based solely on an applicant’s expectations or preferences are not entertained.
Can I Appeal the Outcome?
In situations where a review or correction request is denied and you still believe the decision is incorrect, some authorities offer a formal appeals process. This typically involves:
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Submitting a detailed appeal letter
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Providing additional academic evidence or expert verification
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Complying with a strict deadline
The appeal is usually reviewed by a different evaluator or panel to ensure objectivity.
Best Practices for Applicants
To reduce the chance of errors and disagreements in the first place, keep these best practices in mind:
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Double-check all submitted documents for accuracy and completeness
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Use certified translations from reliable agencies
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Follow the application guidelines closely
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Provide explanatory notes for unusual credentials or education systems
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Consult with professionals who specialize in document submission and academic equivalency
Final Thoughts
Finding an error on your credential evaluation report—or feeling dissatisfied with the result—can be disheartening. However, there is a clear process to address these issues. Whether it’s a simple correction or a request for reassessment, being thorough, professional, and prepared with the right documentation can help you seek a fair outcome.
