If you’re planning to study, immigrate, or work in a foreign country, getting your educational credentials evaluated is a critical step. Credential evaluation helps determine the equivalency of your academic qualifications with the standards of the destination country. Without it, your degree or diploma may not be recognized abroad, potentially impacting your opportunities for higher education, employment, or residency.
This comprehensive blog will guide you through the entire process of educational credential evaluation, why it’s necessary, who needs it, how to prepare for it, and how to choose the right service for your goals.
What Is Educational Credential Evaluation?
Educational credential evaluation is a formal assessment conducted by authorized agencies that compares academic qualifications from one country to those in another. The process involves analyzing transcripts, degree certificates, and other relevant educational documents to determine their equivalency in terms of level, content, and recognition.
It’s commonly used for:
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University admissions abroad
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Immigration purposes
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Employment applications
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Professional licensing and certification
Why Do You Need Credential Evaluation?
Your educational qualifications may not automatically be understood or accepted in another country due to different academic systems. A credential evaluation offers:
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International Recognition: Establishes the value of your academic credentials globally.
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Immigration Requirements: Mandatory for Express Entry or skilled migration programs in countries like Canada and the US.
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University Admissions: Required for foreign universities to understand your prior learning.
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Employment Verification: Helps employers verify your qualifications.
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Professional Licensing: Many regulated professions require evaluated credentials to grant licenses or certification.
When Should You Apply?
Timing is critical. Here are the ideal moments to begin the process:
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Before applying to universities abroad
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Before submitting immigration applications (such as Canada’s Express Entry)
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Prior to job applications that demand international qualification recognition
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Before starting professional licensure procedures
Step-by-Step Process for Credential Evaluation
Let’s break down the credential evaluation journey into easy steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Evaluation Agency
There are different evaluation bodies around the world, including:
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WES (World Education Services)
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ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)
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ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service)
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CES (Comparative Education Service)
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IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)
Select an agency based on:
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Purpose (immigration, education, employment)
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Acceptance by your target institution or authority
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Evaluation type required (Course-by-Course, Document-by-Document, etc.)
Step 2: Understand the Type of Evaluation You Need
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Course-by-Course Evaluation: Includes detailed analysis of each subject, grades, and credit hours. Commonly used for academic admissions.
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Document-by-Document Evaluation: Summarizes degree equivalency without in-depth course breakdown. Often used for employment or immigration.
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Professional Evaluation: Customized for licensing bodies to determine if your degree meets local professional requirements.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Each agency has specific document requirements, but common documents include:
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Degree certificate(s)
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Academic transcripts (mark sheets or grade reports)
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Medium of Instruction certificate (if required)
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Government-issued ID or passport copy
Note: Some agencies require the documents to be sent directly by your university in sealed envelopes.
Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees
Once you’ve selected the agency and gathered your documents:
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Create an account on the evaluation agency’s portal.
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Fill in your academic details and personal information.
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Upload or arrange for submission of required documents.
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Pay the applicable evaluation fee.
Step 5: Track and Receive Your Report
Evaluation agencies usually take 2–8 weeks to process your documents. You can track your application status online. After evaluation:
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You will receive an official report.
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The agency may send the report directly to your institution or immigration authority.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Credential Evaluation
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Check Documentation Requirements in Advance: Each agency has unique submission rules. Ensure you’re complying with their document format, translations, and envelope sealing criteria.
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Use Verified Transcript Services: If your university does not directly send transcripts abroad, work with a verified academic documentation provider who can facilitate this securely.
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Translate Non-English Documents: All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.
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Avoid Delays by Cross-Checking Names: Make sure your name matches exactly across all documents including ID, transcripts, and certificates.
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Allow Extra Time for Older Records: If your records date back several years, obtaining them may take longer, especially from Indian or international universities with manual archives.
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Follow Up: If your university is sending the transcripts, regularly follow up with them and confirm delivery with the evaluation agency.
Common Challenges Applicants Face
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University Delays: Some universities take a long time to process transcript requests, causing delays in credential evaluation.
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Incomplete Submissions: Missing or incorrect documents can cause rejections or prolong processing times.
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Not Meeting Sealing Requirements: Evaluation agencies often reject transcripts not sent in sealed, signed envelopes.
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Choosing the Wrong Report Type: Picking the incorrect evaluation report can cause your application to be denied or delayed by foreign institutions.
How to Choose a Reliable Academic Documentation Partner
While universities can send transcripts directly, many students and professionals prefer working with trusted academic documentation service providers to save time and avoid errors. A good service provider offers:
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University liaison and follow-up
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Document collection and verification
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Sealed and verified delivery to evaluation agencies
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Faster turnaround time
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Updates and tracking support
Make sure the provider you choose is experienced, credible, and familiar with your university’s processes and the requirements of your evaluation agency.
Countries That Commonly Require Credential Evaluation
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Canada: WES, ICES, IQAS, ICAS evaluations required for immigration and education
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United States: WES, ECE, and NACES members are widely used for education and licensing
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United Kingdom: UK ENIC evaluates foreign qualifications
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Australia: Qualifications assessed by assessing authorities like ACS, Engineers Australia, etc.
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New Zealand: NZQA credential assessment is common
Final Thoughts
Getting your educational credentials evaluated is not just a formality—it’s a gateway to unlocking new academic, immigration, and professional opportunities abroad. The process may seem overwhelming at first, but with proper planning, document readiness, and possibly the help of a trusted service provider, it becomes manageable and stress-free.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
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- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
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