For individuals seeking recognition of their international educational qualifications—particularly at the high school level—obtaining a comprehensive credential evaluation is a critical step. Whether your goal is to continue your studies in a new academic environment, apply for a professional program, or fulfill immigration or employment requirements, understanding what a comprehensive evaluation entails and whether you will be awarded credit for your high school courses is essential.
This blog aims to clarify the process, expectations, and outcomes for those who are considering a comprehensive evaluation of their high school education and wish to understand how credits may be assigned.
What is a Comprehensive Evaluation?
A comprehensive evaluation is a detailed analysis of your educational documents. It goes beyond simply confirming the level and authenticity of your academic credentials. Instead, it includes:
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A course-by-course assessment
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Comparisons of each course to the equivalent curriculum in the destination country (e.g., Canada, the United States)
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Assignment of credit hours where applicable
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Inclusion of grade point equivalents (if applicable)
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Identification of the level of education completed (e.g., secondary school diploma)
This type of evaluation is most commonly required for admissions to educational institutions, licensing boards, and sometimes employers who need to understand your academic background in detail.
Can You Receive Credit for High School Courses?
Yes, it is often possible to receive credit recognition for your high school courses through a comprehensive evaluation. However, the extent and format of that credit assignment depend on several factors:
1. Curriculum Structure in Your Country
Evaluation agencies look at how your high school program compares to the standards in the destination country. For instance:
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Did your program cover subjects like Mathematics, English, Sciences, Social Studies, etc.?
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Were there clearly defined levels (e.g., Grade 9–12)?
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Was your final year of secondary school equivalent to a senior high school diploma?
If your curriculum aligns closely with North American standards, your courses are more likely to be assigned equivalent credit hours.
2. Official Transcripts and Documentation
To evaluate and assign credit accurately, evaluators require:
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Transcripts showing subjects studied
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Grades received
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Years of attendance
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Any national exam results (if applicable)
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A certificate or diploma of completion
The more detailed and transparent your documentation is, the easier it is for evaluators to determine credit equivalencies.
3. Grading System and Course Load
The evaluation agency must understand how your educational system measures performance. Therefore, your grading scale and the number of instructional hours per subject are important in determining credit values.
For example, a subject studied for a full academic year may be comparable to a full credit course in the destination system, while a single-semester subject might be equivalent to a half-credit course.
How Are Credits Assigned?
When evaluating high school studies, credits may be assigned based on:
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The total instructional time per subject (e.g., a 120-hour course might be considered one full credit)
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The content and learning outcomes of the course
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Comparability to local high school subjects (e.g., your “Mathematics Year 12” might match with “Grade 12 Pre-Calculus”)
The evaluation will typically result in a course-by-course report that lists:
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The subject title (translated and adapted)
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Your grade or percentage
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The equivalent level in the destination system
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Assigned credit hours
This detailed breakdown allows admissions committees, employers, or licensing boards to judge whether you meet entry or eligibility requirements.
Importance of Recognized Schools and Examination Boards
To ensure that your evaluation is accepted and meaningful, your high school must be:
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Recognized by the government or official education authority in your country
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Authorized to award high school diplomas or certificates
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Able to issue verifiable records (transcripts, diplomas)
If you completed your high school under a recognized board (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, O-Level, IB, or a national state board), your credentials are more likely to be understood and credit-worthy in an international context.
Who Benefits From Credit Assignment in a Comprehensive Evaluation?
You might benefit from assigned high school credits if you are:
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Applying to college or university and need to meet prerequisite requirements (e.g., Grade 12 Math or English)
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Entering a professional certification program that requires proof of certain courses (e.g., sciences for nursing or medical programs)
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Seeking to prove eligibility for a high school diploma equivalency in the destination country
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Applying to a licensing authority that needs proof of certain academic competencies at the secondary level
Special Note for Vocational or Specialized High School Studies
If you completed a high school program with a vocational or technical focus (e.g., business, engineering drawing, nursing assistant training), credit assignment will depend on how your courses compare academically to those in a general education program. In some cases, these specialized courses may be assigned partial or full credits, while in others, they may be marked as “non-credit” if they do not match a high school-level academic subject.
What If No Credits Are Assigned?
If your courses do not directly match high school subjects in the destination country, or if there is insufficient documentation, the evaluation report may simply state that you have completed the equivalent of secondary education without assigning individual credits. This can still be useful for general admissions or immigration purposes, even if course-by-course credits are not given.
Final Thoughts
A comprehensive evaluation of your high school studies can provide a powerful validation of your academic background—particularly when detailed, credit-based analysis is necessary. If you are applying to a college, university, or licensing body that requires proof of completed secondary-level courses, this evaluation can help translate your credentials into a format that is easily understood and accepted.
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