What Is a Credential Evaluation?
A credential evaluation is a report that explains how your education from one country compares with the education system of another. It translates the level of your qualifications, the credits and the grades into terms that universities, employers and licensing boards in the new country can understand. It is often used by international applicants to universities in the United States and Canada, and for immigration and professional licensing.
Types of evaluation
- Document-by-document: confirms that your degree is authentic and states its equivalency, for example "equivalent to a US bachelor's degree".
- Course-by-course: lists each course, with its level, credits and grade equivalents, and often calculates a US-style GPA. Universities may use it for admission and transfer credit.
- Specialized evaluations: for professional fields such as engineering, teaching or health care, which may be handled by licensing boards.
Who provides them
In the US, a number of independent organizations provide evaluations, and some belong to professional associations. Universities usually list the services they accept. In Canada, provincial or national bodies and approved agencies provide evaluations for education and immigration. Always check that a service is accepted by the institution or authority you are applying to before paying.
What you need
- Official transcripts and degree certificates, often sent directly by your school to the evaluator.
- Translations, if documents are not in the language the service accepts.
- A completed application form and the fee.
- Identification and details of where the report should be sent.
Costs and timing
Fees depend on the type of report and the speed. Start well ahead of deadlines, since waiting for documents from overseas can take weeks. Some universities offer their own evaluation of international documents at no extra cost.
Using the report
Submit the evaluation to the university or authority as instructed. The report does not guarantee admission or credit. The receiving institution makes the final decision, and may look at your records in more detail.
Tips
- Ask which service to use before ordering.
- Order enough copies, and check how the report is delivered.
- Be wary of unofficial agents who promise acceptance.
- Check grade conversions for errors.
- Keep your own copies of all documents.
Related terms
See apostille, transcript, diploma supplement, letter of acceptance and baccalaureate.
Frequently asked questions
Do all universities require a credential evaluation?
No. Many assess international applicants themselves. Some require an evaluation from a recognized service, and others accept either. Check each university's admissions page.
What types of evaluation are there?
A document-by-document report confirms authenticity and equivalency, and a course-by-course report lists each course with US or local credits and grades, and calculates a GPA.
How long does an evaluation take?
From a few days to several weeks, depending on the service, the speed you choose and how quickly your documents arrive. Start early.