Documents Required by The IERF

Created: Mar 8, 2024 | Updated: Mar 8, 2024

Are you trying to move to the United States for work, school or to further your career? This blog post is perfect for you. Today, we will be covering everything you need to know about the International Education Research Foundation (IERF) and how their work benefits you as an aspiring international student. Keep reading to understand the entire application process, the necessary documentation and some tips to make your journey easier.

Who are the IERF?

The International Education Research Foundation (IERF) was founded in 1969, making it the first-ever service to evaluate educational credentials such as degrees, diplomas, and transcripts from outside the United States of America. This non-profit organisation helps people who studied abroad show how their education matches up to U.S. standards, which is useful for those wanting to study more, work, or live in the States.

With over half a century of experience and hundreds of thousands of evaluations under its belt, IERF is a big name in the world of educational evaluations in the U.S. It has a team of native speakers from all over the world who speak over twenty languages, so they're good at understanding the education system of different places.

IERF is also one of the founders of The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), a group that sets the standard for how foreign educational credentials should be evaluated in the U.S. It was started by two university admissions officers, Inez Sepmeyer and Ted Sharp, who saw a need for a service like this to help international students and professionals fit into the U.S. education system and workforce. Their main job is to research education systems around the globe and then share their findings.

The Difference Between WES and IREFS

The difference between WES - World Education Services (WES) and IERF (International Education Research Foundation) primarily revolves around their services related to the evaluation of foreign educational credentials within the United States. Both organizations serve to translate foreign academic achievements into the U.S. educational system's equivalents, but they have different processes, services, and areas of expertise. Here's a distinct outline of their differences:

	WES	IERF
Services	WES provides credential evaluation services for individuals who have completed part of or their entire education outside the U.S. and Canada.	IERF also offers foreign credential evaluation services but with a focus on detailed research and custom evaluation, catering to those who want to establish their foreign credentials in the U.S.
Types of Evaluations	Offers two main types of evaluations – the Document-by-Document and the Course-by-Course evaluation.	Provides various evaluation reports, including General, Detailed, and Subject Analysis. The Detailed Report is similar to WES’s Course-by-Course evaluation.
Accreditations	WES is accredited by the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC) in Canada and is a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) in the U.S.	IERF is a founding member of NACES, highlighting its longstanding presence and recognition in the field of credential evaluation.
Specializations	While WES evaluates credentials from all around the world, its processes and recommendations are highly standardized, making it a preferred choice for many U.S. and Canadian institutions for admission and employment purposes.	IERF is known for its research-oriented approach to evaluation, often handling complex cases or those requiring detailed analysis of educational systems. This makes it particularly valuable for specialized or professional fields that may require a more nuanced understanding of an applicant's education background.

The Importance of IERF Recognition For Academic and Professional Purposes

IERF recognition is important for both academic and professional reasons, especially if you have educational credentials from outside the United States. Their recognition is important to you because:

It Facilitates Academic Integration: As an international student seeking admission into U.S. educational institutions, IERF recognition translates your foreign academic credentials into U.S. equivalents. This process helps admissions offices understand the value and level of your foreign qualifications so that you are placed appropriately in courses that match your educational background.
It Enhances Your Employment Opportunities: Employers in the U.S. may not be familiar with your country's education system. IERF recognition offers a standardized evaluation of foreign credentials, making it easier for employers to understand your qualifications which enhances your job prospects.
It Provides Research-Based Evaluations: With its extensive research on global educational systems, IERF provides evaluations that are not only accurate but also reflect the current trends and changes in international education. This aspect is particularly important for sectors that require up-to-date knowledge and skills.
It Boosts Confidence in Your Credentials: Having IERF recognition adds a layer of credibility to your educational background because it shows that your credentials have been thoroughly reviewed and authenticated by a reputable agency.
It Simplifies the Integration Process: By translating foreign educational experiences into familiar terms, IERF recognition simplifies your integration process into the U.S. educational system and workforce, making your transition and adaptation smoother.

Essential Documents for IERF Evaluation

IERF has specific requirements for evaluating academic credentials from outside the U.S. Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

Official Academic Records

For transcripts, mark sheets, examination certificates, or academic records: You must submit the official document showing your courses, hours of study/units/credits, and grades/marks, all in the original language. These documents need to be issued on the letterhead of your institution with official signatures and seals. If your credits are not detailed, provide program descriptions or syllabi.

For diplomas, graduation certificates and degree certificates: These must be submitted indicating that you have completed your studies, in the original language that it was issued in. If you did not earn the degree for whatever reason, you have to state that in writing.

Additional Documents: You can also submit your plan of studies or curriculum (if it is available) which indicates the structure of your study program. For the evaluation of doctoral studies, you must submit the following parts of your dissertation:

A copy of the title page.
The abstract.
The table of contents.
The first ten pages.

If you have postsecondary education, secondary education records aren't needed. However, undergraduate records are needed if you've completed graduate studies.

If you have any academic credentials from the United States, you will need to submit a copy of the transcript and/or diploma as supporting documents, however, they will not be included in the evaluation because U.S. institutions will evaluate credentials from the United States according to their own policies.

Original Documents

For licensure in fields like accounting and teaching and for many academic institutions, your original academic records will be required. Before applying for an IERF evaluation, you should contact the institution you want to send the report to to determine if they require that the evaluation be based on your original academic records.

Note that official certified true copies of academic records issued by your institution or relevant government body may be accepted as original copies, although notarized copies are not accepted.

Translations

If your documents are not issued in English, you need to submit line-by-line, word-for-word typed translations in the same format as the originals. Accurate certified translations are needed for IERF evaluations because they ensure that your educational qualifications and achievements are correctly understood and assessed according to U.S. standards. Without accurate translations, there's a risk of misinterpretation of your academic records, which could lead to errors in the equivalency determination, potentially impacting your academic and professional opportunities in the United States. Here’s how to get a certified translation for your IERF evaluation:

Visit the Translayte website.
Click on “Order Certified Translation”.
Select “Certified Translation”, select the target and source language, and your preferred turnover time.
Upload the document you want to translate. Ensure the file has been named correctly.
Select either the Standard, Specialist or Professional translation services, based on your needs and budget.
Indicate that you want a physical copy of your document if needed.
Place your order and wait for your translation. Your translation will be delivered to you either by email or by post on or before the stipulated time.

Translayte provides the best USCIS-certified translation services. You can get translations in any language, including certified English translations that you can use for your IERF evaluation. Our prices are affordable and our turn around time is swift. Request a quote today and let's make your IERF evaluation process a breeze.

Note that if you are submitting original translations, you have to include photocopies that are clear, legible and full-sized (printed front and back), otherwise, you will be charged a $20 fee by IREF. These photocopies will not be returned to you.

Proof of Name Change

If your name has changed, submit legal documentation of any name change.

Licensure in Acupuncture

If you are applying for an Acupuncture license, fill out the Acupuncture Transcript Request Form forward it to your school, and request that they mail it directly to IERF, along with your official academic records.

Transfer Credit or Credit for Study Abroad, Given by Your Home Institution

If you received credits from your home institution for any education you completed in another school or country outside the United States and you wish to have these studies included in your evaluation, you will have to send the official transcripts from the institutions that you received the credits for.

Timely Submission

Provide the requested documentation/fees within 4 months to avoid case closure and a re-opening fee. Check IERF’s website for detailed requirements based on your country of study, especially for international curricula and transnational programs.

Always keep copies of everything you submit for your own records and ensure you have all necessary documents before applying to avoid delays.

All you need to know about IERF evaluations

Key Translation Phrases for IERF Documents

For IERF documents, key translation phrases often relate to academic records, degrees, and educational systems. Ensuring these phrases are accurately translated is necessary for a clear understanding of your academic achievements. Here are some common terms that will be translated:

Transcript of Records or Academic Transcript: Detailed record of your learning and grades at an educational institution.
Degree Certificate/Diploma: Official document awarded by an educational institution when you complete a course of study.
Credit Hours or Units: A measure of the amount of instruction received in each course.
Grade Point Average (GPA): A numerical calculation that represents the average of your grades.
Course Descriptions/Syllabi: Summaries of the content and objectives of courses taken.
Official Seals and Signatures: These are indicators of the authenticity of the document.
Date of Issue/Expiry: Dates on which documents were issued and when they expire, if applicable.
Notarisation: Notarisation is the official process of having a document certified by a notary public, confirming the authenticity of signatures and the document's validity.
Legalisation: Legalisation is the process by which an official authority verifies the authenticity of a document's signature and seal, making it legally valid in a foreign country.
Program of Study or Field of Study: The specific area of your academic focus.
Degree Earned or Qualification: The specific degree or qualification awarded when you complete your studies.

How to Apply For an IERF Evaluation

Visit the IERF website.
Click on the red button that says, “Apply Now”.
After reading the instructions, click on “Agree and Start Application”.
Fill in all the required information.
Specify the type of evaluation you need as well as your preferred delivery method. At any point in the application, you can save and continue later using a temporary reference number and your birth date.
Review your application and make any changes you want. You can also leave a note for the IERF evaluators.
You will receive a file number, a confirmation message and a unique barcode after you have completed and sent your application. Print the barcode out and include it with the documents that you will be mailing to IERF.
Send your original documents to IERF preferably through a courier service that can be tracked like DHL or UPS. Your mail should be addressed to International Education Research Foundation, Inc., 10736 Jefferson Blvd. #532, Culver City, CA 90230. You can also place a call to the IERF contact number: 310.258.9451. There is no walk-in service so you cannot drop off your documents at their office.
You will receive your evaluated documents along with the originals in the mail in about 15 business days.

IERF Evaluation Fees

General Report (document-by-document report): $100
Detail Report (course-by-course report): $195
Detail Report with Course Level Identification (course-by-course report with course level identification): $235
Rush Services: For an expedited service, personal checks will not be accepted. All fees must be paid by cashier’s check, money order or credit card only. Rush applications, documentation and payments received after noon PST/PDT will be considered to have been received the next business day. The fees are as follows:
24-hour rush service: $200 in addition to the evaluation fees.
5-day rush service: $85 in addition to the evaluation fees.
10-day rush service: $60 in addition to the evaluation fees.

Tips for a Smooth IERF Application Process

Start The Process Early: Allow ample time for document collection, translation, and authentication. Start by collecting all necessary documents, including academic records, diplomas, and any required translations.
Adhere to IERF Guidelines: Use the IERF guidelines to identify exactly what is needed for your specific situation and strictly follow their requirements to avoid delays.
Understand Country-Specific Requirements: IERF provides detailed information on required documentation based on the country of study. Make sure to review these requirements carefully to avoid missing any critical documents.
Keep Detailed Records: Before sending your documents to IERF, make copies of your documents. This is important in case you need a reference or if any documents get lost during the process.
Verify Your Translations: Ensure translations are certified and reflect the original's accuracy.
Seek Clarification: If you have questions or need clarification, don't hesitate to contact IERF directly to prevent misunderstandings and delays.
Review Your Application Before Submitting: Double-check your application and documents to ensure everything is complete, accurate, and in the correct format before submitting.

FAQs

What Documents Are Required For IERF Evaluation?

The documents required for IERF evaluations include official academic records, diplomas, and specific professional certifications, tailored to the level of education being evaluated.

Is Translation Required For IERF Documents, And How Can I Ensure Accuracy?

Yes, a translation is required for non-English documents. To ensure that your documents are translated correctly and accurately, you need to use certified translation services that are experienced with academic content.