What is credential evaluation?
Credential evaluation is the process of assessing and comparing academic qualifications earned outside the United States to the U.S. education system. It determines the equivalency of foreign degrees, diplomas, and certificates, helping institutions and employers understand their value in a local context.
This evaluation is essential for international students, immigrants, and professionals pursuing further education, licensure, or employment in the U.S. Trusted evaluators, such as members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or agencies like IERF (International Education Research Foundation), follow strict ethical and verification standards. They work directly with academic institutions to confirm the authenticity of documents and ensure fair comparisons, supporting a smoother transition into the American education system or job market.
Types of credential evaluations
Most credential evaluators offer three primary types of evaluations:
Document-by-document credential evaluation:
This offers a general overview of your educational qualifications. It outlines the foreign institutions you attended and the degrees or certificates you earned, and compares them to USA equivalents. This type of evaluation is typically used for employment or immigration purposes, where a broad understanding of your educational background is sufficient.
Course-by-course credential evaluation
This provides a detailed analysis of each diploma or degree certificate you obtained abroad, listing all the courses you took along with their USA equivalents, grades, and credits. This type of evaluation is often required for academic purposes, such as transferring credits to an American university or applying for professional licenses, where a detailed understanding of your coursework is necessary.
Professional work experience evaluation
This assesses your work history and experience to determine how it aligns with USA education standards. It is typically used for immigration purposes, such as H-1B visa applications, where your job roles, responsibilities, and employment duration are analysed and compared with an academic equivalent that American institutions and employers recognise.
Best credential evaluation services in the USA
World Education Services (WES)
WES is highly recognised and trusted by American educational institutions and employers. Being a NACES member, it offers comprehensive foreign credential evaluation services, including document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations. Basic evaluations start at $118 for document-by-document and $186 for course-by-course, while the ICAP tier starts at $171 for document-by-document and $239 for course-by-course. Evaluations are typically completed within two weeks, but complex cases may take six to eight weeks. See what you need to translate documents for WES.
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Many American academic institutions recognise the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) rigorous assessment methodology, making it a preferred choice for foreigners applying for student visas. This NACES member agency offers general and course-by-course evaluations for various purposes, including employment, immigration, education, and military requirements. ECE’s base price is $110 for a General report and $199 for a course-by-course report. The average processing time is five business days.
International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
The IERF offers one of the best credential evaluation services in the USA, including General, Detailed, and Detailed-with-Course Level Identification reports. Fees range from $100 for a General Report to $235 for a Detailed Report with Course Level Identification. IERF aims to mail education evaluations within 15 business days (10 business days for immigration reports). Rush services are also available at an additional cost and turnaround times from 24 hours to ten business days, depending on urgency.
The Evaluation Company (Formerly SpanTran)
The Evaluation Company (TEC), previously known as SpanTran, provides foreign degree evaluation, expert opinions, and verifications for educational, immigration, and professional licensure purposes. Their services include general and course-specific analyses, with pricing that varies by service and urgency, including standard and rush processing options. Standard pricing starts at $95 for a General Analysis and $190 for a Course Analysis, delivered in 10 business days.
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI)
The ACEI is known for its ethical standards and commitment to providing accurate assessments. Their services include basic and comprehensive evaluations, with a specific evaluation report that details educational equivalencies, course levels, and grades. Fees vary depending on the type of evaluation, ranging from $115 for basic credential evaluation reports to $275 for detailed course-by-course analyses with additional charges for rush services and digital delivery.
American Education & Translation Services (AET)
The AET is known for its fast processing times, competitive pricing, and responsive customer service. This agency offers several types of evaluations, including document-by-document, course-by-course, and professional experience and position evaluations. Prices start at $100 for a basic document-by-document evaluation and go up to $600 for more comprehensive professional evaluations.
International Education Evaluations (IEE)
International Education Evaluations (IEE) is recognised for its transparent pricing, fast turnaround, and responsive customer service. They offer both basic and detailed credential evaluations, helping students and professionals align their international qualifications with U.S. academic and employment standards. Their evaluation reports outline degree equivalencies, coursework details, and grade conversions. Fees start at $85 for general document evaluations and go up to around $150 for course-by-course reports, with extra charges for expedited services and additional copies.
Silvergate Evaluations
Silvergate Evaluations is a specialist agency known for providing expert opinion letters tailored to meet USCIS requirements, particularly for immigration and work visa cases. Their services include document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations, as well as specialised letters addressing degree equivalency and H-1B visa criteria. Fees typically start at $150 for standard evaluations, with expert opinion letters priced higher depending on complexity. Silvergate also offers rush processing options for clients with urgent immigration deadlines.
Criteria for choosing a credential evaluation agency
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a credential evaluation agency:
Accreditation: Confirm whether the agency is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). This membership signals that the agency maintains high standards and follows best practices in credential evaluation.
Processing Time: Ask and confirm how long the agency typically takes to complete evaluations. This is especially crucial if you hope to beat a school admission or job offer deadline.
Cost: Understand the costs involved, as they can vary significantly between agencies, based on the type and complexity of the evaluation needed. Always get a clear picture of what the fee covers to avoid unexpected charges.
Types of Evaluations Offered: Determine whether the credential evaluation agency offers the evaluation type you need. Some agencies offer some or all service types, giving you more flexibility to choose what best fits your situation.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from previous clients to gauge the agency's reliability and the quality of their service. Pay attention to comments about customer service, the accuracy of the evaluations, and the agency's ability to meet deadlines.
Do you need certified translations?
Yes, if your academic records or official documents are not originally in English, you will almost certainly need a certified translation before submitting them for credential evaluation in the USA.
Most credential evaluation agencies, as well as institutions like USCIS, require that all documents be accurately translated into English by a recognised translation provider. These translations must be certified to confirm their accuracy and authenticity.
A certified translation includes a signed declaration from the translator or translation agency, stating that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. This is especially important for immigration, education, and licensing, where strict standards apply.
At Translayte, we provide USCIS-compliant and agency-approved certified translations that meet the requirements of top credential evaluation agencies and U.S. authorities. We offer translations in over 150 languages, all completed by professional translators, reviewed for accuracy, and delivered with a signed certificate of translation. Whether you're submitting transcripts, diplomas, or other official records, we ensure your documents are ready for smooth and stress-free evaluation.
Request a quote now to get certified translations to support your credential evaluation.
Tips for a smooth foreign credential evaluation process
Gather all required documents early: Prepare your transcripts, diplomas, and valid ID in advance. Make sure all non-English documents are translated by a verified provider of USCIS translation services, before you submit them for evaluation.
Use only certified translations: Most evaluation agencies and institutions require certified translations to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal and academic standards.
Double-check the agency’s requirements: Each credential evaluation agency has its own format and documentation guidelines. Visit their website or contact them directly to avoid missing any essential steps.
Plan for processing times: Evaluations can take 2–4 weeks or more. Start the process early, especially if you're applying to schools, employers, or USCIS with strict deadlines.
Confirm the format is accepted by your recipient: Ensure the evaluation type (e.g. document-by-document, course-by-course) meets your target institution or employer’s requirements.
Track your application: Use the agency’s status tracker to monitor progress and quickly respond to any additional requests or issues. Staying proactive prevents delays.
