How Can I Get My Educational Credentials Evaluated?

In a globalized world, academic mobility has become more common than ever. Whether you’re planning to study abroad, migrate, or seek employment in another country, one of the most critical steps in the process is getting your educational credentials evaluated. This ensures your foreign qualifications are recognized and comparable to the educational standards in your destination country.

Still, if you don’t know how the credential evaluation process works, it can seem overwhelming. In this tutorial, we will explain how to acquire an educational credential evaluation step by step, who needs one, how to apply for one, and how to best streamline the education credential evaluation process using up-to-date online transcript services.

Need help with your Educational Credentials Evaluated? Contact Us Now!

Table of Contents

What Is Educational Credential Evaluation?

Educational credential evaluation is an assessment of your education records (degrees, diplomas, or transcripts) obtained outside the country where you are seeking to apply for admission, jobs, or immigration. The evaluation process assesses the academic equivalency of your foreign qualification in the local context.

For example, if you completed an MBA in India and are applying for work or study in the U.S., a credential evaluator will compare your Indian MBA with its U.S. equivalent in terms of level, credits, and grading.

Who Needs Foreign Degree Evaluation?

You will need a foreign degree evaluation if:

You apply for further education abroad.
You submit documents to immigration authorities.
You want licensing or registration in a regulated profession (such as a healthcare professional or an engineer, etc.)
You are applying for a position, and the equivalency of your academic background is part of the hiring process.

This process is especially important for international students since universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom usually require evaluated transcripts as part of the admission process.

Understanding the Credential Evaluation Process

The credential evaluation process usually includes

Document Collection: The first step is to work through all your academic documents and collect your degrees, mark sheets, diplomas, and transcripts.
Translation (if applicable): If your documents are in a non-English language, certified translations may be required.
Application to a Credential Evaluation Agency: Apply to a recognized body like WES, ECE, IQAS, or CES.
University Verification: Agencies usually ask universities to send transcripts directly to them. This is where transcript service providers in India play a crucial role.
Assessment Report: The agency issues a report explaining how your degree compares to the local system.

How to Apply for Credential Evaluation: Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through applying for a transcript online and having your documents evaluated properly:

1. Determine which Credential Evaluation Agency to use

There are popular agencies worldwide, i.e……..

WES (World Education Services)
ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators)
IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)
CES (Comparative Education Service)

Make sure the evaluation agency you are using is accepted by the institution or authority that you are applying to.

2. Check required documents

Every agency has a checklist. Generally, you will need:

Degree certificate
All-year mark sheets/transcripts
Identification proof (i.e. passport)
University-sealed envelope (or digital delivery)

3. Use online transcript services

Contact your university and request your transcript. Almost all Indian universities have supported online transcript services. If the university does not provide it to you directly, using an authorized transcript service provider in India will be able to.

Collect your documents
Notarize if required
Liaise with the university
Dispatch the sealed transcript directly to the evaluation body.

This step is essential, as credential evaluation services often reject documents sent by students themselves.

4. Submit Your Application

After receiving the transcript, log in to the evaluation agency’s portal and submit the following:

Digital copies
Transcript request reference
Payment

5. Receive the Evaluation Report

Depending on the agency and delivery method, your academic credential assessment report will be delivered in 2–8 weeks.

Choosing the Right Transcript Service Provider in India

Navigating the transcript process in India can be time-consuming. That’s why many international students rely on third-party transcript service providers in India to ensure the process is error-free and within deadlines.

Features to look for:

Experience with international agencies like WES, ECE, etc.
Pan-India university coverage
Doorstep document pickup
End-to-end document handling
Responsive customer support
Online tracking system

Using the best transcript services in India not only saves time but also prevents unnecessary rejections or delays due to documentation issues.

Benefits of Getting Your Credentials Evaluated:

Helps meet university admission criteria
Essential for immigration and work visas
Needed for licensing exams and regulatory bodies
Increases employability by validating your qualifications
Simplifies comparisons across education systems

FAQs About Educational Credential Evaluation:

Q: How long does credential evaluation take?
A: Most agencies take 2 to 8 weeks, depending on document delivery and verification speed. Choosing an efficient transcript service provider can expedite this process.

Q: Can I submit my transcripts myself?
A: Generally, no. Most agencies require transcripts to be sent directly from your university or a verified third-party service provider to maintain authenticity.

Q: Are digital transcripts accepted by agencies like WES?
A: Yes, agencies like WES accept digital transcripts from select universities and authorized online platforms. Always check with the agency for specific requirements.

Q: What’s the cost of credential evaluation?
A: Fees vary by agency, usually ranging between $100 and $250, excluding transcript dispatch fees. Additional services like rush evaluation or extra copies incur extra charges.

Q: Can I use the same evaluation for multiple universities or authorities?
A: Yes, most agencies allow you to send additional copies to other institutions for a fee. Make sure your report type (course-by-course or document-by-document) meets all intended use cases.

Conclusion:

Getting your educational credential evaluation right the first time is critical to your global academic and professional journey. It validates your qualifications, opens doors to prestigious institutions and employers, and ensures you’re seen as a credible applicant.

The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the credential evaluation process, working with reputable online transcript services, and choosing the best transcript services in India, you can eliminate errors, save time, and move confidently toward your goals.

Whether you’re an international student, a skilled migrant, or a professional with global aspirations, start your education equivalency evaluation journey today and make your academic history count worldwide.

Download the World Document Services App

You may enjoy a hassle-free experience by downloading our mobile app from either the App Store or the Play Store. It works with both iOS and Android devices.