International Education Research Foundation process Archives

Demystifying the International Education Research Foundation Process

by Aayushi Thadwani | Apr 5, 2025 | International Studies, Most Viewed

Navigating the International Education Research Foundation process (IERF) can be a very daunting process for students, professionals, and even immigrants seeking credential evaluation in the States. Whether you need an IERF credential evaluation for further studies, employment, or professional licensing, understanding the complete process is crucial to ensure a smooth application.

This guide tracks down the IERF evaluation steps, including IERF academic transcript verification, IERF academic credential assessment, and the foreign education equivalency process, so you can confidently prepare for your evaluation.

Need help with your International Education Research Foundation Process? Contact Us Now!

Understanding the International Education Research Foundation (IERF)

The International Education Research Foundation (IERF) is one of the earliest and most recognized credential evaluation agencies in the United States. Since 1969, IERF has provided assessments of international academic qualifications to determine their U.S. equivalency.

Employers, licensing boards, and universities depend on IERF academic credential assessments to verify the authenticity and level of foreign academic and educational achievements. If you have studied in any foreign country and need your credentials recognized in the U.S., the IERF credential evaluation process is crucial for bridging the gap between international education systems.

Below are the steps in the IERF Evaluation Process

Step 1: Decide Your Evaluation Type

IERF offers different forms of reports based on your specialised needs:

General Evaluation Report – Provides an overall U.S. equivalency of your foreign education.
Detail Report – Includes a course-by-course analysis with U.S. semester credit along with grade equivalencies.
Professional Licensing Report – Crafted for licensing boards and professional Institutions.
Education Reports for Employers – Helps companies assess the Accreditations of foreign candidates.

Choosing the right type of IERF evaluation is crucial to meeting the requirements of universities, employers, or licensing boards.

Step 2: Compile Your Academic Documents

To start the IERF academic transcript verification process, you have to submit official academic documents, including:

Transcripts
Diplomas
Degree certificates

Some institutions may require documents to be sent directly from your foreign university. Ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork will prevent unnecessary delays.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

IERF provides a user-friendly online platform where applicants can complete their submissions. Make sure you

Determine the right evaluation type.
Upload clear and comprehensible documents.
Confirm the application details before submission.

Step 4: Make the payment for the required Fees

The cost of an IERF credential evaluation varies depending on the type of report requested. There may be an added cost for:

Expedited processing
Additional copies of your evaluation report
Authorized translations (if needed)

Step 5: Verification and Evaluation Process

Once your documents are in, the expert from IERF takes over and conducts a thorough IERF academic credential assessment, which further includes:

Verifying the accreditation status of your foreign institution
Validating submitted transcripts and diplomas
Accessing coursework and grades with U.S. educational standards

This step makes sure that your foreign qualifications meet the required standards for U.S. education and employment.

Step 6: Receive Your Evaluation Report

After completing the foreign education equivalency process, IERF issues an official evaluation report. The standard processing time is 10-15 business days, but expedited services are available for urgent cases.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Missing or Insufficient Documents: Setbacks often occur due to missing documents. Meticulously review IERF’s document submission guidelines to avoid any delays.
Translation Challenges: Documents in foreign languages apart from English require official certified translations. Make sure that you use a certified translation service.
Unaccredited Institutions: If your foreign institution lacks accreditation or recognition, IERF may not be able to evaluate your credentials. Please consider alternative evaluation agencies if needed.

FAQs about the IERF Process

Q: What is the duration of the IERF evaluation process?
A: Standard processing takes 10-15 working days. Expedited or fast-track options are also available for time-sensitive requests.

Q: What are the documents that are required for an IERF credential evaluation?
A: You basically need:
✔️ Academic records or Transcripts
✔️ Official degree certificates or diploma certificates
✔️ Certified translations (if applicable)

Q: Can IERF directly submit my evaluation report to universities or employers?
A: Absolutely, IERF can send official copies to institutions, licensing boards, and employers upon the candidate’s request.

Q: Does IERF accept digital copies of transcripts?
A: In most of the cases, yes. However, some particular institutions require hard copies of the official transcripts to be sent directly from your foreign university.

Q: What happens if my foreign university is not recognized by IERF?
A: If your institution is unaccredited, IERF may not evaluate your credentials. You may be required to look for alternative evaluation services that recognize your foreign university.

Conclusion

The IERF credential evaluation process is a vital step for anyone with foreign academic qualifications looking to study, work, or get licensed in the United States. By comprehending the IERF evaluation stages, organizing your documents accurately, and following all the requirements, you can overcome delays and ensure a seamless experience.

If you’re planning to request an IERF academic credential assessment, plan ahead, review your documents carefully, and opt for the correct evaluation type to accomplish your goals. With the right planning, handling the foreign education equivalency process can be seamless and hassle-free.

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.