Last updated on November 12, 2025
If you plan to study or work in the United States, it is an exciting opportunity! But first you will want to become familiar with academic evaluation services. Academic evaluation services are designed to validate your foreign degree & map your academic history to the US system to help schools, employers & licensing boards easily understand your educational background.
In this guide you will understand what an academic evaluation is?, Why is it important?, what types are available & how to have your foreign credentials evaluated successfully. By the end of this guide you will feel confident about making your international education work for you in the USA & creating a new opportunity for your education or career!
What is an Academic Evaluation?
An academic evaluation is a professional evaluation of your foreign educational credentials, your degrees, diplomas & transcripts for deciding the equivalent in the US.
The purpose is to explain your educational background for universities, employers & government agencies, in particular how it compares to educational standards in the US.
For example, a bachelor’s degree from India or the Philippines might be the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree or it could be a little different based on the courses & grading scale, but that’s where top academic credential evaluation companies come in, they will examine your records & issue an official report that describes your education in relation to academic standards in the US.
Suggested read:- Who Offers the Best Credential Evaluation Services in United States?
Why You Need an Academic Evaluation Report
Your academic evaluation report is necessary for 3 major purposes –
1. Education
If you want to keep your education in the US, even to pursue your master’s, Ph.D. or a transfer program at a college or university they will require an evaluation of your previous education. A credential evaluation on a course-by-course basis describes your specific subjects, grades, and credits, which have been converted to the US grading scale. This credential evaluation will assist the schools with determining your eligibility to work towards a degree program and placement within the program.
2. Employment
US employers will often ask for a foreign credential evaluation to verify your qualifications. A foreign credential evaluation promises the employer that your qualifications are met to secure the job. An expert prepared credential evaluation letter can strengthen your job application & give you an advantage over other applicants because of your international experience.
3. Professional Licensing
In some professions, such as healthcare, engineering, law, and education, a document evaluation service is essential. It is often required to obtain a visa or professional license. Licensing boards review your credential evaluation report carefully. They check whether your education meets U.S. professional standards and qualifies you for a work permit or license.
Types of Academic Evaluations!
Evaluations are not all created equal, depending on your objective and any evaluation company may have several varieties –
1. Course-By-Course Evaluation
This is a detailed form of credential evaluation, course-by-course provides details on every course you took, the grades you earned & the similar total of US session credits. You may need this type of evaluation for educational institutions or licensing boards.
2. Document-By-Document Evaluation
This version of evaluation is faster & less detailed. It will summarize your foreign educational credentials to confirm degree titles & the corresponding US matches. It is commonly accepted for immigration credential evaluation services or for general employment.
3. Specialized Evaluations
Some organizations evaluate foreign educational credentials particularly for immigration or governmental purposes. For example, if you are applying for an H-1B visa or green card you may also need a US credential evaluation for your visa application (certain immigration guidelines require this).
How to Get Started with Academic Evaluation Services?
Getting your academic evaluation might sound complicated but following these steps makes it simple –
Choose a Recognized Evaluation Service
Pick a good & authorized agency. In the US the 2 most recognized associations are –
- NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services)
- AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators)
Choosing a member of these organizations makes sure that your credential evaluation will be accepted by most US schools & employers.
Gather and Submit Your Documents
Prepare your educational documents, such as –
- Degree certificates & diplomas
- Official transcripts or mark sheets
- Translation
Some agencies offer document evaluation services for visas that include certified translations as part of the package.
Choose the Proper Type of Evaluation
Decide whether you need an academic evaluation or a general credential evaluation. An academic evaluation reviews each degree and course for admission or job purposes. A credential evaluation, on the other hand, verifies the degree for employment or immigration status.
Make the Payments
Most credential evaluation services charge from $100 – $300 depending on the evaluation type & how FAST you would like your results. For urgent applications, express processing is available.
Get Your Evaluation Report
Once finished, you will receive an official academic evaluation report or a letter of expert credential evaluation. You will need a transcript from the institution & they will evaluate the degree by stating its equivalency in the US & for some evaluations they will designate a GPA & a breakdown of the course of study.
Tips for a Smooth Evaluation Process!
- Check Institutional Requirements – Every organization or academic institution may have its own options on how to evaluate your academic credentials so be sure to verify what agency & what report type they will accept.
- Start Early – The evaluation process can take 1 to 6 weeks. When applying for admissions a visa or for job purposes be sure to start this process early.
- Keep Copies – Always retain copies of your original academic documents & the evaluation report for future use.
- Choose Certified Translators – If your documents are not in English only certified or validated translations will be approved.
Conclusion
Knowing which academic evaluation services to use is the first step toward new beginnings in the United States! If you are planning to attend a higher education institution, search for employment, or apply for a US visa, a thorough credential evaluation will help ensure that U.S. institutions properly review and value your academic achievements from abroad.
Select a reputable academic credential evaluation service and prepare your educational documents carefully. Follow the correct steps so you can confidently report your qualifications to schools, employers, and government agencies in the United States.
Do not let borders hold back your potential, evaluate your educational credentials and take the next steps toward your American dream today!
Get in Touch Now With Our Experts!
Need help with your immigration credential evaluation services or academic evaluation report? Contact Document Evaluation Experts for a trusted, affordable & accurate evaluation today.