Due to the wide variety of applicants and educational systems, it is important to establish a consistent basis for evaluating applicants’ academic records. Credential evaluators have a role in this process. To help people who have finished some or all of their education outside the United States and are applying to schools or jobs in the United States, they evaluate their credentials according to a well-established code of ethics in the field of foreign educational evaluation and professional licensure.
Most of these overseas credential assessment services are certified, recognized, or linked with various boards and groups because no national body specifically regulates them. However, choosing a reputable credential evaluation company can still present challenges. Read on to learn how to choose the right credential evaluation company in the US.
Choosing the Right Credential Evaluation Company
Choosing a foreign high school transcript evaluation or other credential evaluation company is not much different from selecting any other kind of expert service provider. Credential evaluation services’ membership in a prestigious organization is a strong indicator of the quality and reliability of their evaluations. Most credential assessment services are associated with certified boards or associations.
Carefully investigate each service provider you are contemplating when looking for credential evaluation services, and compare their services to the needs of the universities to which you plan to apply. Some schools in the United States may only recognize one or a few organizations for credential evaluation.
It’s also vital to remember that many institutions have their own credential evaluation department that evaluates papers on their own accord and that these universities may not accept credential assessments from other evaluators, even if they are members of recognized groups. So, make sure you double-check with your school as well before choosing a credential evaluation company.
Evaluators of International Student Credentials
Listed below are well-respected certified boards or associations that provide memberships to credential evaluation companies that conduct educational assessments in the United States and elsewhere:
- NACES: Over 15 separate agencies that offer credential evaluation services make up NACES. Members of the association are committed to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. By collaborating with organizations based in other countries, NACES’ Global Standards Program (GSP) raises the bar for evaluators everywhere.
- AICE: The mission of the AICE is to promote and advance internationally accepted standards for evaluating credentials. To become a member of the AICE, credential evaluation companies must first pass a rigorous membership process designed to verify the high quality of their evaluation services. Many AICE members also provide services to K-12 institutions, higher education institutions, professional groups, and licensing bodies.
- AEA: Approximately 6,000 organizations in the United States are members of the American Evaluation Association (AEA). This group represents all fifty states and over eighty international countries. The AEA offers numerous resources for evaluating credentials, including online courses, conferences, and publications from the past.
- NAFSA: Established in 1948, the Association of International Educators, NAFSA, has grown to include over 10,000 members from 150 countries, making it the preeminent worldwide organization devoted to promoting and supporting cross-cultural learning and understanding. The group’s main goal is to improve the quality of the evaluation process by teaching credential assessors all around the world.
- ECE: Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) has been evaluating credentials for international students applying to colleges in the United States and Canada for more than 40 years. They also offer training webinars and other forms of online instruction to help you through the evaluation process.
ERES: The Best Credential Evaluation Service for Students, Professionals, & Immigrants
Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES) began operating in 1981. Credential evaluation reports are one way the company assists those educated outside the United States in gaining recognition for their education at a US institution.
Many people can benefit from ERES credential evaluation reports, which can be used for a variety of reasons, including acceptance into and transferability of coursework at universities in the US, submitting a work license application, acquiring jobs in the US, legal entry into the country necessitating a visa, joining the armed forces, and more.
ERES has been rated A+ by BBB and has been a member of NACES since 1993. It is also a proud member of NAFSA, AACRAO, and TAICEP. Furthermore, it is the preferred choice due to the expert analysis and reliability. The report is straightforward and accepted by a wide variety of US organizations, including regulatory bodies, licensing boards, employers, and academic institutions.
Plus, the turnaround time is remarkable. Thanks to the streamlined approach, the report can be sent on the same day. The personnel dealing with customers are also available to assist clients, and the response time for all messages is 24-48 hours. Finally, since their clients come from all over the world, the ERES team also provides expert advice in their native tongue.
