Did you earn your degree outside the United States? There’s a bad chance your academic transcripts aren’t in English. Well, this becomes a challenge when applying for jobs, professional licenses, or further education in the U.S. You may think, ‘Why not just translate them, right?’
Apparently, the translation process for academic documents follows strict rules. Sadly, many applicants learn about this only after their first submission gets rejected. Understanding these requirements as early as possible can save you weeks of delays and unnecessary expenses.
Why U.S. Evaluators Won't Accept Untranslated Documents
American Credential Evaluators need to understand several things related to your credentials. This involves what courses you took, what grades you earned, and how your degree compares to American educational standards. In the absence of accurate English translations, they simply cannot do their job.
The original transcript and its English translation must be submitted together. The original has authenticity, while the English- translated document makes the content accessible for proper transcript evaluation.
What Makes a Translation "Official" and Acceptable
You might think you can do self-translations. However, informal translations are only rejected. Credential evaluators require translations from qualified and independent professionals who can certify their work. This is because professional certification provides accountability and verification that the translation is accurate and complete.
The translation must come from a certified professional translator who formally attests to their qualifications and accuracy of their work. Many evaluators also require notarization, which adds another layer of verification. A notary public confirms the translator’s identity and witnesses their certification statement.
Who Can Translate My Transcripts for U.S. Universities?
You have several reliable options to have your transcripts properly translated:
Professional translation agencies that handle both translation and notarization, delivering documents that meet official standards.
Certified independent translators with recognized credentials can provide the same service, often at competitive rates. Look for translators affiliated with professional organizations like the American Translators Association—this membership signals legitimacy and expertise.
Your university’s official translation service may provide certified translations through its registrar’s office. These institutional translations carry inherent credibility since they come directly from the source.
Embassy or consulate services sometimes offer translation services or maintain lists of approved translators, particularly useful if you’re still in your home country.
How ERES Makes This Process Easier
Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES) specializes in helping international professionals cross credential evaluation requirements, which includes the complexities of foreign transcripts’ English translation. ERES accepts properly certified translations from qualified sources and provides clear guidance about documentation standards.
ERES assists you by helping you understand exactly what translation requirements apply to your specific situation. The evaluation process recognizes credentials from educational systems worldwide, using your translated transcripts to provide accurate assessments that U.S. employers, licensing boards, and universities will accept. This clarity eliminates guesswork and reduces the frustration of rejected applications due to improper documentation.
Getting Your Translation Done Right: A Simple Roadmap
Follow these steps to avoid being rejected in your application:
Start by requesting official transcripts from your university in their original language. Make sure they’re properly sealed or stamped as evaluators need authenticated originals.
Contact a qualified translator early and confirm their certification process. Ask specifically about academic document experience and turnaround time. Clarify whether notarization is included or requires an additional step.
Provide clear instructions based on your evaluator’s requirements. Credential services like ERES publish specific guidelines about translation standards. Share these with your translator.
Review the completed translation carefully for obvious errors in names, dates, or degree titles. You shouldn’t change the professional translation but catching a misspelled name early prevents complications later.
Submit both documents together as specified by your evaluator. Many require the original and translation to arrive in sealed envelopes. Follow submission instructions precisely.
What Happens After You Submit?
Once your documents arrive, evaluators work with both versions simultaneously. They verify that the English translation accurately reflects the original, then use the translated content to assess your education.
They’ll compare your coursework to U.S. curriculum standards, convert your grades to the American GPA scale, and determine what U.S. degree your credential equals. Your course called “Cálculo Diferencial e Integral” becomes “Differential and Integral Calculus,” allowing evaluators to recognize it as advanced mathematics coursework.
Don't Let Translation Issues Hinder Your Plans
Getting your transcripts properly translated isn’t the easiest part of pursuing opportunities in the United States, but it’s absolutely important. Once you understand the rules, the process is straightforward.
Choose a qualified translator, ensure proper certification, submit both original and translated documents together, and you’ll clear this hurdle successfully. Taking these steps seriously from the beginning means your credential evaluation moves forward smoothly, bringing you closer to your professional goals in the United States.
Your education represents years of hard work and achievement. Make sure it’s presented in a way that allows U.S. evaluators to recognize its full value.
