Help Center

Find answers about evaluations, documents, reports, translations, licensing requirements, and more.

Getting Started

How can I contact ERES?

You can contact ERES by phone, email, or through our online contact form. Visit our Contact page for current office hours and contact information.

How much does an evaluation cost?

Fees vary depending on the evaluation type and purpose. Current pricing can be found on our Pricing page or within the online application system.

How do I get started with an ERES evaluation?

Create an account, select the evaluation type that matches your purpose, submit your application, and follow the document submission instructions provided in your applicant portal.

Can I get a preliminary review before ordering a full evaluation?

Yes. Equivalency Insight provides a preliminary review designed to help you better understand the potential U.S. equivalency of your education before ordering a full evaluation.

Can I know the result before I apply for an official evaluation?

The final outcome of an official evaluation can only be determined after a complete review of the required documents by an evaluator. However, applicants seeking an early assessment may use Equivalency Insight Pre-Evaluation to receive a preliminary review and estimated U.S. equivalency before ordering a full evaluation.

What if I am not sure which evaluation I need?

We recommend checking with the organization requesting the evaluation. If you still need assistance, our team can help explain the available evaluation types.

Which evaluation do I need for professional licensing?

Professional licensing boards often require specialized evaluations that may include course analysis, credit review, training hours, or other board-specific requirements. Always confirm requirements with the licensing authority.

Which evaluation do I need for employment or immigration purposes?

Many employers and immigration-related organizations accept a General Evaluation. Some employers may request a Course-by-Course Evaluation for positions requiring detailed academic review.

Which evaluation do I need for university admission?

Most colleges and universities determine their own requirements. Many undergraduate and graduate programs require a Course-by-Course Evaluation, while some may accept a General Evaluation.

What is the difference between a General Evaluation and a Course-by-Course Evaluation?

A General Evaluation provides an overall U.S. equivalency of your credential. A Course-by-Course Evaluation includes individual courses, credits, grades, GPA conversion, and detailed academic analysis.

Which evaluation should I choose?

The required evaluation depends on your purpose. Common options include General (Document-by-Document), Course-by-Course, and specialized evaluations for licensing boards and professional agencies.

Who accepts ERES evaluations?

ERES evaluations are accepted by universities, employers, licensing boards, and organizations throughout the United States. Acceptance is always determined by the receiving institution or agency.

Can ERES evaluate my credential?

ERES evaluates academic credentials from recognized institutions around the world. If you are unsure whether your credential is eligible for evaluation or how it may compare within the U.S. education system, you may request a Pre-Evaluation for a preliminary review before submitting a full application.

Why do I need a credential evaluation?

Many universities, employers, licensing boards, and government agencies require a credential evaluation to understand how your international education compares to U.S. standards.

What is a credential evaluation?

A credential evaluation is a professional assessment of international education that compares your academic credentials to the U.S. education system and provides a U.S. equivalency.

Documents & Requirements

Will all of my credentials be evaluated and included in the report?

Not necessarily. The credentials included depend on the evaluation purpose, requested service, and documentation provided. Some evaluations may focus only on specific credentials required by the recipient.

Can ERES verify my academic records?

Yes. ERES may contact institutions, government agencies, examination authorities, or other official sources when verification is required.

What if I lost my diploma or graduation certificate?

You should first attempt to obtain replacement records from the institution or relevant education authority. Other supporting documentation may be considered depending on the circumstances.

What if my institution is closed or no longer exists?

Alternative documentation or verification options may be available. Contact ERES for guidance regarding your specific situation.

What if my documents are not in English?

Documents not issued in English generally require a certified English translation. ERES offers certified translation services and can handle translation together with your evaluation when needed.

Do I need certified English translations?

You may submit certified English translations with your original-language documents. If the translation provided is not certified or cannot be verified, ERES may need to review or verify the translation before using it for evaluation.

Do documents need to be sent directly from my institution?

Direct submission from the issuing institution is recommended whenever possible. However, ERES may accept other submission methods depending on the country, credential type, document format, and evaluation purpose.

Can I submit copies or scanned documents?

Some evaluation services may allow scanned copies for initial review. However, official evaluations often require official documents or institutional verification before a final report can be issued.

What is an official transcript?

An official transcript is a record issued or authorized by the institution that lists courses, grades, credits, and academic results. Official transcripts may be provided electronically or in sealed form, depending on institutional practices.

What documents do I need to submit?

Required documents vary by country, credential, and evaluation purpose. We recommend using the Document Requirement Checker to find the documents needed for your specific evaluation before applying.

Application & Process

Why is my evaluation taking longer than expected?

Additional time may be required when documents are missing, verification is needed, translations are pending, or the evaluation involves complex credentials or licensing requirements.

Will I receive a refund if I cancel?

Refund eligibility depends on the stage of processing and services already performed. Please refer to the ERES Refund Policy for details.

Can I cancel my application?

Applications may be canceled before evaluation work has been completed. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

Can I upgrade to rush service after submitting my application?

Yes, if rush service is available and the evaluation has not been completed. When an application is upgraded to rush service, the rush processing period begins from the date the upgrade is approved and paid, not from the original application submission date.

Is rush service available?

Yes. Rush service may be available for selected evaluation types and eligible applications. However, if a case requires additional document verification, institutional confirmation, translation review, or other external processing, rush service may not be able to guarantee completion within the requested rush timeframe.

How long does the evaluation process take?

Processing times vary depending on the evaluation type, document requirements, and verification needs. Current estimated turnaround times are available on our website and application portal.

What happens after payment is received?

Once payment and required documents have been received, your application will enter the evaluation queue and be assigned for review.

What does “On Hold” mean?

An application may be placed on hold when additional documents, payment, verification, or information is required before evaluation can continue.

How do I know if my documents and payment are complete?

Your applicant portal will indicate whether payment has been received and whether any required documents are still outstanding.

How do I check the status of my application?

You can log in to your applicant portal at any time to view your current application status, document requirements, and case updates.

Can I change my evaluation type after submission?

In many cases, yes. Please contact ERES before the evaluation is completed. Additional fees may apply if upgrading to a different evaluation service.

Can I add another credential after submitting my application?

Yes. Additional credentials may be added before the evaluation is completed. Additional fees or processing time may apply.

How do I upload documents?

Documents may be uploaded directly through your applicant portal. Depending on the evaluation requirements, additional official documents may also need to be submitted by your institution.

How do I submit an application?

Create an account, select the evaluation type that matches your purpose, complete the application form, and submit your payment through the online portal.

Results & Reports

What if I disagree with my evaluation result?

You may submit a written request explaining your concern and providing any supporting documentation. ERES will review the request based on its published evaluation policies, research standards, and the documents available for review.

Please note that disagreement with the outcome alone does not constitute grounds for a change in equivalency. ERES applies its own evaluation methodology and professional judgment, and ERES reserves the right to make the final determination regarding the content and conclusions of its evaluation reports.

Can I request a revision?

Yes. You may request a revision if you believe there is an error or if additional information should be reviewed. Revision requests are subject to ERES policy and may require supporting documentation.

Can ERES provide copies of documents I previously submitted?

ERES generally does not provide copies of academic records submitted for evaluation. Applicants should request official records directly from the issuing institution whenever possible.

How long does ERES keep evaluation records?

ERES generally retains evaluation records for five years. Additional copies or updates may be requested during the retention period, subject to availability and applicable fees.

How long is my evaluation report valid?

ERES evaluation reports are generally valid for five years from the date of issue, unless the receiving institution or agency has different requirements.

Can I upgrade my evaluation report?

In many cases, yes. You may request an upgrade, such as changing from a General Evaluation to a Course-by-Course Evaluation. Additional documents, fees, or processing time may apply.

Can I send my report to another institution or recipient?

Yes. You may request additional official reports to be sent to another institution, agency, employer, or other designated recipient.

Can I order additional official reports?

Yes. Additional official reports can be requested after your evaluation is completed, subject to ERES record retention policies and applicable fees.

Can I view or download an unofficial copy of my report?

Applicants may be able to view or download an applicant copy through the portal. Copies provided to applicants are not considered official reports for institutional submission.

What is EREShare?

EREShare is ERES’s secure digital delivery system for official evaluation reports. It allows authorized recipients to access official reports electronically.

How will I receive my report?

Reports may be delivered digitally, by mail, or sent directly to designated recipients, depending on the delivery option selected and recipient requirements.

Can ERES provide separate reports for different credentials?

Yes. ERES may issue separate reports for different credentials when requested or when required for different purposes. Additional fees may apply.

What does “Date Awarded” mean?

“Date Awarded” refers to the date your credential was officially granted or conferred by the issuing institution, as shown on your academic records.

What does an evaluation include?

An evaluation report may include the U.S. equivalency of your credential, institution information, program details, dates of attendance, date awarded, credits, grades, GPA conversion, and course-by-course analysis when applicable.

Licensing & Special Cases

What if I disagree with ERES’s evaluation methodology or equivalency determination?

Applicants may submit questions or additional documentation for review. However, ERES applies its own published policies, research standards, and professional judgment when determining equivalencies. ERES reserves the right to make the final determination regarding the content and conclusions of its evaluation reports.

What happens if a document is determined to be fraudulent?

If ERES determines that a document has been altered, falsified, misrepresented, or is otherwise fraudulent, the credential will not be included in the evaluation. ERES reserves the right to suspend processing, cancel the application, refuse service, retain applicable fees, and notify relevant authorities or recipients when appropriate.

What happens if a document cannot be verified?

If verification is required and cannot be completed, ERES may request additional documentation, place the application on hold, issue a limited evaluation when appropriate, or decline to proceed with the evaluation.

Can ERES evaluate credentials from non-recognized institutions?

ERES may evaluate credentials from institutions that are not officially recognized; however, the report will clearly indicate the institution’s recognition status and may result in a different equivalency determination.

What if I am a refugee and cannot obtain official documents?

ERES understands that some applicants may face exceptional circumstances. Alternative documentation may be considered on a case-by-case basis; however, acceptance cannot be guaranteed and additional review may be required.

What if my institution is closed?

If an institution has closed, ERES may accept records issued by the appropriate successor institution, education authority, archives office, or other official custodian of records. Requirements vary by country and situation.

Who decides whether an evaluation will be accepted?

The receiving institution, employer, licensing board, government agency, or other organization makes the final decision regarding acceptance of any evaluation report.

Can ERES evaluations be used for employment purposes?

Yes. ERES evaluations are frequently used by employers to understand the U.S. equivalency of international education credentials.

Can ERES evaluations be used for immigration purposes?

Many immigration-related organizations accept our credential evaluations. However, applicants should always confirm acceptance requirements with the agency, attorney, or organization handling their case.

I received an evaluation from another agency. Can ERES use that result?

No. ERES conducts its own independent review and does not adopt or rely upon conclusions issued by other evaluation agencies.

Why might ERES’s result differ from another evaluation agency?

Different evaluation agencies may use different research sources, methodologies, and policies. ERES applies its own professional standards and evaluation policies when determining equivalencies.

Will ERES use the grading system of my institution?

When available, ERES considers official institutional grading scales and educational system standards. Grade conversions are performed according to ERES policies and established evaluation practices.

How does ERES determine equivalency for a 3-year bachelor’s degree?

There is no single rule that applies to all three-year degrees. ERES considers the country, institution, admission requirements, curriculum, academic level, and other factors before determining U.S. equivalency.

On what basis does ERES determine equivalency?

ERES determines equivalency through research of educational systems, institutional recognition, admission requirements, program structure, academic level, grading systems, and other relevant educational factors.

Can ERES complete board-specific forms or reports?

In many cases, yes. ERES can prepare board-specific evaluations and complete certain licensing forms when required. Availability depends on the profession and licensing authority.

Do licensing boards have different requirements?

Yes. Licensing requirements vary by profession, state, and regulatory authority. Applicants should always verify current requirements directly with the licensing board before applying.

What is different about a Bar Examination Evaluation?

Bar evaluations focus on legal education, degree recognition, program structure, and other requirements established by the applicable bar authority or jurisdiction.

What is different about a Teaching Credential Evaluation?

Teaching evaluations may require analysis of teacher preparation coursework, professional education studies, student teaching, practicum experience, and other requirements established by state education agencies.

What is different about a CPA Evaluation?

CPA evaluations are prepared according to accounting board requirements and may include detailed analysis of accounting, business, economics, and related coursework to determine eligibility for examination or licensure.

What is different about a Nursing Evaluation?

Nursing evaluations often require detailed course analysis, clinical and theory hours review, nursing subject identification, and board-specific reporting requirements that go beyond a standard credential evaluation.

Can I use a Nursing Evaluation for other purposes?

No. Nursing evaluations are prepared specifically for nursing licensure and board requirements. They cannot be sent or used for a different purpose as-is.

If you need to use the evaluation for another purpose, such as education, employment, or immigration, you must request a revision or conversion to the appropriate evaluation type. Additional fees, documents, and processing time may apply.

Evaluation Concerns

What is the ERES Appeal Process?

If an applicant disagrees with the evaluation, they are instructed to place their concerns in writing for the evaluator and review committee to determine if any changes are justified. In some cases, additional documentation may be required to substantiate the client’s claim. Once ERES has all the necessary documents, the appeal decision will be made within one week or less, and if justified, the evaluation will be changed. If not, the client will be notified in writing with and explanation.

What if I disagree with the result of my evaluation?

There is a 60 days grace period from the date your evaluation is issued, and you may contact edu@eres.com with your ERES ref#, name and concerns. If the issue is regarding a typo or any error we made, revision fee will be waived within this period. Otherwise, additional revision fee may apply.

How can I view or download my unofficial report?

Please sign in your account on our website and locate your evaluation detail, the download button is on the right top corner.

Can I confirm my result before ERES process my official report?

Yes, if you select to confirm your unofficial report before we process the official report when you apply in our online portal, you are requested to confirm the result first so we can process the official report. It may extend the completion time of your evaluation.

Can ERES provide separated reports that only include certain credentials I required?

Unfortunately, we have to include all the programs you provided on one report since our report is advisory in nature and can’t remove certain credentials due to any objective or purpose that is motivated by applicant’s request.

Will all my credentials be evaluated and included in the report?

Usually, all the recognized credentials you provided will be evaluated and included in your report, but ERES reserves the right to not evaluate documents from certain institutions. The basic price only covers up to 3 programs and additional fee may apply if there are more.

Can I use the Nursing Evaluation for other purposes?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

What should I do before applying a Nursing Evaluation for the Exam?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

What is the “Date Awarded” on our evaluation refer to?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Do I have to have my documents translated?

It depends on the requirements set by the receiving institution. Please contact the receiving institution (e.g. U.S. school, professional board, employer, government agency) to find out if you need a Course by Course Evaluation. It is usually required for admission to an institution and teaching credentials.

Start Your

Evaluation Today

Choose the right evaluation and begin your application in minutes