For individuals applying to universities, licensing board, or employer in the United States who have non-English academic credentials, there are two separate processes that need to be completed: having a translation done and getting a credential evaluation.
A certified translation is a service where your academic credentials are translated into English, complete with an official statement regarding the accuracy of the translation. A credential evaluation analyzes the translated credentials for U.S. educational equivalence. One service does not replace the other—translation ensures readability so evaluation can establish academic value.
As an ATA Corporate Member and a NACES member since 1993, ERES provides both services in one streamlined workflow. Always confirm your receiving organization’s specific requirements before ordering.
What Documents Usually Need Both Services?
Determining U.S. equivalency requires a thorough analysis of an applicant’s academic records, such as the educational institution attended, admission requirements, courses taken, credits earned, grading system used, and the degree obtained.
Documents typically needed to be translated and evaluated:
- Transcripts
- Diplomas and degrees
- Mark sheets and consolidated mark lists
- Graduation certificates
- Course descriptions (in case of course-by-course evaluation)
The documents above represent a few cases of documents that are subject to translation and evaluation before being used for admissions, employment, professional licensing, and other credential review purposes.
In the case where the documents are written in languages other than English, the evaluators have to understand the documents before assessing the credits, grades, educational levels, and degree equivalencies. This is why translated transcripts for credential evaluation are often required. For more information on academic translation requirements, see ERES’s guide on non-English transcripts and translation rules.
Step-by-Step: From Foreign Documents to an Evaluation Report
Understanding the process step-by-step can inform applicants what to expect.
Step 1: Document Upload
Submit clear and high-quality scanned copies of your official transcripts through the online application portal. Prior to submitting any documents, you should visit the ERES document requirements page and verify what documents are required for your country of education.
Step 2: Certified Translation
After uploading, the documents are translated into English by professional translator. The final document is accompanied by an official signed certification of the translation stating the accuracy. Being an ATA Corporate Member, ERES follows industry standards for certified translation. It is also significant to realize that while ERES provides translations, they do not offer notarization services.
Step 3: Foreign Credential Evaluation
When you get your translated copies, ERES evaluators review the education, grades, and years of study of your foreign credentials. By using historical standards and institutional research, the evaluator will establish equivalency of your education in the United States.
Step 4: Digital Delivery
Upon completion, the certified translation along with the official report is sent electronically, to be submitted to your chosen institution or board.
What You Receive from Each Service
Since translation and evaluation have different purposes, each service provides you with a different deliverable.
Certified Translation
- Translation of your educational documents into English
- Certification statement that guarantees accuracy
Credential Evaluation
- Official evaluation report
- U.S. degree equivalency determination
- GPA and course analysis (if included in the report type ordered)
In other words, certified translation translates your documents into English, while credential evaluation evaluates your degree against U.S standards. Many organizations ask for both services to evaluate applicants’ credentials.
When Only One Service Might Be Needed
While some people might need to go through both services, there are cases where only one service will be needed:
Certified Translation Only: In case the employer, board, or university performs credential evaluations using an internal team, but they need a certified English translation of your academic documents.
Credential Evaluation Only: When the original academic documents are in English from the institution that awarded the credentials.
In case you are not sure which route to take, check out our article on what kind of credential evaluation report you need.
Ordering Translation and Evaluation Together
Separate arrangements with vendors for translations and evaluations may result in miscommunication, formatting problems, and delays. Ordering both together via ERES will streamline the process of your application into one seamless process.
Fees for translation are charged per page and may be ordered along with your evaluation during checkout. For more information about per-page prices, turnaround time and rush options, see ERES Pricing and Fees page.
Not Sure Whether You Need an Evaluation Yet?
If you are uncertain whether your university is recognized, whether your documents are complete, or what U.S. equivalency you might receive, consider utilizing the ERES Pre-Evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a certified translation before a credential evaluation?
Yes. If your original academic records are issued in a language other than English, a certified translation must be completed so evaluators can accurately assess your coursework and grades. Always verify specific requirements with your receiving institution.
Can a certified translation replace a credential evaluation?
No. A certified translation renders foreign text into English. A credential evaluation analyzes the academic content to establish U.S. educational equivalency. They serve different purposes.
Which documents usually require both services?
Transcripts, degree certificates, diplomas, mark sheets, and course descriptions issued in non-English languages typically require both services.
Does ERES provide notarized translations?
ERES provides official certified translations accompanied by a certification statement but does not provide notarization services.
Streamline Your Application Today
Dealing with foreign document requirements doesn’t need to be difficult. Certified translation combined with credential evaluation will help your foreign credentials be correctly assessed in the United States.
Are you ready to move forward? Place your order for both services with ERES, a NACES member since 1993. Look at our pricing & fees page to see current per page prices and processing methods.
