It took you years to earn a degree. You invested hundreds of dollars in the credential evaluation process after the applications and gathering documents. Now, an email you’ve been dreading said: “We cannot accept this evaluation. Please submit a report from an approved agency.”
Apparently, you are not alone in getting this response. International professionals and students lose valuable time and money. Why? Because they chose a credential evaluation agency that seemed legitimate but is actually not. The reason? It’s recognized by their target institution.
This resulted in some missing critical deadlines, and just watch the job go down the drain while waiting for a second evaluation.
This guide will help you identify what makes a trustworthy credential evaluation agency and which warning signs should send you looking elsewhere.
Why Choosing the Right Agency Matters
Your credential evaluation is more than just a formality. It’s often the gateway to your professional or academic future in the United States. Universities use these evaluations to determine admission eligibility and course placement. Employers rely on them to verify qualifications. State licensing boards require them before granting professional credentials.
If you select an agency whose evaluations aren’t widely accepted, you may find yourself needing to pay for another evaluation from a different provider. More importantly, it can jeopardize time-sensitive opportunities like application deadlines or job offers.
The credential evaluation agency you choose should have a proven track record of producing evaluations that institutions trust and accept. Without this acceptance, even the most beautifully formatted report holds little practical value.
What a Legitimate Agency Should Offer
Reputable credential evaluation agencies share several key characteristics that set them apart from less reliable providers.
First, they employ qualified evaluators with expertise in international education systems. These professionals understand the nuances of academic credentials from different countries and can accurately assess how they compare to U.S. standards.
Second, legitimate agencies maintain transparent processes. They clearly explain their evaluation methodology, turnaround times, and fee structures upfront. You shouldn’t encounter surprise charges or vague descriptions of what you’re purchasing.
Third, professional agencies provide detailed reports that include not just conclusions, but also the reasoning behind their assessments. These reports typically contain information about your institution’s accreditation status, your program of study, and how your credentials translate to the U.S. educational framework.
Finally, established agencies offer responsive customer service. You should be able to reach them with questions and receive helpful, professional responses. Their websites should contain comprehensive information about their services and requirements.
Why Acceptance Matters More Than Speed or Price
When comparing credential evaluation agencies, you might be tempted to choose based solely on turnaround time or cost. While these factors matter, they should never be your primary consideration.
An evaluation completed quickly means nothing if the receiving institution rejects it. Similarly, saving money on an inexpensive evaluation makes no financial sense if you later need to purchase another one from an accepted provider.
Before selecting an agency, contact the specific institution or organization that will receive your evaluation. Ask them directly which agencies they accept. Many universities, licensing boards, and employers maintain lists of approved evaluators.
This simple step of verifying acceptance can save you significant time, money, and stress. Once you’ve confirmed which agencies are acceptable, then you can compare factors like processing speed and pricing among those approved options.
Clear Red Flags to Avoid
Warning signs should immediately raise concerns about a credential evaluation agency’s legitimacy and reliability.
Guaranteed outcomes: Be extremely wary of any agency that promises specific evaluation results before reviewing your documents. Legitimate evaluators assess credentials objectively and cannot guarantee that your degree will be deemed equivalent to any particular U.S. credential level.
Unrealistically fast processing: Agencies promising evaluations in just a day or two should raise suspicion. A thorough evaluation requires time to research institutions, verify documents, and assess credentials carefully.
Poor communication or unprofessional website: If an agency’s website contains numerous spelling errors, broken links, or outdated information, this reflects poorly on their attention to detail. If you cannot easily find contact information or receive prompt responses to inquiries, consider this a credential evaluation red flag.
Lack of transparency about methodology: If an agency is vague about its process or refuses to answer questions about its methodology, proceed with caution.
No verifiable credentials or memberships: An absence of information is a red flag. Reputable agencies often belong to professional organizations and are willing to share information about their evaluators’ qualifications.
Pressure tactics: If an agency pressures you to submit documents immediately or uses high-pressure sales tactics, this is another credential evaluation red flag that suggests they prioritize profit over professional service.
Understanding Industry Memberships
Professional memberships can serve as helpful indicators when evaluating credential evaluation agencies. Trustworthy organizations like the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) establish standards for their members. NACES, specifically requires member agencies to adhere to specific ethical guidelines and professional standards.
However, membership alone doesn’t guarantee that a particular agency is the right choice for your needs. Different universities and licensing boards may have different preferences, even among NACES members. That’s why verifying acceptance with your receiving institution remains the most critical step, regardless of an agency’s memberships.
Practical Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Before committing to a credential evaluation agency, ask these important questions:
Is your agency accepted by my target institution? This is the most essential question. Get confirmation in writing if possible.
What are your evaluators’ qualifications? Legitimate agencies should be able to describe their evaluators’ expertise and experience with international credentials.
What exactly is included in my evaluation report? Understand what you’ll receive and ensure it meets the requirements specified by your receiving institution.
What is your typical turnaround time? Get realistic expectations about processing duration, and ask about expedited options if you’re facing deadlines.
What are all the costs involved? Request a complete breakdown of fees, including any potential additional charges.
How do you verify document authenticity? Understanding their verification process helps ensure your evaluation will be credible.
What happens if my receiving institution has questions about the evaluation? Reputable agencies should support their evaluations if questions arise.
How ERES Supports Professionals with Credential Evaluation Services
Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES) provides comprehensive foreign credential evaluation services to help international professionals and students navigate U.S. educational and employment requirements. As a NACES member since 1993, ERES conducts thorough assessments of international academic credentials, translating them into their U.S. equivalents for admission, employment, and licensing purposes.
ERES, with more than 40 years of expertise, employs experienced evaluators who understand the complexities of diverse international education systems. Their detailed evaluation reports help institutions and employers make informed decisions about applicants’ qualifications.
Choosing with Confidence
Getting the best foreign credential evaluation agency for your needs doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Remember that this evaluation represents an important investment in your professional future. The right credential evaluation agency will help others recognize that value accurately and professionally.
Taking the time to choose wisely now will help ensure your credentials receive the recognition they deserve.
