Obtaining a teaching license in the United States or a substitute permit with an international qualification involves proving that one’s international education is equivalent to a U.S. degree, has been trained in the relevant subject area, and has received pedagogical training. Most state authorities ask for an official credential evaluation done by a NACES member prior to considering the certification application.
Because licensing rules are established at the state level, one is advised to always check the licensing requirements of their particular state. ERES has been a NACES member since 1993 and offers foreign teacher credential evaluation USA services specifically to assist foreign-educated teachers in complying with the licensing requirements set up by the respective state authorities.
Who Needs a Foreign Degree Evaluation for Teacher Certification?
A foreign degree evaluation for teacher certification may be required for a wide range of education professionals whose academic credentials were earned outside the United States. You will likely need an evaluation if you fall into any of the following categories:
- K–12 Classroom Teachers: Educators applying for initial state certification/initial license.
- Credential Transfers: International teachers who have credentials obtained from other countries and want to teach in U.S. public or charter schools.
- Interstate Applicants: Certified international teachers moving to a new U.S. state.
- Substitute Educators: Candidates applying for a substitute teaching credential evaluation foreign degree pathway to gain entry-level classroom experience.
- Career Changers: Individuals who are entering the field of teaching after having worked in other industries, especially higher education or specialized industry careers abroad.
State licensing authorities must determine whether the education of the applicant from an international background satisfies their certification criteria. An evaluation provides a standardized review of foreign educational credentials, helping boards understand degree equivalencies, subject-area preparation, and professional education coursework completed outside the United States.
If you’re beginning your transition into the American education system, our guide on transitioning to teaching in the U.S. can provide additional insights
What State Teaching Commissions Commonly Require
Important Note: Please ensure that you check your state board, licensing commission, or department of education for your exact evaluation report requirements prior to ordering the report.
For many licensing pathways, the course-by-course evaluation is usually recommended for teachers since it offers a very detailed breakdown of one’s coursework and professional preparation.
A course-by-course
- evaluation may include:
- U.S. degree equivalency
- Semester credit hour conversions
- Grade and GPA calculations where applicable
- Major and minor fields of study
- General education coursework
- Professional education and pedagogy courses
Student Teaching and Practicum Identification
The majority of state boards examine closely supervised teaching experience when evaluating teacher licensure applications. When documented properly in official records, evaluators can evaluate teaching practice, field-based practicum, and specific student-teaching subjects.
Substitute Teaching Pathways
In some states, a substitute teaching credential evaluation foreign degree review may also be necessary. Even though requirements for substitute teaching are often less rigorous than those for full teacher certification, some school districts and licensing authorities may still require degree evaluation and verification of educational qualifications from applicants.
Learn more about teacher credential evaluations here
Required Documents for a Teacher Credential Evaluation
Providing all required documents in a clear and official manner will ensure that your application will not be delayed.
Standard Documentation Checklist
1. Academic Transcripts & Mark Sheet: Official documents showing all the names of courses along with total contact hours per course, credit hours, and marks obtained.
2. Degree Certificate & Diploma: Official document proving that you have completed your degree program.
3. Teacher Preparation & Practicum Records: Proof of students-teaching hours and subject areas in form of official syllabus, clinical logs or university attestations.
4. Official English Translations: Word-by-word translation is required for non-English documents.
The ERES Evaluation Process
Step 1: Verify State Requirements
Before starting your application, check out the type of evaluation your state licensing board demands. Many states require a course-by-course evaluation and may have certain guidelines in terms of report submission.
Step 2: Consider the ERES Pre-Evaluation
Not sure which evaluation you need? The ERES Pre-Evaluation can help you determine the appropriate service before ordering a full evaluation. Learn more
Step 3: Submit Documentation
Official syllabus information and university documentation on student teaching hours and subjects.
Step 4: Evaluation and Report Preparation
ERES reviews your documents and prepares the requested evaluation report.
Step 5: Receive Your Evaluation
Your completed evaluation is issued and delivered according to your selected service options.
For current details regarding service tiers, turnarounds, and costs, please review our transparent Pricing and Fees page.
Why Choose ERES?
ERES, a member of NACES since 1993, provides:
- Experience in evaluating international education credentials
- Options for course-by-course evaluation suitable for teacher licensing
- Determining the academic preparation from the documents provided
- Pre-Evaluation services to individuals who want to receive advice prior to ordering an evaluation report
- A streamlined online application process
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a NACES member evaluation often requested for a teaching license?
NACES-member organizations are frequently asked by licensing authorities in several states to provide evaluations of international credentials as part of their process for reviewing international credentials.
What type of evaluation is normally used for teacher certification?
A course-by-course evaluation is the one most commonly requested because it provides all the necessary detail in terms of courses, grades, credits, degree equivalencies, and teacher preparation studies.
Can student-teaching experience be identified in an evaluation?
Yes. Student-teaching, practicum, and practice teaching may be identified if they are reflected in the records that are submitted for review.
Can I use the same evaluation for substitute teaching and full certification?
Possibly. While some states have the same requirement for several kinds of evaluations, in other cases, separate requirements have to be fulfilled. It is important to contact the licensing authority of your state directly.
How do I know which evaluation I need?
In case you have questions regarding the type of the service, the ERES Pre-Evaluation will help you to get the necessary information.
