You strived to get a degree for years. You’ve crossed seas and settled into a new environment to learn a new system. Now, you’re only a step away from your graduate school, professional licensure, or a dream career. Yet, you found out that your credentials need to be evaluated.
Well, credential evaluation can feel overwhelming, especially since there are types of evaluation that could match your specific goals. When application deadlines are approaching, you’re left wondering, which credential evaluation do I actually need?
Apparently, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A wrong choice wastes time and money. The right choice leads you to move confidently toward your next opportunity.
This guide helps you identify exactly which credential evaluation suits your purpose. Whether that’s continuing your education, obtaining professional licensure, securing employment, or meeting immigration requirements.
Why Purpose Matters in Credential Evaluation
Before diving, let’s get to know the basics. A credential evaluation is an assessment of educational qualifications earned outside a target country’s education system. The evaluation translates your foreign credentials into terms that institutions, licensing boards, and employers can understand and accept.
Different organizations have different requirements, and selecting the wrong evaluation type can delay your application or even result in rejection. So, the type of evaluation you need depends entirely on what you’re trying to accomplish.
Credential Evaluation for Education
If you’re planning to continue your education, such as pursuing an undergraduate degree, or graduate studies, you need an academic credential evaluation. Most colleges and universities require one of these two main types:
逐文件評估
This evaluation provides a summary of each credential you’ve earned, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates. This type is often sufficient for undergraduate admissions or when institutions have less strict evaluation requirements. It confirms the authenticity of your documents and provides U.S. equivalency for each qualification.
逐門課程評估
A course-by-course evaluation offers a detailed breakdown of every course you completed. This entails credit hours, grades, and grade point average (GPA) calculations. This comprehensive analysis is frequently required by graduate programs, competitive undergraduate programs, and institutions that need to assess individual coursework for transfer credit or prerequisite requirements.
When applying to educational institutions, always check directly with the admissions office about their specific evaluation requirements. Some schools accept either type, while others mandate a course-by-course format, particularly for advanced degree programs.
Credential Evaluation for Professional Licensure
Professional licensure boards such as those for nursing, medicine, engineering, teaching, and other regulated professions imposes strict evaluation standards. These boards implement verification of your education that meets specific regulatory requirements for practice in their jurisdiction.
Licensure evaluations often require:
- 逐門課程分析 to verify specific coursework requirements
- Specialized professional evaluations that assess whether your program meets professional standards
- Verification of clinical hours, internships, or practical training (for healthcare and certain technical professions)
Each licensing board maintains its own list of approved evaluation agencies and specific requirements. Before ordering an evaluation, contact the relevant licensing board to understand:
- Which evaluation agencies do they accept
- What level of detail the evaluation must include
- Whether they require additional documentation beyond the evaluation report
- Specific formatting or submission requirements
Professional licensure represents one area where choosing the correct credential evaluation is absolutely critical, as boards will not accept evaluations that don’t meet their exact specifications.
Credential Evaluation for Employment
Employers requesting credential evaluations generally want to understand how your foreign education compares to qualifications earned domestically. Employment-related evaluations help hiring managers and human resources departments make informed decisions about candidate qualifications.
For employment purposes, a document-by-document evaluation is usually sufficient. This evaluation type provides:
- Confirmation of degree authenticity
- U.S. degree equivalency
- Field of study verification
- Clear, concise information that employers can quickly review
However, some specialized employment situations, particularly in technical fields, government positions, or roles requiring specific educational prerequisites, may require more detailed course-by-course evaluations. When in doubt, ask your potential employer or their HR department about their specific requirements.
Some employers may also request evaluations for visa sponsorship purposes, which can overlap with immigration-related evaluation needs.
Credential Evaluation for Immigration
Immigration processes often require credential evaluations, particularly for employment-based visa categories. The type of evaluation needed depends on the specific visa category and the requirements set by immigration authorities.
Common immigration-related evaluation needs include:
就業移民
Many employment-based visa categories require proof of educational qualifications equivalent to a U.S. degree. These evaluations must clearly demonstrate that your education meets the minimum requirements for the position or visa category. Document-by-document evaluations are often acceptable, though some cases may require course-by-course detail.
Educational Credential Assessment for Permanent Residency
Certain immigration ways use educational credential assessments as part of a points-based selection process. These assessments may require both educational verification and detailed course analysis.
Remember to always consult with your immigration attorney or review the specific requirements for your visa category before ordering an evaluation. Immigration authorities are particular about which evaluation agencies they accept and what information must be included in the report.
Quick Reference: Purpose and Evaluation Type
目的 | Typical Evaluation Type | 主要考慮因素 |
本科入學 | Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course | Check with specific institution |
研究所 | Course-by-Course (most common) | Often requires GPA calculation |
專業執照 | Course-by-Course or Specialized | Must use board-approved agency |
General Employment | Document-by-Document | Verify with employer if uncertain |
Immigration/Visa | Varies by visa category | Consult immigration requirements |
要避免的常見錯誤
Understanding which credential evaluation is only part of the process. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you significant time and expense:
Ordering the Wrong Evaluation Type
Many applicants order a document-by-document evaluation when their institution or board specifically requires course-by-course analysis. This mistake means starting over with a new evaluation, paying additional fees, and facing application delays.
Using an Unapproved Evaluation Agency
Professional licensing boards and some educational institutions maintain specific lists of approved evaluation agencies. Using a non-approved service means your evaluation won’t be accepted, regardless of its quality.
Not Confirming Requirements Before Ordering
Requirements change, and different departments within the same organization may have different standards. Always confirm current requirements directly with the organization requesting the evaluation.
訂購太晚了
Credential evaluations take time to complete, particularly when documents must be verified with foreign institutions. Order your evaluation well in advance of application deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
Failing to Provide Complete Documentation
Incomplete submissions delay the evaluation process. Before starting your evaluation request, gather all required documents: transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and translations.
How to Confirm You're Ordering the Correct Evaluation
Before submitting your evaluation request, take these verification steps:
- Contact the requesting organization directly. Speak with admissions officers, licensing board staff, or HR representatives to understand their exact requirements.
- Review official guidelines. Most organizations publish evaluation requirements on their websites or in application materials.
- Ask about approved evaluation agencies. Confirm that your chosen evaluation service is accepted by the requesting organization.
- Clarify specific requirements. Ask whether you need document-by-document, course-by-course, or specialized professional evaluation.
- Confirm submission procedures. Understand whether the evaluation should be sent directly to the organization or if you can submit it with your application.
- Check processing times. Ensure the evaluation can be completed within your application timeline.
How ERES Supports Your Credential Evaluation Needs
ERES provides comprehensive credential evaluation services designed to meet diverse professional and educational requirements. Whether you need a straightforward document-by-document evaluation or a detailed course-by-course analysis, ERES offers expert assessment services that help you move forward with your academic, professional, and immigration goals.
ERES evaluations are widely accepted by educational institutions, licensing boards, and employers across multiple industries. The organization’s experienced evaluators understand the nuances of international education systems and provide accurate, detailed reports that meet stringent organizational standards.
For professionals pursuing licensure, ERES offers specialized evaluations tailored to specific board requirements, helping ensure your credentials are presented in the format required by regulatory authorities.
For academic purposes, ERES provides both 逐個文檔 逐門課程評估, giving you the flexibility to choose the assessment level that matches your institutional requirements.
充滿信心地前進
Selecting the right credential evaluation may not be a piece of cake. But it shouldn’t be complicated. By understanding your purpose, confirming requirements with the requesting organization, and choosing a reputable evaluation service, you can get through this process successfully.
Whether your future involves continued education, professional practice, or career advancement, credential evaluation is an investment in your future. Make sure to take the time to choose the correct evaluation type even from the start to ensure that you can move forward without unnecessary delays or complications.
