Most people with international academic credentials such as high school diploma, undergraduate or graduate degrees (e.g. bachelor, master’s degree, etc.) outside of the United States often ask why they must evaluate these credentials.
They ask why education institutions or employers in the United States would not accept the degree or diploma the way it is, especially if it meets the education requirements and the fact that the education institution or employers accepts it in their own country.
It is important to define what credential evaluation is and provide the benefits the credential owner can get from getting a proper evaluation done.
What is International Credential Evaluation?
International credential evaluation is a process of analyzing and comparing educational credential from one country to another. This process is detailed and done by competent or knowledgeable individuals that understand education system around the world.
The individuals make the analysis and comparison in terms of education system of the country or countries being evaluated. The analysis involves assessing the academic documents such as transcript, mark sheet and graduation certificate or diploma received from the applicant. The courses or subjects, course content, credits or units assigned, and grade earned or received in the course are assessed carefully.
The degrees from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Mexico for instance, are analyzed and then compared to degrees completed in the United States.
The evaluator will review authoritative and relevant information and materials about the educational institution, degree program or major in question, the degree plan, course syllabus, etc. He or she will review the school’s accreditation and recognition, number of courses, credits awarded, the course content, grade received in each course, etc.
This process will help the credential evaluator to determine the equivalent of the degree to the United States.
The evaluator will issue evaluation report that the applicant can then use to apply for different purposes, such as employment, admission to a university, and professional license or certification.
Benefits of International Credential Evaluation
Evaluating education credential obtained outside the United States bring many benefits to individual credential holder. Below are some of the main benefits associated with evaluation of education credentials.
1. Acceptance and Recognition
International Credential evaluation helps the individual of the degree certificate and transcript get recognition for prior educational level or attainment in the United States. They can apply for career opportunities appropriate for their degree level once the education credential has been verified, evaluated, and certified.
International students, for example can apply for admission into appropriate undergraduate or graduate degree program in the United States.
2. Save Money and Time
International transcript evaluation helps the individual save money and time. Not getting proper information on credential evaluation and how it works can hinder applicant’s progress.
It can cause applicants to repeat educational level they already achieved in their home countries. That is, they start their education all over again. This can add unnecessary delay to graduation time and cause the applicant to waste money in the long run.
By doing credential evaluation, the diploma or degree holder can pursue further education. They can apply for employment with a private or government agency. They can also apply for professional license or certification to practice a profession, or education and training.
3. Peace of Mind
Evaluating international academic credential by appropriate company or agency will reduce uncertainty and help the certificate holder have peace of mind when they know what the credential is equivalent to in the United States.
The educational institutions and employers in the United States accept evaluation by approved foreign degree evaluation agencies like Bruscan Educational Information Services (BEIS), World education service (WES), Educational credential evaluators (ECE) that follow ethical standards and guidelines when performing credential evaluation.
In summary, it is important and necessary to get credential evaluation done as the benefits cannot be over-emphasized.
Bruscan Educational Information Services is affordable and trusted with quick and easy process. Apply for credential evaluation now or contact us for more information.
