Credential Evaluation: Complete Guide to Common Questions

For students and professionals who studied outside their home country, moving abroad can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges is proving that your qualifications are equivalent to the local standards of your new country. This is where credential evaluation comes in.

A credential evaluation ensures fairness by comparing foreign degrees, diplomas, and transcripts against U.S. or international systems. Without it, universities may reject qualified applicants, employers may undervalue degrees, and licensing boards may deny professionals the chance to practice. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the most common questions people ask about credential evaluation — including costs, timelines, providers, and practical tips.

What is a credential evaluation?

A credential evaluation is a professional service that reviews academic qualifications earned abroad and translates them into the equivalent standards of another country’s education system. It is not simply about translation of words but also about contextualizing academic achievement. For instance, a “First Division” grade in India, a “Distinction” in Nigeria, and an “A” in the U.S. may not look the same on paper, but evaluators standardize them into a common format like the U.S. GPA scale.

Universities use these evaluations to make fair admissions decisions, employers use them to assess job candidates, and immigration offices rely on them to confirm eligibility for work visas or residency. A credential evaluation bridges the gap between different education systems, making it possible for global talent to be recognized consistently.

How do I get my credential evaluation?

Getting a credential evaluation usually involves a structured process. First, you’ll need to choose a trusted provider such as WES, ECE, or another NACES member. Some applicants also choose modern platforms like MyEvaluationPal for faster results.

After selecting a provider, the next step is to gather your academic documents, such as diplomas, transcripts, and certificates. Many agencies require that transcripts be sent directly from your school or university to prevent tampering. Once documents are received, you’ll pay the fee and wait for the evaluation process to be completed.

Tip: Before applying, confirm whether your target university, employer, or licensing board requires a specific provider. For example, some U.S. state licensing boards only accept evaluations from NACES members.

How much does a credential evaluation cost?

The cost depends largely on the type of evaluation you need and which provider you choose. On average:

Document-by-Document reports: $100–$150
Course-by-Course reports: $200–$300+
Specialized professional evaluations: May cost more depending on complexity

Additional costs may apply for rush service, sealed copies, or mailing extra reports to universities and employers. For instance, WES charges additional fees per copy if you want multiple institutions to receive your report.

Try our free tool: GPA Calculator to understand how your grades may convert before investing in a full evaluation.

Which credential evaluation service is the best?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer because the best provider depends on your purpose:

WES: Widely recognized by U.S. and Canadian universities. It’s often the first choice for international students applying to higher education.
ECE: Known for detailed course analysis, often preferred by professional licensing boards.
NCEES: Specialized in evaluating engineering and surveying credentials.
MyEvaluationPal: A modern platform offering AI-driven evaluations, transparent GPA conversions, and a global grading scale database for institutions.

Pro tip: Always check with your university, employer, or board before choosing. Some accept any NACES member, while others specify one provider.

Which is better, WES or ECE?

Both WES and ECE are respected members of NACES, and both offer reliable evaluations. The difference often comes down to acceptance and detail.

WES is typically the safer choice for university admissions because it’s widely requested.
ECE is often favored by professional boards for its thorough course-by-course breakdowns.

If you’re applying for graduate programs, WES may be better. If you’re applying for professional licensure (like nursing or teaching), ECE might be the right choice.

How much does a NACES evaluation cost?

Since NACES is an association and not a direct provider, fees vary depending on the agency you choose. For example:

WES: Around $220 for a standard course-by-course evaluation.
ECE: Between $195–$245 depending on the service.

Expect an average cost of $150–$300 for most NACES-approved evaluations.

Is NACES worth it?

Yes. Many institutions specifically require evaluations from NACES-approved providers because NACES members must follow strict quality standards. Using a non-NACES provider could result in your report being rejected, which means wasted money and time.

Check the full list of NACES members here.

How long does a NACES evaluation take?

Processing times depend on the provider and time of year.

Standard timeline: 2–4 weeks
Rush services: Available with extra fees (sometimes within 5–7 business days)

During peak admissions seasons (like January or August), processing may take longer. MyEvaluationPal, by contrast, offers AI-powered evaluations that can process GPA conversions instantly, helping students meet urgent deadlines.

Is WES under NACES?

Yes. WES (World Education Services) is a founding member of NACES and one of the most widely trusted evaluation providers worldwide. This means reports from WES are almost always accepted by universities, employers, and government bodies across North America.

How do I validate my Mexican degree in the USA?

To validate your Mexican degree in the U.S.:

Choose a credential evaluation service (preferably a NACES member).
Submit your transcripts and diplomas for review.
Receive a report confirming its U.S. equivalency.

For example, a Mexican Licenciatura may be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The evaluation ensures that your qualifications are recognized by universities, employers, and immigration offices.

Can I use my Mexican high school diploma in the USA?

Yes, but it must first go through credential evaluation. Universities and employers often require a report that confirms the diploma is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Without this, your application may be delayed or rejected.

What is the equivalent of an Indian degree in the USA?

Equivalency depends on the program and institution. For instance:

A 3-year Indian bachelor’s degree may be considered less than a U.S. bachelor’s, though some universities accept it as equivalent.
An Indian Master’s degree from a recognized university is generally accepted as equivalent to a U.S. Master’s.

See how Indian grades align with U.S. GPAs using our Grading Scale Database.

What are the types and steps of evaluation?

Types of Credential Evaluation:

Document-by-Document Evaluation: Confirms degree level and institution recognition.
Course-by-Course Evaluation: Detailed analysis of each subject, grade, and credit.
Professional Evaluations: Required for fields like healthcare, law, and engineering.
Immigration Evaluations: Tailored for visa or residency applications.

Steps of Credential Evaluation:

Choose your evaluator.
Collect and submit documents.
Verification by the provider.
Grade and credit conversion.
Receive official report.

Credential evaluation is the key to unlocking global opportunities in education, work, and immigration. It ensures that degrees from Mexico, India, Nigeria, and beyond are fairly recognized in the U.S. or other countries. While trusted NACES members like WES and ECE remain industry standards, modern solutions like MyEvaluationPal offer faster, affordable, and more transparent alternatives.

Start today with our free GPA Calculator and Grading Scale Database to prepare for your credential evaluation journey.