Foreign Credential Evaluation

Overview

Credential evaluation is the process of determining how a foreign academic or professional credential compares to U.S. standards. A certified English translation is required before this evaluation can begin, as credential evaluators and receiving institutions need to read and review your original documents in English.

RushTranslate does not provide credential evaluation services. However, we do provide the certified translations required for this process. In most cases, you'll also need to include notarization and request a hard copy of the translation. Credential evaluation providers typically require the original notarized certified translation with wet ink signatures and stamps for verification.

What Is Credential Evaluation?

Credential evaluation determines the U.S. equivalent of an academic degree, transcript, or professional certification earned outside the U.S. It is not part of the translation process and must be completed separately, after translation.

Common credential evaluation providers used by our clients include:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Educational Perspectives

This service is especially important for:

• Students applying to U.S. universities with academic records from non-U.S. institutions
• Professionals seeking licensure or employment where foreign credentials must be validated

Evaluators help translate academic scales, degrees, and certifications into their closest U.S. equivalents. For example, a bachelor's degree in one country may not align directly with a U.S. bachelor's degree. Credential evaluators make these determinations using standardized frameworks.

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a word-for-word human translation delivered in a non-editable format on RushTranslate letterhead. It includes:

• A Certificate of Translation Accuracy signed and stamped by an authorized RushTranslate representative
• A layout that mirrors the source document for readability
• Secure delivery as a PDF or mailed hard copy (if selected)

The certificate attests that the translator is fluent in the relevant language pair, is unrelated to the document subject, and that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Certified translations are required for use by:

• U.S. Immigration (USCIS)
• Universities and credential evaluation services
• Courts and legal proceedings
• Local, state, and federal government agencies

Requirements for Credential Evaluation

Most credential evaluation providers require specific documentation to ensure your translation is authentic and verifiable. While exact requirements may vary, these are the most common:

• Certified translation – A word-for-word human translation of the original document, delivered in a secure, non-editable format with a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy on official letterhead.
• Notarization – The certificate must be notarized to confirm the identity of the authorized signer, adding a level of legal verification.
• Hard copy with wet ink – Many evaluators require physical documents with original signatures and stamps. Digital PDFs alone may not be accepted.

When ordering from RushTranslate, make sure to select notarization and hard copy delivery to ensure your documents meet these standard requirements.

Confirm Requirements with Your Evaluator and Receiver

Even though the above are common expectations, it's important to check the specific requirements for your situation:

• Credential evaluation services – Each provider may have unique submission guidelines (e.g., some may require sealed envelopes, others may need direct mailing from RushTranslate).
• Receiving institutions – Whether it's a university, employer, or licensing board, they may have additional requirements beyond what the evaluation service mandates.

Some institutions require translations to be submitted directly by the translation provider, while others allow the applicant to submit them. Format preferences and additional authentication steps may also vary.

Taking a few minutes to confirm these details before ordering helps ensure your translation is accepted without issue. If you're unsure, our support team is happy to share insights based on past client experiences.