Foreign credential evaluation assesses educational degrees and professional licenses earned abroad for US equivalence. Needed for employment, education, licensing, and immigration.
9 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Determine evaluation type needed — Course-by-course (grad school), document-by-document (employment), or general.
- Choose evaluation service — NACES members: WES, ECE, SpanTran. WES most commonly required.
- Gather documents — Official transcripts, diplomas in sealed envelopes.
- Get certified translations — Use ATA-certified translators for non-English documents.
- Submit and pay — $100-$300. Standard: 2-8 weeks; expedited available.
- Use the report — Submit to employers, schools, licensing boards.
2. Key Details
- Foreign doctors: Must pass USMLE and complete US residency
- Foreign lawyers: Requirements vary by state
- Some states have expedited licensing for shortage fields
Pro Tips
- Check which evaluation service is accepted before paying
- WES has a free eligibility check tool
- Professional associations often have guidance for foreign-trained professionals