Foreign Degree Evaluation: How to Get Your Credentials Evaluated in the U.S.
July 11, 2026
If you earned your degree outside the United States, you will often be asked to prove what it is worth in U.S. terms before you can enroll, get hired, or apply for a license. That is where a foreign degree evaluation comes in.
A foreign degree evaluation is a report that compares your international academic credentials to the U.S. education system and states their U.S. equivalent. It is the standard way for American universities, employers, and licensing boards to understand education completed in another country.
What Is a Foreign Degree Evaluation?
A foreign degree evaluation, also called a foreign credential evaluation, is a professional assessment that translates your international education into U.S. terms. An evaluator reviews your diplomas, transcripts, and degrees and explains what they are equivalent to at a U.S. institution.
The result is a written report that an admissions office, employer, or licensing board can rely on. Instead of trying to interpret an unfamiliar grading scale or degree title themselves, they can read a clear statement of your U.S. equivalency.
What Does Degree Equivalency Mean?
Degree equivalency is the U.S. credential that most closely matches your foreign degree. For example, a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree earned abroad may be found equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, depending on the country and program.
Equivalency is not a simple word-for-word translation. A qualified evaluator considers the institution’s recognition, the length of study, the grading system, and the subject matter to determine the most accurate U.S. equivalent for your bachelor’s, master’s, or other degree.
When Do You Need a Foreign Credential Evaluation?
You typically need a foreign credential evaluation any time a U.S. institution has to make a decision based on education you completed in another country. The most common situations are admission, employment, and professional licensure.
Universities often require an evaluation for international students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs. Employers may request one to confirm a candidate meets a degree requirement. Licensing boards in fields such as nursing, teaching, and engineering frequently require an evaluation before granting a credential.
How to Get Your Degree Evaluated in the U.S.
Getting your foreign degree evaluated in the U.S. is a straightforward process once you know the steps:
- Choose the evaluation type you need. Confirm whether the receiving institution requires a document-by-document report (General Analysis) or a course-by-course report (Course Analysis).
- Gather your documents. This usually means your degree or diploma and an official transcript or mark sheet, along with certified translations if the documents are not in English.
- Submit your application. Most evaluation services let you apply online and upload your documents securely.
- Wait for the review. A trained evaluator verifies and analyzes your credentials and prepares the report.
- Receive your evaluation. The completed report states your U.S. equivalency and can be sent to the schools, employers, or boards you specify.
What Are the Main Types of Evaluations?
There are two main types of foreign degree evaluations: document-by-document (General Analysis) and course-by-course (Course Analysis). The right one depends on what the receiving institution asks for.
A document-by-document evaluation identifies your degree and its U.S. equivalent. A course-by-course evaluation goes further, listing each course with its U.S. semester credits and a grade-point average, which is typically required for graduate admission and most professional licensure.
How to Choose a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service
When choosing a foreign credential evaluation service, the most important factor is whether the provider is a recognized member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Many universities, employers, and licensing boards specifically require a NACES member evaluation.
Beyond that, compare turnaround time, transparent pricing, the evaluation types offered, and the quality of customer support. If you are working against an admission or licensing deadline, a faster, clearly priced service can make a meaningful difference.
The Evaluation Company has been a NACES member since 1996 and provides course-by-course evaluations, document-by-document reports, certified translations, and document verification, all through a straightforward online application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a foreign degree evaluation?
A foreign degree evaluation is a report that compares your international credentials to the U.S. education system and states their U.S. equivalent, so schools, employers, and licensing boards can understand them.
How do I evaluate my degree in the USA?
You choose the evaluation type you need, submit your degree and transcript (with certified translations if required) to a credential evaluation service, and receive a report stating your U.S. equivalency.
How long does a credential evaluation take?
Turnaround varies by provider and evaluation type, ranging from a few business days for expedited service to several weeks for standard processing.
What is the U.S. equivalent of my foreign bachelor’s degree?
Many foreign bachelor’s degrees are found equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, but the exact equivalency depends on the country, the length of study, and the institution, which is why a formal evaluation is needed.
Does the evaluation have to be from a NACES member?
In many cases, yes. A large number of U.S. universities, employers, and licensing boards specifically require an evaluation completed by a NACES member service.
What documents do I need for a credential evaluation?
You generally need your degree or diploma and an official transcript or mark sheet, plus certified English translations if your documents are in another language.
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