Academic Evaluations for Federal Jobs: What You Need to Know

If you earned your degree outside the United States and want to work for the federal government, there’s one step you can’t skip: getting your academic credentials evaluated. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requires this for most General Schedule (GS) positions.

This article walks you through why academic evaluations matter, what the process looks like, and how to make sure your application checks every box. Whether you're just starting your job search or preparing to apply, you'll find useful tips and resources here.

What Are General Schedule (GS) Jobs?

The General Schedule is the pay scale used for most federal civilian jobs. GS positions are divided into 15 grades—GS-1 through GS-15—with each grade having 10 steps. This system applies to thousands of job titles across hundreds of agencies.

Every GS position comes with its own set of qualifications. These often include educational requirements. Some entry-level jobs may only ask for a high school diploma or an associate degree, while mid-level and higher positions may require a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctorate.

If you completed your education outside the U.S., federal agencies need a way to understand and verify your qualifications. That’s where academic evaluations come in—they provide a clear comparison between your foreign education and the U.S. system.

Why Academic Evaluations Are Essential

For U.S. employers, especially federal agencies, hiring someone with a foreign degree requires confidence in the legitimacy and equivalency of that education. Academic evaluations help by doing the following:

• Translating educational systems: Degrees around the world follow different structures. An evaluation helps align them with U.S. degree standards.
• Verifying authenticity: It confirms the legitimacy of your school and your documentation.
• Ensuring fair comparison: It helps hiring managers compare applicants consistently, regardless of where they studied.

What the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Requires

The Office of Personnel Management has a clear list of what an acceptable foreign credential evaluation must include. This ensures that agencies get consistent and complete information when reviewing foreign-educated applicants.

Here’s what your evaluation report should contain:

• A description of the type of education you received (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Engineering Diploma, etc.)
• A comparison to U.S. education standards, following International Education Standards Council (IESC) guidelines
• A summary of the content of your educational program and the degree standard you achieved
• Confirmation that your school is officially recognized and authorized to issue degrees in its country
• Any relevant details about the evaluation process, qualifications of the evaluator, and potential issues (like document fraud or forgery)

Without these details, your evaluation may not be accepted—and that could delay or derail your job application.

What Is an Academic Evaluation?

An academic evaluation is a professional assessment that compares foreign academic credentials to their U.S. equivalents. It’s a key document in immigration, licensing, further education, and, of course, federal hiring.

Agencies like MotaWord specialize in preparing these evaluations. They review your transcripts, diplomas, course content, grading scale, and the reputation of the school you attended. Then they prepare an official report showing how your qualifications line up with U.S. degree levels.

Academic evaluations are used not only by job applicants but also by universities, professional licensing boards, and even U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s a versatile document that opens doors.

What MotaWord Includes in Every GS Evaluation

At MotaWord, we ensure your academic evaluation meets every requirement set by OPM. Our team of professional evaluators knows the ins and outs of federal hiring standards.

Here’s what we include in every evaluation report for federal use:

• A clear explanation of the type and level of education you received
• An in-depth comparison to the U.S. educational system using IESC guidelines
• Details about the content of your program and the academic level achieved
• Verification of your school’s status and legitimacy
• A full explanation of how the evaluation was done, who reviewed it, and whether any issues were identified

We aim to provide evaluations that are not only accurate but also easy for HR professionals and hiring managers to understand.

Step-by-Step: How the Evaluation Process Works

If this is your first time going through an academic evaluation, here’s what to expect:

1. Gather Your Documents

Collect all relevant documents: transcripts, diplomas, course lists, graduation certificates, and anything else that shows your academic history. If you’re unsure what’s required, reach out to MotaWord—we’ll guide you through it.

2. Choose the Right Service

Make sure the evaluation agency you choose has experience with federal job evaluations. Not all agencies are familiar with OPM’s specific requirements. Here’s our list of top evaluation services.

3. Submit Everything

Follow the agency’s guidelines for submission. This may include uploading scans, mailing originals, or sending translations. If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll likely need certified translations—something MotaWord can also handle.

4. Review Your Evaluation Report

Once you get your evaluation back, read it carefully. Check for accuracy in your name, the degree listed, dates, and school details. If something looks off, ask the agency for a correction right away.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

• Start early: Some evaluations take a few days, while others take weeks—especially if documents are missing or need translation. Don’t wait until the job deadline is near.
• Double-check the job ad: Make sure your evaluation matches the education level required. Some jobs specify “bachelor’s or higher,” while others need specific fields of study.
• Stay organized: Keep copies of everything—your documents, submission receipts, and final evaluation report. You might need them for other applications or future use.
• Communicate clearly: If the evaluator contacts you with questions, respond quickly. That helps avoid delays and speeds up the process.

FAQs: Academic Evaluations for Federal Jobs

1. How much does an academic evaluation cost?
It varies by provider, but MotaWord’s academic evaluations start at $99 for basic services. More detailed evaluations for federal jobs typically cost between $150 and $300, depending on the complexity and how quickly you need it done.

2. How long does the evaluation take?
In MotaWord, the standard processing time is usually 3 business days

3. Do I need a certified translation if my documents are not in English?
Yes. If your documents are in another language, you’ll need a certified English translation. MotaWord offers translation services alongside evaluations to streamline the process.

4. Will federal agencies accept my evaluation from any company?
No. Agencies generally prefer evaluations from recognized providers. Make sure the company follows OPM guidelines and is experienced in academic equivalency for federal hiring.

5. Can I use one evaluation for multiple jobs or purposes?
Yes! Once you have completed an evaluation, you can reuse it for different job applications, visa processes, or even university admissions. Just make sure it’s still relevant and includes everything each institution needs.

Make Your Education Count with MotaWord’s Evaluations

Getting your academic credentials evaluated might feel like a small step, but it can have a big impact. It helps federal agencies understand your background and gives you the chance to compete fairly with U.S.-educated applicants.

If you're planning to apply for a federal job, don’t put off your evaluation. Starting early gives you time to fix any issues and avoid last-minute stress.

At MotaWord, we’re committed to helping you succeed. Our evaluations are clear, compliant, and crafted with care, so you can present your best self to hiring agencies.
Get started today and take the next step in your federal career journey.

Mark Rogers - Head of Evaluation Services at MotaWord

Mark is a credentials evaluator expert with over five years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a thorough understanding of international education systems, contributing to his reputation as a trusted authority in the field of credentials evaluation.