DOE Guide to Evaluating Foreign Education Credentials

In today’s world, where people study and work across borders more than ever, having your education recognized in a different country can be a big deal. If you’re planning to use your international education in the U.S., whether to get a job or start a university program, knowing how credential evaluations work is vital.

One major source of guidance is the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). But here’s the thing: the DOE doesn’t evaluate credentials itself, and it doesn’t tell you exactly who to hire for the job either. Instead, it gives some general but important advice to help you and the institutions you're applying to make smart choices.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the DOE’s approach to foreign credential evaluations, what it means for you, and how to make sure your documents are reviewed properly, so you can move forward with confidence.

The DOE’s Position on Credential Evaluation Services

Let’s start with what the DOE says. According to the Department, there’s no official list of approved credential evaluation companies in the U.S. The federal government does not regulate or endorse any individual agency. This is spelled out clearly on their website:

“There is no federal regulation of credential evaluation services. The U.S. Department of Education does not endorse or recommend any individual credential evaluation service or any individual association of credential evaluation services.”
DOE Website

So what does this mean for you? It means the decision of which evaluation agency to use usually depends on who is asking for the evaluation, such as a university admissions office, a professional licensing board, or an employer. They often have their list of accepted providers or associations, like NACES or AICE.

These agencies follow strict verification rules. That’s a good thing, but it also means the process can take longer and cost more. Make sure you factor in enough time and budget for this step before submitting your documents.

Why Picking the Right Evaluator Matters

If you’re entering a regulated field, like teaching, nursing, or medicine, just getting a general credential evaluation might not be enough. These fields usually have their licensing requirements, and that includes using specific evaluation providers approved by professional boards.

For example, if you want to teach in a U.S. public school or practice medicine, you may need to get your credentials evaluated by an agency recognized by that profession’s licensing board, not just any evaluation company. The DOE has a helpful page about this here: Professional Licensure

Even though some credential evaluators might say their reports are accepted everywhere, it’s always best to check with your target institution before you commit to one. A five-minute phone call or email can save you weeks of delay down the line.

What the DOE Recommends Instead

Rather than giving you a list of “approved” evaluators, the DOE encourages you to:

• Ask your target organization (like a university or licensing board) for their preferred evaluation providers.
• Make sure your documents are properly translated if they’re not in English.
• Choose an evaluator that offers clear policies, especially regarding appeals.

Each organization in the U.S. has the freedom to set its own rules, which can feel confusing, but it also gives you flexibility, once you know what’s required. For instance, some employers may even do evaluations in-house, while others outsource them to companies.

Why Certified Translations Matter

Most evaluation services require your original documents and a certified translation if they aren’t in English. This isn’t just a formality; it plays a big role in how your credentials are assessed.

There are two main reasons for this:

1. Evaluators may not speak the language your documents are in, so a professional translation ensures they understand everything.
2. Certified translations confirm the documents were translated accurately, which helps the evaluator make a more reliable judgment.

This is especially true for documents in non-Latin alphabets, such as Chinese or Arabic. If you want to learn more about how certified translations work for official purposes (like USCIS or credential evaluations), check out this guide: Certified Translation for USCIS.

Every Evaluation Is Unique

According to the DOE, credential evaluations are always handled on a case-by-case basis. That makes sense, considering how different educational systems can be. Two degrees with the same name might mean very different things depending on the country, the school, and even the year it was awarded.

Take the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from India, for example. Before 2015, it was typically a one-year program. Since then, it's been extended to two years. An experienced evaluator will take that change into account when preparing your report.

This individual approach means your evaluation is more than just a checklist. A good evaluator will look closely at what you studied, how long it took, and the academic structure in place when you earned your degree.

What Happens If You Disagree with Your Evaluation?

Mistakes can happen, and sometimes additional information can change the outcome of your report. That’s why it’s important to choose a credential evaluation company that has an appeal process in place.

While not every company will revise an evaluation just because a client disagrees, the best agencies will be open to reviewing new documents, clarifying results, or even reassessing your file if something was missed. Make sure to check how this process works before you submit your documents.

Behind the Scenes: How Credential Evaluations Are Done

Most credential evaluation agencies work with professional evaluators who combine hands-on experience with access to trusted academic databases.

One widely used tool is the AACRAO EDGE database. It includes:

• Degree structures from around the world
• Official grading scales
• Accreditation status of institutions
• Education ladders by country

This data helps ensure that your evaluation is fair, consistent, and based on verified information.

That said, it’s not just about the tools. A good evaluator knows how to spot red flags (like diploma mills), verify accreditation status, and understand country-specific nuances. This mix of human expertise and reliable resources is what makes a credential evaluation trustworthy.

A Quick Word on Bias and Transparency

Credential evaluations should never be biased or based on personal opinions. The process should be as objective as possible, with every document reviewed fairly and consistently.

Transparency also matters. A good evaluation agency should explain their process, show how they reached its conclusions, and be willing to talk through the results with you, especially if something seems unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do credential evaluation agencies verify the authenticity of my degree?

Most reputable credential evaluation agencies do perform basic authenticity checks, such as reviewing seals, signatures, and formatting. Some may contact the issuing institution for verification, especially in cases where fraud is suspected. If you're unsure, ask the agency about their document verification process before submitting your application.

2. Can I get a credential evaluation before I graduate?

Typically, evaluations are based on completed degrees. However, some agencies offer "provisional" or "in-progress" evaluations if you’re nearing graduation and can provide transcripts showing current coursework. Keep in mind that these reports are usually not accepted for final admissions or licensure decisions.

3. Is my high school diploma from abroad eligible for evaluation?

Yes, many evaluation agencies assess secondary (high school) education from foreign countries, especially if you're applying to an undergraduate program in the U.S. Be sure to request the appropriate type of evaluation (usually a general or document-by-document report) and include your official transcript and diploma.

Follow the Right Steps for a Smooth Evaluation Process

The U.S. Department of Education doesn't regulate or recommend specific credential evaluation services, but it does offer valuable guidance. Understanding these guidelines can help you avoid delays, choose the right evaluation provider, and ensure that your foreign qualifications are recognized accurately. Also, remember to:

• Check directly with the university, employer, or licensing board to confirm which evaluators they accept.
• Ensure your documents are translated by certified professionals.
• Choose a credential evaluation agency that is transparent and responsive.
• Make sure your evaluation reflects the most up-to-date standards for your specific country and degree.
• Ask about the appeal process in case your situation needs further review.

Getting your academic credentials evaluated correctly is a critical step in reaching your educational or career goals in the U.S. Working with the right team can make all the difference.

At MotaWord, we provide fast, reliable, and fully certified credential evaluations and translations accepted by universities, employers, and licensing boards across the United States. Whether you're starting an application or responding to a specific requirement, we're here to help you move forward with confidence. Get your credential evaluation started with MotaWord. Let us help you turn your international education into new opportunities.

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.