Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not see your question on this list, feel free to email info@iescaree.com for more information.

1. Which type of evaluation report should I apply for?
2. If I only need a General Report, do I need to send in a transcript of record?
3. What if my transcript of record shows only subject and grade, but no credits nor hours of studies?
4. What if I wish to have GPA done?
5. How long does it take for the evaluation?
6. What if I need the evaluation in a short time?
7. What is considered a business day?
8. How can I request for the additional evaluation set?
9. How long after the first evaluation can I still request an additional official copy of report?
10. Can I extend the expiration date of my file?
11. Do you provide translation service?
12. Can I translate the documents myself?
13. Where can I find a translation service?
14. Are original documents required for evaluation purposes?
15. Will I need to send in additional documents or information during the evaluation process?
16. What if I disagree with the results of the evaluation report?
17. What if my current name is not the same as the one listed on my documents?
18. Can I come to the office to submit original documents? I don't want to mail them.
19. Do I have to mail original documents? I have only one set and I am afraid it my be lost in the mail.
20. Will my original documents be returned to me?
21. How do you verify authenticity of documents submitted?
22. Can I make the payment by Credit Card?

---

Answers to FAQs

1. Which type of evaluation report should I apply for?

It is suggested that you check with the receiving institution, employer or licensing board to know the specific requirement details and descriptions before sending in documents for an evaluation. The following are some general guidelines:
 

• General Report is a concise Statement of Equivalency, summarizing the applicant's educational background, with U.S. level of equivalency for each degree obtained, for high school and/or up to the highest degree the applicant requests to have evaluated. This type of evaluation is often used for employment and immigration purposes. For high school graduates, the General report is also used to confirm U.S. high school equivalency for admission to a community college. Note that GPA is not available be requested for this evaluation.
• Comprehensive Evaluation Report consists of both the statement of equivalency as well as course equivalency. This type of evaluation is recommended for graduate admission consideration, employment, and professional Examination/Licensing purposes. This type of report is also recommended for high school graduates who would like to apply directly to a university. Note that GPA is available for this evaluation, but must be requested separately.

2. If I only need a General Report, do I need to send in a transcript of record?

Yes! For all types of evaluation reports, including the General Report, both Transcript of Records, Marksheets (if applicable), and Diploma/Certificate of Graduation/Degree (if graduated) are required for all programs/degrees leading up to the highest program/degree that you wish to have evaluated.

Verification reports may also be required to be submitted by the applicant for countries or institutions that have verification reports as standard methods for verification.


3. What if my transcript of record shows only subject and grade, but no credits nor hours of studies?

In few cases, when the school's transcript does not indicate the hours of study or the credits earned for each subject, the school syllabus is required. If a syllabus is not available, reconstruction work is needed in order to calculate appropriate U.S. credit equivalencies for the Course-by-Course or Comprehensive evaluation. Download and fill out the Reconstruction by Synthesis Form to submit with your request.


4. What if I wish to have GPA done?

Grade point average (GPA) is not routinely done unless specifically requested. The Course-by-Course or Comprehensive evaluation must be requested in order to have GPA done, as GPA is calculated from the U.S. equivalency of credits and grades from the Course-by-Course portion of evaluation. GPA cannot be requested with a General Report alone. The cost to calculate GPA is $20 per program/degree, in addition to the standard evaluation fee.


5. How long does it take for the evaluation?

The evaluation process normally takes between two (2) to four (4) weeks, depending on the completeness of information and documents submitted, the type of the evaluation report, and the complexity of the documents. All routine (non-rush) evaluation requests are processed on first come first served basis.


6. What if I need the evaluation in a short time?

Rush services are offered for two (2), five (5), or ten (10) business days, for an additional fee of $150, $65 or $40 respectively. Money order, cashier's check, or invoice request** is required for the full evaluation fee amount of all rush service requests. Rush Service requests are accepted on a case-by-case basis, and will start only when all information, documents, verification reports (if applicable), and fees are received by the Center.

Application packages and all information must be received by 11:00 AM PST on a business day to be considered as received on that day. Anything received after 11:00 AM PST will be considered as received on the next business day.

** A $5 non-refundable convenience fee applies to all invoices. Choosing this payment option may delay rush service requests since the rush time frame does not begin until all documents, fees, and information are received and the payment is cleared.


7. What is considered a business day?

Business days are typically Monday through Friday, not including any major US holidays observed by the U.S. federal government, or any closures announced on our website. Office closures (if any) will be announced on our Contact page.

One (1) business day is considered the same as a next business day. As an example with no holidays or closures, a full application package with a 2 business day rush service request received before 11:00 AM PST on Thursday, June 23, 2022 would be scheduled to be completed and mailed out by the following Monday, July 27, 2022. In another example with the 4th of July Federal Holiday, an full application package with a 2 business day rush service request received before 11:00 AM PST on Friday, July 1, 2022 would be scheduled to be completed and mailed out by the following Wednesday, July 6, 2022.


8. How can I request for an additional sealed official evaluation?

While your file is active, additional sealed official evaluations can be requested for a fee. You can check our Forms page or send us an email at info@iescaree.com. The average time frame to fulfill a routine (non-rush) additional official evaluation request is around 10 business days.

Please be sure to provide the reference number of your evaluation report (located on your Applicant’s Copy). If you do not have your reference number available, you may instead provide the country from where your study was from and the year the evaluation was completed. If you wish to have the additional official evaluation addressed to an institution, be sure to provide the institution's full name and address. The sealed official evaluation can be mailed to either you or to the institution specified. Please select on the form accordingly.

If any change, customization or additional service is requested for an evaluation completed or updated prior, a revision fee will be assessed (in addition to the cost of any additional service(s) requested).

If your file with us has expired, you will need to reapply. A discounted fee will be considered for eligible reapply requests. Please email or give us a call for more details.


9. How long after the first evaluation can I still request an additional official copy of report?

All evaluation files in good standing are kept active for three years from the date the evaluation is completed. The expiration date is indicated on a cover letter attached to the Applicant's Copy of the evaluation report sent to you upon the completion of your initial evaluation, and/or in an email confirmation. Official evaluations can be requested and modified for additional costs, while your file is active. Expired files will be purged, and you will need to reapply if a sealed official evaluation report is required. A discounted fee will be considered for eligible reapply requests.


10. Can I extend the expiration date of my file?

The expiration date of your file can be extended for an additional three years if requested within 3 months before the file expiration date. Please send us an email requesting to extend your file and we will provide a quote and payment options. A discounted fee will be considered for all extension requests. A new Application Form will be required to update your file. This Application Form can be emailed to us at info@iescaree.com.

Since policies and standards change over time, we reserve the right to require for original or official documents, or new verification reports, be re-submitted with any extension request.


11. Do you provide translation service?

At this time, no. The Center provides evaluation services of the equvalence of academic credentials from foreign countries to US academic standards only.


12. Can I translate the documents myself?

No, even if you have the qualifications of a certified translator that we would normally accept.

English translation MUST be certified and done by an ATA (American Translators Association) Translator, US Court Certified Translator, or US Federal Certified Translator, in good standing, if translated in the United States. We will accept all ATA “Certified Member” certified translations (note that there is a difference between ATA “Member” and ATA “Certified Member”), and most ATA “Member” certified translations. In addition, we will accept most certified translations completed by an internationally recognized translation agency/institution from the country where the study was completed (eg. embassy, university, Department of Justice, etc.). However, unless the translation is completed by an ATA “Certified Member” Translator, we reserve the right to request the Applicant to obtain a new translation from a different source at any time. Notarized-only translations and self-translations are not accepted.


13. Where can I find a translation service?

To find an ATA Certified Member or ATA Member, we recommend looking at the organization's website to find a translator that suites your needs. All arrangements must be made directly with the translation service of your choice.


14. Are original documents required for evaluation purposes?

Transcript of records, Marksheets (if applicable), and diploma/certificates are required for all programs/degrees leading up to the highest program/degree that you request to have evaluated. We generally require original documents (sealed or unsealed), or official sealed documents mailed directly from the institution/university abroad. For institutions that issue academic documents in English, we may still require the academic document in the original language of study to be stubmitted from certain countries. In some cases, original documents will not suffice and official transcripts/documents may be required to be sent to our agency directly from the institution of study. In addition, verification reports may be required to be submitted from applicants studying in certain countries. If you are unsure, please call or email us at info@iescaree.com to ask if there are any specific country requirements that may apply to you.

Note that certified copies of documents and documents that are designated as a student copy are not considered original documents.


15. Will I need to send in additional documents or information during the evaluation process?

It is possible that additional documents will be required to be mailed or emailed to the Center during the evaluation process. A common reason we may ask for additional documents is when the minimum documents required that we ask for to complete an evaluation, such as original or official transcripts, marksheets (if applicable), and certificates were not submitted. The other common reason is for verification purposes. For countries or institutions that issue verification reports, codes, or PINs in addition to original or official documents, we will require for these verification details to be submitted. For example, all studies completed in China will require a CSSD verification report (for Transcripts, Degree Diploma, & Graduation Certificate) to be submitted. This report can be submitted with the initial application, or during the application process. If you have questions about whether you may be required to submit additional documents or information, please contact us at info@iescaree.com.


16. What if I disagree with the results of the evaluation report?

If you disagree with the outcome of the evaluation report, or find a typing error, please email the Center to address your concerns within 30 days of your evaluation being completed. As indicated in the Terms and Conditions on the application form that you have read and signed, the Center does not guarantee that you will agree with the conclusion of the evaluation, but the Center will review your request and provide a response. After 30 days, questions will need to be addressed by requesting a paid consultation, or by providing fees for approved changes.


17. What if my current name is not the same as the one listed on my documents?

If your name has changed, you will need to submit a copy of legal proof of name change, such as your marriage certificate, court order, petition of name change along with naturalization certificate, and/or other documents that show a legal change of name. Documents must be able to show exactly how and when your original name on your academic documents changed to your current name, such as a legal document containing both your prior name and current name on the same document. In addition, a current valid legal form of identification, such as a passport or drivers license displaying your current name will also be required. If proof of name change cannot be provided, the evaluation will be completed based on the name on the submitted original documents.


18. Can I come to the office to submit original documents? I don't want to mail them.

The Center conducts business by mail and email only, and does not offer any walk-in services at this time. However, we understand the concerns of sending original documents by mail. It is recommended to send your original documents to us using a mailing method with tracking service and included insurance, such as Express Mail or Priority Mail if using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Since packages sent to us will not be left unattended in a public area, we recommend waiving Signature Confirmation when mailing applications and documents to the Center since it may cause delays. However, you should choose a mailing method for your documents which is most comfortable to you.


19. Do I have to mail original documents? I have only one set and I am afraid it my be lost in the mail.

Original documents are required as a step in the verification purposes. Both your transcript of records/marksheets AND diploma/certificate of graduation/degree are required for each program/degree leading up to the program/degree that you request to have evaluated. It is recommended that all requested original documents be sent to the Center using a mailing method with tracking service, such as Express Mail or Priority Mail if using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Original documents sent in by the applicant will be returned to the applicant upon completion of the credential evaluation.

However, yes there is a way to avoid sending the original documents in your possession. You can request for your insitution of study to send directly to us officially sealed transcripts, marksheets (if applicable), and certificate of graduation/degree. We recommend that you provide your institution of study with our courier mailing address on our website to mail the official documents documents directly to us. Alternatively, in some cases, we may be able to accept official academic documents electronically instead of physical documents if the electronic documents are originated by the institution study and sent as official academic records directly from your institution of study to our email (info@iescaree.com) from a verifiable official school registrar email address (school emails ending in @yahoo.com, @gmail.com, etc. are usually not accepted). Official documents sent to us directly from the institution of study are not returned.


20. Will my original documents be returned to me?

Yes, original documents mailed by the applicant are returned to the applicant when the evaluation is completed. However, official documents mailed or emailed directly to or addressed to the Center from the issuing institution will remain property of the Center and will not be returned to the applicant.


21. How do you verify authenticity of documents submitted?

The most common methods are directly with the institution of study or through the country's Ministry of Education. In some cases, the direct verification may take significant time to complete, depending on the responsiveness of the institution. Having your institution of study send official documents directly to us will speed up your evaluation process, and in some cases may be required.


22. Can I make the payment by Credit Card?

Yes, we provide an invoicing service in which we provide an itemized invoice by email which can be reviewed and paid online. To select this payment option for initial application requests, use the corresponding check box at the bottom of our Fee Schedule. For additional official evaluation or revision requests, the invoicing option will be offered during the process, or you can explicitly request for it. Please note that a $5 non-refundable convenience fee applies to all invoices. To avoid an invoice convenience fee at any time, you can choose instead to mail in a money order, cashier's check or personal check payable through a U.S. bank. Please note that personal checks are not accepted for rush requests.