If you’re thinking about moving to the United States or Canada to pursue further education or continue your career, you may have come across the term “credential evaluation” in your research and planning. And you might have wondered, what is a credential evaluation?”

Let’s talk about it! A credential evaluation report compares your academic accomplishments to the standards in the U.S. or Canada. The report helps schools, employers, licensing boards, and immigration authorities better understand the education you have received.

Watch this video to learn more.  

What can a credential evaluation do for me?

A credential evaluation report from WES does a couple of important things. First, it carefully identifies and describes your credentials in terms that recipients of your report can fully understand.

A WES report also verifies the academic documents you submit for evaluation. This step assures institutions and organizations that receive a WES report that the assessment is based on genuinely valid documents. 

Types of credential evaluations  

There are two types of credential evaluation reports: Document-by-Document (DxD) and Course-by-Course (CxC). Let’s discuss the differences:  

• DxD: A standard DxD report identifies and describes each of your credentials—such as a degree or diploma—that you submit to WES. It also provides the name of the equivalent credential in terms of U.S. or Canadian education. A DxD is appropriate for immigration and employment purposes and for entering a college or university program as a first-year student. View a sample report.
• CxC: Like the DxD, a CxC evaluation indicates the U.S. or Canadian equivalency for each credential you have earned. However, this evaluation also includes a detailed analysis of each course listed on your transcript. In addition to the equivalent credential, the CxC converts your semester credits and grades and calculates a GPA on a 4.0 scale. A CxC evaluation is most appropriate for meeting the requirements of licensing boards and higher education graduate programs. View a sample report. 

To help determine the type of credential evaluation you might need, visit our Evaluations & Fees page.

Note: If you plan to submit a credential evaluation to a specific institution or organization, we highly recommend contacting the entity and confirming which type of evaluation report is required.

Next steps for receiving a credential evaluation 

Obtaining a credential evaluation is essential for people who want their academic achievements recognized in the U.S. or Canada. When you obtain a credential evaluation through WES, you can confidently continue your educational or professional endeavors. Plus, our digital partnerships and tools help protect against fraud, ensuring a secure and efficient process for all.

Ready to take the next step? Here’s a quick overview of how to receive a credential evaluation from WES: 

1. Create an account and submit your application to receive a WES reference number. 
2. Read our document requirements and have your documents sent to us.
3. We verify your credentials, create your report, and deliver it to your recipients. 

If you have further questions, visit our Help Center (United States or Canada) or Contact Us (United States or Canada). We look forward to supporting your academic and professional goals!

Related readings 

Tips for Completing Your WES Application 

FAQs About the WES Document Verification Process 

Why Do I Need a Credential Evaluation?