Educational Credential Evaluation Guide – Types, Process Fees & Timeline

Foreign applicants acquiring opportunities in the United States have to go through an umpty number of processes, one of which is the ECE (EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS) evaluation.

People from other countries often have different grading systems, making it challenging for American schools or employers to assess the quality of their grades accurately.

ECE helps by translating their grades into a system that Americans understand, like a 4.0 scale. This is accomplished through a third-party organization authorized by American institutions, known as Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

What is the ECE Credential Evaluation?

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), a nonprofit organization specializing in converting overseas academic records into U.S. format, is one of the most well-known and reliable suppliers of these assessments.

ECE is also accepted by some Canadian professional associations and educational institutions for the evaluation of international degrees, providing applicants considering multiple locations with additional options.

Because grading scales and credit systems differ across countries, an ECE report provides a consistent benchmark for applicants seeking study, work, or licensure in the US or for foreign degree evaluation in Canada when institutions accept ECE results.

Suppose you’re still exploring your study-abroad options. In that case, you can also read a guide on choosing to study abroad for insights on planning your education journey before beginning an ECE evaluation.

What does an ECE Evaluation Report do?

An ECE evaluation report explains exactly how an international credential aligns with US education. Depending on the service you choose, such as an ECE course-by-course evaluation, it may include:

• Verification of authenticity for all submitted transcripts and diplomas.
• US degree equivalency (for example, confirming that a foreign bachelor’s degree equals a US bachelor’s).
• Grade conversion to a 4.0 GPA scale for programs that require a standardized GPA.
• Detailed course list with US credit hours and grades when a course-by-course report is requested.
• Notes on the academic standing and recognition of the issuing institution.

The ECE course-by-course evaluation fee typically starts around US $110 to $244, with options to add digital badges or extra copies for a small additional charge.

This detailed report is often required for graduate programs, competitive scholarships, or professional licensing boards that need a complete record of subjects and credit values.

Types of ECE Reports

When applying to various universities and programs, it’s essential to understand the specific type of report each institution requires.

Whether you’re exclusively applying to the Advanced Standing International Dental Program or considering other graduate programs, the table below outlines the available options:

It’s important to note that while the General and General with Grade Average reports offer a broader overview of your academic credentials, the Course-by-Course report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your coursework.

Evaluation Fees, Validity, and Delivery Time

• Standard Processing: Following receipt of all necessary paperwork and payment, the majority of reports are completed within approximately five business days.
• Rush services: Add US $90 for a guaranteed 5-business-day turnaround once ECE has all documents.
• Validity: ECE reports themselves do not expire, but schools or licensing boards may require a recent evaluation (many accept reports issued within the last 1–2 years).
• Copies: Extra report copies can be ordered for up to 5 years from the original issue date.

Tips for ECE Applicants

• Report Updates: You can request an update within 5 years if you complete more coursework or earn an additional credential.
• Translation Waiver: For General reports, ECE can evaluate without English translations for a small fee (not available for all countries).
• ECE Insignia: Selecting an Insignia version provides a shareable digital badge and offers discounted future copies, ideal for online applications
• Document Accuracy: Ensure your name, dates, and institution details are consistent across all submissions to avoid delays.

How to Apply for an ECE Evaluation

If you are applying for a graduate program in the United States, you may need to submit an ECE Course-by-Course report. It simplifies the application process by allowing you to apply to multiple programs with just one application. Below are the steps to apply:

Step 1: Report Type:

GradCAS requires a Course-by-Course credential evaluation report. Before Applying:

• Create an ECE® user account if you don’t already have one. Ensure your email address matches the one associated with your CAS account.
• Log out of your ECE® account before accessing GradCAS.Start the application process on the GradCAS site.
• If you’ve had an ECE® Course by Course evaluation within the last 5 years, see “Ordering Copies” below.

Step 2: Applying for an ECE® Evaluation Report:

• Complete the GradCAS application and get your Centralized Application Service (CAS) ID#.
• Choose to order an ECE® Evaluation from your GradCAS account.
• Log in to your ECE® account and complete the online application for a Course by Course evaluation.
• Your official report for GradCAS will be included in your order.

Document Submission:

After submitting your application and payment, arrange for your educational documents to be sent to ECE following the country-specific requirements.

ECE Processing:

• You’ll also receive an unsealed copy of the evaluation at your address.
• ECE will review your documents and contact you if additional information is needed.
• An official evaluation report will be prepared and delivered electronically to GradCAS.

Step 3 – Ordering Copies:

• If you’ve had an ECE® Course by Course evaluation in the last 5 years, you can order a copy to be sent to GradCAS.
• Complete the GradCAS application and get your CAS ID#.
• Choose to order an ECE® Evaluation from your GradCAS account.
• Log in to your ECE® account, complete a Copy Request Order, and ECE will deliver the report to GradCAS electronically.

Why is an ECE Evaluation used?

An ECE evaluation is essential whenever a US institution, licensing authority, or employer verifies and compares foreign education to domestic standards. 

Typical reasons include:

• University admissions: Graduate and undergraduate schools use ECE reports to determine eligibility and award scholarships. Pair this with your application preparation, including the Statement of Purpose (SOP) Guide and Entrance Exams for Studying Abroad.
• Professional licensing: Boards in engineering, healthcare, dentistry, and other regulated professions often list ECE evaluation requirements for applicants trained overseas.
• Employment verification: An ECE report is used by employers to verify that a candidate’s education satisfies US requirements.
• Immigration or cross-border opportunities: ECE is also accepted by some Canadian professional associations and educational institutions for the evaluation of international degrees. Providing applicants considering multiple locations with more options.

Completing an ECE exam early can save time and minimize application delays, as many colleges and licensing bodies accept them. 

Which evaluation is better, ECE or WES?

ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) and WES (World Education Services) are frequently recommended as reliable options for evaluating academic credentials from other countries.

Both organizations are members of NACES and provide reports that are generally accepted by licensing boards, employers, and colleges in the United States.

There are, nevertheless, a few useful distinctions that can help you select the service that best suits your needs. 

Tips for Successful ECE Assessment

Arrange Your Files: Make sure your ID, diplomas, and transcripts are ready to be sent to ECE.

1. Organize Your Files: Ensure that your ID, diplomas, and transcripts are readily available for submission to ECE.
2. Comply with Instructions: Set up a precise ECE account and submit the necessary paperwork.
3. Verify Information: Make sure that the application details and supporting documentation are consistent.
4. Keep Deadlines in Mind: To prevent processing delays, submit well in advance.
5. Understand Requirements: Review the documentation guidelines specific to each nation that ECE provides.
6. React Quickly: To expedite the process, respond promptly to any questions or requests regarding ECE.
7. Make a Wise Choice: Consider the recipient’s needs when selecting the appropriate type of evaluation report.
8. Maintain Records: Keep copies of any correspondence and papers that you send.
9. Ask for Help: For assistance, please contact ECE customer care.
10. Make a plan in advance: To minimize stress and ensure success, manage the application timetable efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) serve as a crucial link for international students seeking recognition for their academic achievements in the United States.

By offering various evaluation reports tailored to specific program requirements, ECE facilitates the application process for graduate programs through platforms like GradCAS. 

Following the step-by-step guide and adhering to the provided tips can streamline the ECE evaluation process, ensuring accurate assessment and enhancing the chances of admission.

Ultimately, ECE plays a vital role in promoting transparency and fairness in the evaluation of foreign educational credentials, enabling students to pursue academic and professional opportunities globally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)