Can I transfer my foreign transcripts and credits to the U.S.?

What is a transcript evaluation?

A transcript evaluation compares the classes (or “credits”) you completed in your home country to similar ones in the USA. It helps schools and employers understand your educational background and determine if it meets U.S. standards.

A transcript is a paper that lists what classes you took in high school or college. Most people get them after they graduate. You can usually order more transcripts from the schools you attended.

School credits are numbers assigned to each class or course. U.S. schools and universities use a credit system, and classes may receive 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. To graduate, you need to earn a certain amount of credits.

When do I need a transcript evaluation?

If you plan to attend school or apply for jobs in the USA, you may need a transcript evaluation to compare your education with U.S. standards.

• Apply to college or university. Check with the international admissions office in your school. Each school has different requirements.
• Apply for a job. Whether you need a transcript evaluation depends on the type of job. Skilled jobs usually require an evaluation, while unskilled jobs may not. Skilled jobs or professional positions need a degree, specific skills, and experience such as engineer, doctor, and lawyer. Examples of unskilled jobs are cashiers, grocery clerks, and cleaners.
• If your child is attending high school or a lower grade level, schools will likely not ask for a full transcript review. Instead, they may ask for a translated transcript or offer a placement test.

How do I get my foreign transcripts?

You can request a transcript by contacting your former school directly, either online or by phone, to order a copy.

You may have problems getting your foreign transcript. The school you attended may have closed, or it could be in an area that is not safe. You can ask your future employer or the school admissions office to work with you to find a solution. They may accept alternative documentation or letters from former teachers or school officials.

• If you are trying to get a transcript for work, explain the situation to the company’s human resources department. 
• If it is for school, call the school admissions department about your problem.

How do I get my foreign transcripts evaluated?

There are many companies online that say they evaluate transcripts. Be careful when choosing a transcript evaluation service. Some websites may be scams and could take your personal information or money without providing a proper service.

Try Member organizations in these associations that have certain standards for good practices:

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
• Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE)

Understanding your evaluation results

You may learn that you need to take more classes to complete your degree in the USA. This can feel frustrating, but it is often required because regulations and educational systems are different across countries. For example, an architect in Iraq and an architect in the USA do similar jobs but must follow different regulations.

If you had a job that took a lot of education in your country, you will probably need to work on getting a new certification or taking classes in the USA. Doctors, lawyers, and teachers all need to do this. For jobs that do not require degrees, you may not need a new certification. Your skills will be enough to show you can do the job.

If you are confused about your evaluation results and would like more help, you can contact the company that did the evaluation. You can also meet with a school counselor. They will help you read your evaluation and will help you find out what classes you need to take.

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