Translating a Foreign Diploma for a Credential Evaluation
A degree earned abroad does not come with an automatic US equivalent. Universities, employers and licensing boards often ask for a credential evaluation, and the documents they review have to be in English.
Below we explain what an evaluation is, who provides it and how translation fits into the process.
What a Credential Evaluation Is
A credential evaluation compares education completed outside the United States with US education. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services describes its members as US-based, independent, nongovernmental organizations that provide these services, and it points out that no US government agency monitors them.
Who Asks for One
- Universities, for admission or transfer credit.
- Employers, to confirm a degree.
- State licensing boards, for regulated professions.
- Immigration filings, when a visa category depends on a degree.
Each of these sets its own rules. Read the checklist of the office that will receive the result before you order anything.
Translation and Evaluation Are Different Jobs
An evaluator compares your studies with US standards. A translator turns the words on your documents into English. The first job needs the second to be right, because the evaluator can only assess what the English text says.
Evaluators set their own rules for documents in a foreign language, so check whether yours wants a translation from you or handles it directly.
What to Translate
- The diploma or degree certificate, including seals and signatures.
- Transcripts, mark sheets and course lists for every year.
- Grading scales and legends that explain the marks.
- Any thesis or final-exam certificate that the evaluator requests.
Our transcript translation services cover these documents, and the translation keeps your course titles and grades exactly as issued.
Tips for a Smooth Submission
- Use the same spelling of your name on every document and application.
- Translate everything together, so terms stay consistent.
- Keep the translation with a copy of each original.
- Order early, because evaluators and schools set their own deadlines.
How BeTranslated Can Help
We translate diplomas, transcripts and grading scales into English from more than 50 languages, with a signed certificate of accuracy. For immigration filings, see our guide to USCIS translation requirements.
Send us your diploma and transcripts for a free translation quote. We reply within 12 hours, and you can also call us at +1 (737) 301-0606.
FAQs
Does a Credential Evaluation Replace a Translation?
No. The evaluation compares your education with US standards, and the documents still need to be in English for the evaluator or the receiving office.
Who Provides Credential Evaluations?
Several independent organizations do, and the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services lists its members. Ask the office that needs the result which evaluators it recognizes.
Do I Translate Every Transcript Page?
Yes. Evaluators review the complete record, so translate every page, including grading scales.
Do Grades Stay in the Original Scale?
A translation keeps the grades as issued. Converting them to US grades is the evaluator's job.
