How can I validate my degree in the USA?
Validating your degree in the USA is an essential step if you have completed your education abroad and wish to pursue further studies or a career in the United States. The process ensures that your academic credentials are recognized and equivalent to those awarded by American institutions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to validate your degree in the USA.
1. Obtain an Educational Credential Evaluation (ECE)
The first step in validating your degree is to obtain an Educational Credential Evaluation (ECE) from a recognized credential evaluation service. These services compare your foreign academic credentials to their U.S. equivalents and provide a detailed report. Some popular ECE providers include World Education Services (WES), Josef Silny & Associates, and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
2. Choose the Right Evaluation Type
When selecting an ECE, it’s crucial to choose the right evaluation type based on your goals. There are three main types of evaluations:
– Course-by-Course Evaluation: This type of evaluation breaks down your entire academic record and compares each course to its U.S. equivalent.
– Country-Specific Evaluation: This evaluation focuses on the country where you earned your degree, providing a comprehensive comparison of your credentials to those in the U.S.
– Document-by-Document Evaluation: This type involves a detailed analysis of each document submitted without comparing them to U.S. equivalents.
3. Prepare Required Documents
To validate your degree, you will need to gather and submit the following documents:
– Certified copies of your academic transcripts
– A copy of your degree certificate
– Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
– Passport or identification document
Ensure that all documents are translated into English and are certified copies, as original documents may not be returned.
4. Submit Your Application
Once you have chosen an ECE provider and gathered all the necessary documents, submit your application. The evaluation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the provider and the complexity of your academic background.
5. Use the Evaluation Report
Upon receiving your ECE report, you can use it to validate your degree in the USA. The report will provide you with an equivalent U.S. degree level, which can be used to apply for further studies, employment, or professional licensing.
6. Keep the Report Updated
If you continue your education or earn additional credentials, update your ECE report to reflect your new qualifications. This will ensure that your academic credentials remain valid and up-to-date.
In conclusion, validating your degree in the USA is a straightforward process involving obtaining an Educational Credential Evaluation. By following these steps, you can ensure that your foreign academic credentials are recognized and equivalent to those awarded by American institutions.
