Earning a bachelor’s degree abroad is a major achievement, but using that degree in the U.S. can come with unexpected challenges. Whether your goal is to continue your education, advance your career, or qualify for professional licensure, you may need to take extra steps to ensure your credentials are recognized.
That’s where credential evaluations come in. These reports are often the first—and most important—step toward achieving your goals in the U.S. education or job market. At ECE® we’ve spent more than 45 years helping applicants, employers, and licensing boards understand how international education compares to the U.S. educational system as well as hiring requirements.
If you’re ready to put your degree to use in the U.S., this step-by-step guide is for you.
Step 1: Evaluating Your Degree with ECE®
A credential evaluation is a detailed report that explains how your foreign degree compares to a degree earned in the United States. It helps the institutions, employers, or agencies reviewing your application understand the level and scope of your academic background.
At ECE we carefully review your academic documents, such as grade reports and diplomas, and provide a report that outlines your U.S. equivalency. We offer a variety of report types based on your specific goals, whether you’re applying for a job, enrolling in a graduate program, or meeting a licensure requirement.
Our evaluations are trusted by thousands of institutions, employers, professional licensing boards, and government agencies across the U.S. Starting with a credential evaluation ensures that your qualifications are presented clearly and accurately.
Step 2: Understand State & Professional Requirements
While a credential evaluation is an important first step, it’s just one part of a larger licensure or certification process. This is especially true for regulated professions like healthcare, teaching, or engineering, where additional steps—such as exams, supervised training, or continuing education—may be required.
Each U.S. state and licensing board sets its own rules for recognizing foreign education. That means the requirements for becoming a licensed nurse in one state, for example, may differ significantly from another. Before applying it’s essential to check with the specific board or agency to understand what they require.
A credential evaluation from ECE can support your application by providing an official report of your academic history that aligns with licensing or certification expectations. It gives institutions and licensing boards the information they need to assess whether your background meets their criteria.
Tip: Visit the licensing board or agency website for your profession and state to confirm what materials you’ll need, and use your ECE® report to fulfill the education documentation requirements.
Step 3: Prepare for Common Challenges
Not all international degrees are automatically considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Several factors—such as the duration of your program, the curriculum content, admission and graduation requirements, or the recognition of the institution—can affect how your degree is evaluated.
In addition, document requirements vary by institution. You may be asked to submit sealed transcripts, original diplomas, or official translations.
If some of your documents are unavailable or incomplete, don’t give up. At ECE we do our best to be flexible and may be able to offer document verification alternatives. In some cases, however, we may not be able to complete a report without the necessary documentation.
Tip: To avoid delays, review ECE’s Documentation Requirements before submitting your application.
Step 4: Explore Alternative Options if Recognition Is Denied
If your degree doesn’t meet U.S. equivalency standards, there are still ways to move forward.
You may consider completing additional coursework at a U.S. higher educational institution or earning a professional certification in your field. Some institutions also offer degree-completion or bridge programs specifically designed for internationally educated individuals.
In some cases applicants decide to pivot their career path entirely and pursue roles that may not require degree equivalency. Whether that means switching industries or entering a related field, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Getting your bachelor’s degree recognized in the U.S. can seem complex, but with the right support it’s well within reach. Starting with a credential evaluation from ECE is a key first step toward achieving your educational or career goals.
If you have questions or are ready to begin the process, visit our website to get started. Your international education is valuable, and we’re here to help make sure it’s recognized for what it’s worth.
Expert Evaluations. Endless Possibilities.℠