When applying for a job in the U.S. or Canada, internationally educated professionals often face an extra step: a credential evaluation. While this may feel like just another item on your to-do list, it can actually give you an edge in the hiring process.
Credential evaluations offer a clear, standardized way for employers to understand your academic background, no matter where you earned your degree. By presenting your education in familiar terms, a credential evaluation builds trust and helps employers make informed decisions quickly and confidently.
Let’s take a closer look at why employers request credential evaluations, and how having one can work in your favor.
Understand How Your Education Compares
Different countries structure their education systems in different ways, and employers aren’t always equipped to interpret international transcripts on their own. A credential evaluation provides the clarity they need by analyzing your academic records and showing how they compare to local educational standards in the U.S. and Canada.
This helps hiring teams better understand your qualifications and eliminates confusion during the application or onboarding process. Whether you're applying for a first job, a promotion, or a new position entirely, this clarity can make all the difference.
Build Trust with Verified Credentials
In a competitive job market, employers want to feel confident that the credentials you submit are accurate and earned through recognized institutions. That’s where a credential evaluation plays a critical role. It verifies that your education aligns with the expectations of the job and meets quality standards relevant to the position.
This process isn’t just beneficial for employers—it also reflects your commitment to professionalism and transparency. ECE, for example, has more than 45 years of experience providing credential evaluations and is a charter member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®), which promotes the highest standards for quality and ethics in the field. That kind of reputation helps employers feel secure in their hiring decisions.
Make the Hiring Process Smoother
Hiring timelines are often tight, and employers need to move quickly to fill positions. A credential evaluation helps move things along by offering a concise, easy-to-understand summary of your academic background. Instead of having to decipher foreign transcripts or grading scales, hiring managers can rely on your evaluation to determine if your education aligns with the requirements of the role.
In some cases, especially in positions that require licensing or professional documentation, having your evaluation ready can also speed up onboarding and prevent administrative delays.
Stay Ready for Career Opportunities
Even if your current job doesn’t require a credential evaluation, having one completed and ready to share shows that you’re proactive and career-focused. It demonstrates initiative and preparation—qualities that employers appreciate. Whether you’re interested in internal promotions, cross-functional roles, or new opportunities at other organizations, an evaluation can make you a more competitive candidate. It’s also helpful if you’re considering additional education or certification in the future.
Share Your Evaluation Easily with ECE® Insignia
Once your credential evaluation is complete, you don’t need to worry about scanning, emailing, or mailing copies. With ECE® Insignia, you can share your verified report digitally with current or potential employers. This secure, clickable badge links directly to your official evaluation, making it easy to present your qualifications on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, or application.
It’s a seamless way to ensure your education is both accessible and trusted.
Set Yourself Up for Career Success
If your employer requests a credential evaluation, it’s likely because they want to fully understand your qualifications and ensure they align with the needs of the role. This is an opportunity to showcase your education in a way that stands out.
By working with a trusted organization like ECE, you not only validate your academic background, but also set yourself up for long-term success in the U.S. or Canadian workforce. Whether you’re starting a new role or planning your next move, a credential evaluation can help your education get the recognition it deserves.
Ready to get started? Begin your credential evaluation at ECE.org.