Understanding Diploma Evaluation: A Comprehensive Guide

If you earned your education outside the U.S. and plan to study, work, or immigrate here, you’ll likely need a foreign diploma evaluation. This process looks at your international credentials and compares them to the U.S. education system to see how they match up. Whether you have a high school diploma or a university degree, an evaluation can help show what your qualifications are worth in the U.S.

Diploma evaluation in the U.S. plays a key role in helping schools, employers, and licensing boards understand your background. It’s especially important for international students, skilled workers, and professionals trying to move forward with their careers or education. Using a trusted diploma evaluation service makes it easier to apply for jobs, enroll in school, or meet immigration requirements.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of international diploma evaluation. You’ll learn why it matters, how to get started, and what to expect during the process. We’ll also go over tips for choosing the right diploma evaluation agency, common challenges to avoid, and how much diploma evaluation services cost. By the end, you’ll understand how to evaluate a diploma and why this step is essential for anyone with international credentials.

The Purpose of Diploma Evaluation

Diploma evaluations play a big part in helping people and institutions connect across borders. Whether you're an international student, a recent immigrant, or an employer reviewing foreign credentials, an evaluation helps make sure everyone’s on the same page. Let’s look at why foreign diploma evaluation services matter and who uses them.

Why people and institutions request diploma evaluations:

• For individuals: If you’ve earned a degree or high school diploma abroad, getting it evaluated can open doors. Many people turn to international diploma evaluation when they want to go back to school, apply for jobs, or meet licensing requirements in the U.S. A high school diploma evaluation, for example, helps admissions offices understand what your secondary education compares to locally. This process gives your achievements the recognition they deserve, whether that means starting college or entering the job market.

• For institutions: Colleges, universities, and employers rely on diploma evaluation agencies to figure out what an applicant’s education is worth. Without a clear comparison, it’s hard to know whether someone’s background fits the requirements. Evaluations also help licensing boards decide if someone qualifies to practice in their field. A good foreign diploma evaluation service brings clarity and consistency to these decisions.

Benefits for International Students, Immigrants, and Professionals

• Makes it easier to move forward academically or professionally: A foreign diploma evaluation can be a game-changer for anyone looking to study or work in a new country. It helps you deal with the differences between education systems and job markets, making it easier to access new opportunities and take the next step in your career or studies.

• Gets your qualifications recognized fairly: Using a trusted diploma evaluation service ensures that your education and experience are judged accurately. Whether it's a high school diploma evaluation or a degree assessment, the goal is to make sure you get credit for what you’ve already accomplished.

• Helps with settling in and getting hired: For immigrants, a recognized diploma can be key to getting a job and fitting into a new community. Diploma evaluation in the U.S. supports better access to employment and helps promote inclusion. It can also show employers that your qualifications are just as valid as local ones.

The Role of Diploma Assessment in University Admissions and Employment

• In higher education: A foreign diploma evaluation is often required when applying to colleges and universities in the U.S. It helps admissions teams understand your academic background and see if it meets their entry requirements. This is especially important for programs that expect specific qualifications or coursework. Whether it’s a high school diploma evaluation or a university degree, having your credentials assessed gives schools the context they need to make fair decisions.

• In employment: Employers use diploma evaluation services to check if international candidates have the right education and skills for the job. This is crucial in fields where a certain degree or certification is required. A trusted diploma evaluation agency can also confirm that your diploma is valid and that it meets U.S. standards. For companies, this reduces the risk of credential fraud and ensures they’re hiring qualified people.

Whether you're applying for college or a job, international diploma evaluation helps verify your achievements and builds trust with decision-makers.

Types of Diploma Evaluations

Diploma evaluations aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your goals, you might need a different kind of assessment. The two most common types are document-by-document evaluations and course-by-course evaluations. Knowing the difference can help you or your institution choose the right approach.

Document-by-Document Evaluation

This type of evaluation gives a broad overview of your academic background. It looks at the degrees or diplomas you’ve earned and how many years of education you completed. The report shows the overall level of your education compared to the U.S. system.

When it's useful:
A document-by-document evaluation works well for job applications, immigration cases, or any situation where a general education level is enough. It’s ideal if you don’t need to show the details of individual courses or grades.

Course-by-Course Evaluation

This is a more detailed evaluation that reviews each course you took, your grades, and the number of classroom hours. It usually includes a calculated GPA and shows how your classes compare to those offered in the U.S.

When it's useful:
A course-by-course evaluation is often required if you're applying to a college or university, especially when you want to transfer credits. It's also important for professional licenses and certifications where specific coursework matters.

Highlighting the Differences

Level of detail:
A document-by-document evaluation gives a summary of your education. It’s useful when you just need to show your overall degree level without diving into specific courses. On the other hand, a course-by-course evaluation offers a detailed look at each class you took, your grades, and how they match up with the U.S. system. This level of detail is important for things like college admissions or licensing.

Purpose and use:
If you're applying for a job, immigrating, or just need to prove your general level of education, a document-by-document evaluation is usually enough. But if you’re planning to continue your studies, transfer credits, or get licensed in a profession that requires specific coursework, a course-by-course evaluation is the better choice.

Choosing an Evaluation Service

Picking the right diploma evaluation agency can make a big difference in how your qualifications are understood and accepted. Here are a few things to look out for when selecting a service:

• Professional memberships: Try to choose a service that’s part of well-known organizations like the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Being a member means they follow high standards and professional ethics.

• Recognition by schools and government: Make sure the evaluation service is recognized by universities, employers, or government agencies. This helps ensure that your evaluation will be accepted where it matters most.

• Accuracy and trustworthiness: Look for a company with a strong track record. Accuracy is key—after all, your education and job opportunities could depend on it. A reliable agency will consistently deliver high-quality evaluations.

• Customer support: Responsive, helpful customer service can make the whole process a lot smoother. You’ll want a service that communicates clearly and is easy to reach if you have questions.

• Turnaround time and price: Think about how soon you need the evaluation and what fits your budget. Some services offer faster processing for an extra fee, while others take a little longer but cost less.

• What others are saying: Reading reviews and testimonials can give you insight into how past clients felt about their experience with the service.

If you want a detailed comparison of some of the top evaluation companies, check out this article:
Top 5 Credential Evaluation Companies.

Choosing the right service matters. A trusted evaluation can help your qualifications get the recognition they deserve, opening doors to jobs, schools, and new opportunities.

Challenges and Considerations

The diploma assessment process can be complex and can present several challenges for individuals and institutions alike. Understanding these challenges and how to address them can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While diploma evaluations are extremely useful, the process isn’t always straightforward. Here are some of the most common issues people run into—and how to handle them.

Common issues:

• Verifying documents: It can be tricky to confirm academic records from lesser-known or non-standard institutions.

• Translation needs: If your documents aren’t in English, they’ll need to be accurately translated—often by a certified service, which can add time and cost.

• Different education systems: Not all countries use the same structure or grading standards, which can make it hard to establish direct equivalence.

• Missing or incomplete records: Sometimes, applicants don’t have all their academic documents, or the available records lack important details.

• Changing regulations: Shifts in immigration or education laws may affect how your credentials are evaluated or accepted.

Tips for handling challenges:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and meet deadlines.

• Use certified translation services: Accurate translations are essential. We recommend MotaWord’s certified translation service.

• Check with the evaluation agency first: Before sending your documents, consult with the service to make sure everything meets their requirements.

• Communicate clearly: Respond quickly to any follow-ups or requests for more information.

• Stay up to date: Keep an eye on any legal or policy changes that could affect how your qualifications are recognized.

International agreements and changes in regulation can sometimes make things easier, like when two countries agree to recognize each other's diplomas. But they can also bring uncertainty. Being proactive and informed gives you the best chance of success.

In short, while challenges are common, good preparation and working with the right diploma evaluation agency can help you avoid unnecessary delays and make sure your education is recognized in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diploma Evaluation

1. Can I get a diploma evaluation if my school no longer exists?

Yes. Most evaluation agencies can still process your request using archived records, government education databases, or notarized copies of original documents. It's best to contact the agency directly to discuss your options.

2. Do I need to evaluate both my high school and university diplomas?

It depends on your purpose. If you're applying to an undergraduate program, you may only need a high school diploma evaluation. For graduate programs or employment, you’ll likely need a university degree evaluation. In some cases, both may be required.

3. Will a diploma evaluation guarantee acceptance into a U.S. school or job?

No. A diploma evaluation helps institutions understand your qualifications, but it doesn’t guarantee admission or employment. Schools and employers consider multiple factors beyond education equivalency.

4. What if my documents are in multiple languages?

You’ll need certified translations for each document not in English. Some agencies offer in-house translation services, while others require you to submit translated copies. MotaWord can assist with certified translations as part of your evaluation process.

5. How much does a diploma evaluation cost?

Prices vary depending on the type and urgency. A basic document-by-document evaluation may start at $100, while a detailed course-by-course review can cost $200–$300 or more. Rush processing, extra copies, and translation services may involve additional fees.

Your Education Deserves to Be Understood Everywhere

Getting your diploma evaluated isn’t just paperwork; it’s a key step toward unlocking new opportunities in education, employment, and immigration. Whether you're applying to a university, aiming for a new job, or relocating to the U.S., having your international qualifications properly assessed can make all the difference.

By understanding the types of evaluations, choosing the right service, and preparing your documents carefully, you’ll be in a much stronger position to get the recognition you deserve.

If you’re looking for fast, accurate, and trusted diploma evaluation services, MotaWord can help. We offer certified translation, document support, and access to academic evaluations from leading experts. Start your diploma evaluation with MotaWord today.

Mark Rogers - Head of Evaluation Services at MotaWord

Mark is a credentials evaluator expert with over five years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a thorough understanding of international education systems, contributing to his reputation as a trusted authority in the field of credentials evaluation.