Diploma and Transcript Translation for Credential Evaluation

The short answer

Credential evaluators, universities and licensing boards require precise, word-for-word translations of foreign diplomas, transcripts and degree certificates. World Education Services (WES), for example, requires word-for-word English translations from your academic institution or a certified translation service, with the translated words in the same order as on the original. Evaluators do not translate documents themselves. A professional, certified translation that preserves every grade, course title, seal and notation prevents delays.

What evaluators expect

Common credential evaluators

WES, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), Josef Silny & Associates, SpanTran and other evaluators each publish their own requirements, including whether documents must be sent directly by your institution. Universities and licensing boards may name a specific evaluator. Always check the evaluator's country-specific instructions before translating.

Translations for studying or working abroad

If you are sending a U.S. diploma or transcript abroad, the order is reversed: the document is first notarized or certified as the school's process requires, then apostilled, then translated with the apostille. Spain's homologation process, for example, has its own requirements for academic records. See How to Apostille a Diploma or Transcript and Teach Abroad Packets.

Translating grades and course titles

• Grades are reproduced exactly as they appear, such as 18/20 or "Muy bien," with the grading scale translated if it appears on the document.
• Course titles are translated literally, keeping the original where helpful.
• Degree names are translated literally rather than replaced with a U.S. equivalent such as "bachelor's degree," which is the evaluator's decision.
• Abbreviations are expanded or explained in a translator's note.

Common mistakes

• Converting grades or degree titles to U.S. equivalents.
• Leaving out the grading scale, stamps or the back of the document.
• Translating from a photocopy when the evaluator requires the official document.
• Submitting a self-translation.
• Translating only part of a transcript.

Licensing boards and professionals

Physicians, nurses, engineers and teachers often need translated credentials for U.S. licensing boards, and U.S. professionals moving abroad need their credentials apostilled and translated. See Professional License Apostilles and Nursing License Verification.

Sending documents to the evaluator

Some evaluators accept translations submitted by the applicant along with official documents sent directly by the institution. Others require copies of both the original and the translation. Read the evaluator's country page carefully and keep copies of everything you send. If an evaluator requires a sealed envelope from your school, translation usually still comes from a professional service.

Timing your evaluation

• Order official documents from your school early; international requests can take weeks.
• Translate as soon as you have the documents.
• Submit to the evaluator well ahead of your admission or licensing deadline.
• Allow extra time if the evaluator requests additional documents.

Documents evaluators commonly request