The educational evaluation process can be confusing.  Understanding the difference between translation and evaluation can lessen that confusion. 
 

AUTHOR: Justine Watts, Foreign Academic Credential Service, Inc. 

When navigating the evaluation process – either for licensure, further education, employment, or any other purpose – you may be asked for a translation.  While these two services are related, they serve different purposes.  Understanding the differences will ensure your process moves forward smoothly. 

What is a Certified Translation? 

A certified translation is a word-for-word recreation of your academic document (diploma, transcript, certificate, appendix, etc.) from the original language into a different language.  Translations are required so that institutions and agencies can understand what your original documents say.  This document is certified as prepared by someone qualified to translate the original language to the requested language. 

A Certified Translation ensures that: 

• Every detail from the original document is accurately reflected. 

• The format and structure mirror the original, including stamps, signatures, and official seals. 

• The translation is reliable and verifiable. 

Many evaluation agencies accept, and some offer American Translators Association (ATA) Certified Translations.  Please see below for available ATA Certified Translation language pairings. 

What is an Educational Evaluation? 

An education evaluation is a professional assessment of your academic credentials from another country.  Evaluation agencies review your official academic records to determine how your education compares to the standards and systems in another country.  FACS compares international education to the system in the United States. 

The education evaluation provides information such as: 

• What is the U.S. equivalent of your international degree (high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or graduate degree)? 

• Is the institution you attended recognized and authorized to offer your academic program? 

• How many semester hours or years of study is your coursework equivalent to? 

• Are your studies recognized as academic, technical, or vocational? 

• Your evaluation may contain specific course information, including grade or level, for specific purposes (Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination or other licensure, further studies, etc.). 

An education evaluation assists employers, licensing boards, schools, and government agencies in understanding your academic background. 

Why Do You Need Both? 

In many cases, you will need both a translation and an educational evaluation: 

The translation makes your documents readable and understandable in English (in the case of the United States).  The educational evaluation provides a formal interpretation of the educational value of those documents in the new system. 

Final Thoughts 

Translation and education evaluation are two distinct steps in presenting your international education in the context of a different education system.  By understanding the difference, you can better prepare your documents and ensure that your qualifications are recognized fairly and accurately. 

ATA CERTIFIED TRANSLATION LANGUAGE PAIRINGS 

(as of June 2025)