Educational credential evaluators play a crucial role in today’s global education landscape. These services assess foreign academic qualifications, helping students and professionals navigate international education and career opportunities. World Education Services (WES) has long been a leader in this field, but many alternatives offer similar credential evaluation services.
This article explores top alternatives to WES for foreign credential evaluation. It examines companies like EEE of America, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), and SpanTran, comparing their services, pricing, and turnaround times. Readers will gain insights into various evaluation types, including course-by-course and document-by-document evaluations, to help them choose the best option for their needs.
EEE Of America (Education Evaluation Experts of America, Inc.)
Overview
EEE of America, also known as Education Evaluation Experts of America, Inc., is a leading provider of foreign credential evaluation services. With over eight years of experience, this company has helped thousands of clients achieve their goals in education, employment, and immigration. EEE of America’s team consists of highly qualified professionals with doctorate degrees who specialize in evaluating foreign credentials.
The company’s primary objective is to ensure that foreign education is recognized in the United States. Their evaluation reports are widely accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers, colleges, universities, and state licensing boards. This makes EEE of America a trusted choice for individuals seeking to have their international qualifications assessed for various purposes.
Services Offered
EEE of America provides a comprehensive range of foreign credential evaluation services to meet diverse needs. These include:
- Education Evaluations: Assessing academic credentials to determine equivalencies with U.S. standards.
- Work Experience Evaluations: Evaluating professional experience for academic or career purposes.
- Position Evaluations: Analyzing job positions to determine their equivalence and relevance.
- Expert Opinion Letters: Providing specialized assessments for various visa applications, including H-1B, L1A, L1B, O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 petitions.
- Certified Translations: Offering accurate translation services for academic documents.
The company’s evaluations are particularly useful for immigration purposes, including H-1B visa applications and green card petitions. They also cater to individuals seeking employment in STEM fields, those applying for college or university admissions, and professionals requiring licensing with various boards in the U.S.
Pricing
EEE of America offers competitive pricing for its services. Tupically starts at $55 (Rs 4000) only. While specific prices are not provided, the company emphasizes transparency in its fee structure. Clients are encouraged to contact EEE of America directly for detailed pricing information, including options for expedited services.
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for EEE of America’s services varies depending on the type of evaluation required. Standard processing times range from 1 to 2 business days for basic education evaluations to 8 to 9 business days for more complex assessments like EB-2 NIW Expert Letters or O-1 Advisory Letters. For clients with urgent needs, expedited services are available, though specific timeframes for these rush options are not mentioned.
EEE of America stands out as a reliable alternative to World Education Services (WES) for those seeking comprehensive educational credential evaluation services. With its team of experienced professionals and a wide range of offerings, the company provides valuable support for individuals navigating the complexities of international education and professional recognition in the United States.
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Overview
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) is a well-established organization that has been providing educational credential evaluation services for over 40 years. As a charter member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) and a recipient of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, ECE has built a reputation for excellence and integrity in the field of foreign credential evaluation.
ECE specializes in reviewing academic achievements of individuals from other countries and converting them to the U.S. or Canadian system. This service is particularly valuable for those who want to study, work, or immigrate to the United States or study in Canada. ECE’s evaluation reports help ensure that international educational accomplishments are properly recognized and understood by colleges, universities, employers, and government agencies within North America.
Services
ECE offers a range of evaluation services to meet diverse needs:
- General Evaluation: Provides a statement of equivalence for each educational credential.
- General with Grade Average: Includes a statement of equivalence and converts the grade point average to the U.S. grade scale.
- Course-by-Course Evaluation: Offers a comprehensive assessment, including a statement of equivalence, grade point average conversion, and credit and grade conversions for each individual course.
- High School and University Level Course-by-Course Evaluation: Provides a detailed evaluation of both high school and university-level credentials.
These services cater to various purposes, including undergraduate and graduate program applications, employment, and immigration. ECE also offers additional services such as rush processing and delivery options to accommodate urgent needs.
Pricing
ECE’s pricing structure varies depending on the type of evaluation report and additional services required. As of the latest information available:
- General Evaluation: INR 7,120.08
- General with Grade Average: INR 9,214.23
- Course-by-Course Evaluation: INR 13,402.51
- High School and University Level Course-by-Course Evaluation: INR 16,334.31
Additional fees may apply for rush services, extra copies, and specific delivery options. For instance, a 5 Business Day Rush Service is available for INR 6,701.26.
Turnaround Time
ECE prides itself on its efficient processing times. The standard order processing time is an average of 3-5 business days from the date all required information is received. This turnaround time can vary and does not include delivery time, weekends, or holidays. For those with urgent needs, ECE offers rush services, including a 5 Business Day Rush Service and a 1 Business Day Rush Service, though specific pricing for the latter was not provided in the given information.
It’s important to note that the evaluation process, including for rush services, will not begin until ECE receives all required information, fees, and educational credentials. Clients are advised to review the documentation requirements, which vary by country, to ensure a smooth and timely evaluation process.
SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
Overview
SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, founded in 1982, is a well-established provider of foreign academic credential evaluation services. With offices in Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York, SpanTran has a strong presence across the United States. As a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) since 1996, SpanTran has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining high standards in the field of educational credential evaluation.
The company’s affiliation with NACES ensures that it maintains an extensive library of resources, shares industry expertise, and conducts evaluations supervised by experienced professionals. This membership serves as an important indicator of the quality and reliability of SpanTran’s evaluation reports. Additionally, SpanTran is a NAFSA Global Partner, and its evaluators maintain affiliations with various professional organizations in the field of international education.
Services
SpanTran offers a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking educational credential evaluation:
- Evaluations: SpanTran provides six types of evaluations to determine the equivalency of studies completed outside the United States. These include:
- General Analysis (Document-by-Document)
- Course Analysis (Course-by-Course)
- Divisional Course Analysis
- Nursing Course Analysis
- Teacher’s Course Analysis
- Engineering Course Analysis
- Translations: In addition to evaluations, SpanTran offers certified translation services for a wide array of materials and documents.
- Verifications: The company has a unique process to check academic documents for authenticity, ensuring the credibility of the credentials being evaluated.
Pricing
SpanTran’s pricing structure is based on the type of evaluation and the speed of delivery. The company offers three turnaround time options: 10 business days, 5 business days, and 2 business days. Prices vary depending on the complexity of the evaluation:
- General Analysis: Ranges from INR 7,957.74 to INR 13,402.51
- Course Analysis: Ranges from INR 15,915.48 to INR 35,181.60
- Divisional Course Analysis: Ranges from INR 19,684.94 to INR 44,395.82
- Nursing Course Analysis: Ranges from INR 33,506.28 to INR 56,541.85
- Teacher’s Course Analysis: Ranges from INR 24,292.05 to INR 48,165.28
- Engineering Course Analysis: INR 35,600.42 for 10 business days
Turnaround Time
SpanTran offers flexible turnaround times to accommodate various needs:
- Standard service: 10 business days
- Expedited service: 5 business days
- Rush service: 2 business days
It’s important to note that the evaluation process begins only after SpanTran receives all required documents and full payment. The company emphasizes the importance of providing clear scans or copies of official foreign academic documents for efficient processing.
American Education & Translation Services (AET)
Overview
American Education & Translation Services (AET) is a leading provider of foreign credential evaluation and certified document translation services. With over 15 years of experience, AET has established itself as a reliable choice for individuals seeking to have their international qualifications assessed for various purposes in the United States. The company has offices in Miami and Boston, with agents in Georgia, New York, California, and China, allowing them to serve a wide range of clients across the country and internationally.
AET’s team consists of highly qualified professionals with advanced degrees from prestigious universities in the United States and other countries. This diverse expertise enables them to offer comprehensive educational credential evaluators services, catering to the needs of immigrants, professionals, and students seeking recognition of their foreign credentials.
Services
AET provides a wide array of services to meet the diverse needs of its clients:
- Foreign Credential Evaluation: AET offers document-by-document and course-by-course evaluation services, which are crucial for individuals seeking employment, immigration, or educational opportunities in the United States.
- Certified Translation Services: The company provides translations in over 100 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Arabic. These services are particularly useful for USCIS applications, college admissions, and DMV requirements.
- Interpretation Services: AET offers on-site, simultaneous, and telephone interpretation services, primarily between Chinese and English, with potential coverage for other languages such as German, Russian, and Ukrainian.
- Educational Consulting: The company provides guidance and support for individuals navigating the complexities of the U.S. education system.
- Immigration Document Processing: AET offers low-cost paralegal services related to various immigration document preparations.
Pricing
AET prides itself on offering competitive pricing for its services. Some examples of their pricing structure include:
- Foreign Credential Evaluation Report (document-by-document): INR 8,376.57 for 7 business days
- Course-by-Course Evaluation (including GPA): INR 15,077.83 for 8 business days
- Certified Translation: Starting from INR 5,863.60 for documents like degree certificates
The company also offers expedited services for clients with urgent needs, with prices varying based on the turnaround time required.
Turnaround Time
AET offers flexible turnaround times to accommodate various client needs:
- Standard service for foreign credential evaluation: 7-8 business days
- Expedited services: 3 business days, 24 hours, and same-day service (for submissions before 1:00 PM EST)
- Certified translations: Generally 5-7 business days, with faster options available
AET’s commitment to timely service, combined with its extensive experience and competitive pricing, makes it a strong alternative to World Education Services (WES) for those seeking comprehensive educational credential evaluation services.
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI)
Overview
The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI), incorporated in California in 1994, is a leading provider of foreign credential evaluation services. As a Charter and Endorsed Member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), ACEI has established itself as a trusted name in the field of international academic exchange. The institute is dedicated to advancing global educational understanding through comprehensive evaluation of international educational credentials.
ACEI collaborates closely with U.S. colleges, universities, Professional State Licensing Boards, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Human Resource Departments of various U.S. corporations. This extensive network allows ACEI to offer reliable and widely accepted evaluation services for individuals seeking recognition of their foreign credentials in the United States.
Services
ACEI provides a range of evaluation services to meet diverse needs:
- Document-by-Document Evaluation: This basic report offers a general analysis of educational credentials.
- Course-by-Course Evaluation: A comprehensive report that includes detailed analysis of individual courses, grades, and credit hours.
- Specialized Evaluations: ACEI offers tailored evaluations for specific purposes, such as those required by the California Board of Accountancy.
- Translation Services: For documents not in English, ACEI provides official, line-by-line translations.
- Rush Services: For urgent needs, ACEI offers expedited evaluation options.
Pricing
ACEI’s pricing structure varies based on the type of evaluation and level of education:
- Basic Report (Document-by-Document):
- High School/Secondary Level: INR 9,633.06
- College/University Education (1st set): INR 9,633.06
- Multiple credentials (flat fee): INR 13,821.34
- Comprehensive Report (Course-by-Course with Grades):
- High School/Secondary Level: INR 14,659.00
- College/University Education (1st set): INR 17,171.97
- Additional credentials: INR 8,795.40 per credential
- California Board of Accountancy Report:
- College/University Education (1st set): INR 17,171.97
- Additional credentials: INR 8,795.40 per credential
Turnaround Time
ACEI offers flexible processing times to accommodate various needs:
- Standard processing: 7-10 business days
- Rush services:
- 3 Business Days: Additional INR 16,753.14
- 1 Business Day: Additional INR 20,941.43
It’s important to note that rush services are only initiated once ACEI receives all required documents, fees, and a completed application. The institute operates on Pacific Standard Time, processing applications received before 3 PM on the same business day.
ACEI’s commitment to accuracy, combined with its extensive experience and flexible service options, makes it a strong alternative to World Education Services (WES) for those seeking comprehensive educational credential evaluation services.
Comparing WES Alternatives
When considering alternatives to World Education Services (WES), it’s essential to compare various aspects of educational credential evaluators to make an informed decision. Let’s examine the key factors that differentiate these services.
Pricing Comparison
The cost of credential evaluation services varies significantly among providers. While WES charges INR 8,376.57 for a document-by-document evaluation and INR 13,402.51 for a course-by-course evaluation, other companies offer different pricing structures. For instance, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) prices range from INR 9,633.06 to INR 17,171.97, depending on the type of evaluation. SpanTran’s fees start at INR 7,957.74 for a general analysis and can go up to INR 35,181.60 for more comprehensive evaluations. It’s worth noting that some companies, like CreditEval, offer more competitive pricing, with their course-by-course evaluation priced at INR 12,481.09.
Turnaround Time Comparison
Processing times can be a crucial factor for many applicants. WES typically completes evaluations in about 1.5 weeks. ECE offers an average processing time of 3-5 business days, with rush services available for an additional fee. SpanTran provides options ranging from 10 business days to as quick as 2 business days for rush orders. Some companies, like CreditEval, offer standard 5-day processing times, which is comparable to what others consider rush service.
Services Offered
Most educational credential evaluators provide similar core services, including document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations. However, some companies offer specialized services. For example, SpanTran provides specific evaluations for nursing, teaching, and engineering credentials. ECE offers a unique option for high school and university-level course-by-course evaluation. Additionally, many companies provide translation services, which can be particularly helpful for international students and professionals.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a critical factor to consider when choosing an educational credential evaluation service. WES is a charter member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which is widely recognized in the United States. ECE is also a NACES member, ensuring its evaluations meet high standards. When selecting an alternative to WES, it’s crucial to verify that the company is accredited by reputable organizations like NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) to ensure the evaluation will be accepted by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies.
Comparison Table
To provide a comprehensive overview of the various educational credential evaluators discussed in this article, we have compiled a comparison table. This table highlights key aspects of each service, allowing readers to easily compare and contrast their options.
| World Education Services (WES) | INR 8,376.57 (Document-by-Document) | INR 13,402.51 (Course-by-Course) | 1.5 weeks | Yes | Yes |
| EEE of America | INR 4,000.08 (General) | Contact for pricing | 1-2 business days (basic) | Yes | No |
| Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) | INR 7,120.08 (General) | INR 13,402.51 (Course-by-Course) | 3-5 business days | Yes | Yes |
| SpanTran | INR 7,957.74 (General Analysis) | INR 15,915.48 – 35,181.60 (Course Analysis) | 10 business days | Yes | Yes |
| American Education & Translation Services (AET) | INR 8,376.57 (Document-by-Document) | INR 15,077.83 (Course-by-Course) | 7-8 business days | Yes | No |
| Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) | INR 9,633.06 (Document-by-Document) | INR 17,171.97 (Course-by-Course) | 7-10 business days | Yes | No* |
*ACEI is a Charter and Endorsed Member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
FAQs
What are some alternatives to WES for educational credential assessments? For educational credential assessments (ECA) intended for immigration purposes, besides World Education Services (WES), organizations such as IQAS and CES are also authorized and provide reliable services.
Which credential evaluation service is considered the best?
Among the top credential evaluation services are World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), International Education Research Foundation (IERF), SpanTran (The Evaluation Company), Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI), and American Education & Translation Services (AET).
Which organization is recommended for obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
For most professionals, World Education Services (WES) is recommended due to its efficient processing times. However, for Doctors, the Medical Council of Canada is required to evaluate primary medical diplomas.
Between WES and IQAS, which is the better option?
IQAS is often considered better than WES due to its longer validity period, cost-effectiveness, and faster processing times. Additionally, applications for Canada are given higher priority with an IQAS assessment.
Conclusion
The landscape of educational credential evaluation offers a variety of options for individuals seeking to have their foreign qualifications recognized. Each alternative to World Education Services has its own strengths, whether it’s competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, or specialized services. This diversity allows applicants to choose a service that best fits their specific needs and timelines.
In the end, the choice of an evaluation service has a significant impact on one’s academic or professional journey in a new country.
By weighing factors such as cost, processing speed, and accreditation, individuals can make an informed decision. Remember, the goal is to ensure your hard-earned qualifications are properly recognized, opening doors to new opportunities in education and employment.
