The necessity for evaluating academic credentials arises due to the substantial disparity between the education systems in India the US and Canada. To address this variation and standardize applications, US and Canadian universities often turn to entities like World Evaluation Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), and Educational Perspective (EP).
Given the significant global immigration to the US and Canada, there’s a crucial need to harmonize the academic credentials of individuals seeking education and employment. WES evaluation plays a pivotal role in this context, facilitating the translation of academic credentials to align with the systems in the US and Canada.
However, a cursory introduction is insufficient for addressing specific queries related to the WES evaluation process, including application procedures, evaluation costs, required documents, and more. This blog will delve into these details comprehensively, providing clarity on the entire evaluation process.
Understanding WES
A globally acknowledged non-profit organization, WES (World Education Services) offers credit evaluations for individuals aspiring to study abroad. The WES evaluation process is entirely digital, converting scores into the 4.0 grading scale used in the US and Canada. The WES website features the iGPS calculator for reference. Timing is crucial when opting for WES credential evaluation. It is advisable to apply 10-15 days before submitting university admission applications or job applications in the US and Canada. This ensures sufficient time for document uploading in the admission process and aligns with job application requirements.
Procedure for WES Evaluation
WES simplifies the application process for students, emphasizing the importance of sending academic documents through the university or college where you last studied. WES does not consider directly sent academic documents as official. The application for WES evaluation follows a three-step process:
1. Apply on the WES website and obtain a reference number.
2. Collect all required documents according to the format specified on the WES website and send them through your university or college.
3. Upon completion of the evaluation, WES delivers the report to the designated institutions.
Opting for digital document submission streamlines the process, especially when universities have a digital partnership with WES.
What WES Evaluates?
WES provides three distinct types of evaluations:
1. Document-by-Document Evaluation: Primarily intended for first-year university admissions, employment, and US immigration purposes, this evaluation furnishes the US and Canadian equivalents for each credential.
2. Course-by-Course Evaluation: Geared towards transfer and admission in graduate education and licensing boards, this evaluation details corresponding courses, grades, and a calculated GPA expressed in US and Canadian terms.
3. CPA Evaluation: Tailored for analyzing business and accounting courses relevant to Certified Public Accountant exams in the US and Canada, this evaluation is also available to Indian students. However, candidates must hold a commerce bachelor’s degree with a minimum US equivalent score of 90%.
WES
Process of WES Evaluation
WES typically takes 7 business days to deliver reports for document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations, while an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires approximately 35 days.
The WES evaluation process unfolds in four stages:
- Document Imaging: Evaluators scan each document into the WES system, often directly received from the institution.
- Reviewing the Documents: Evaluators scrutinize the documents to ensure authenticity and proper issuance by recognized institutions. At this stage, records are either accepted or rejected.
- Assessing Equivalency: Country-specific experts determine the equivalency of documents within the context of US or Canadian education. Authenticated documents undergo a further review. An application status of “In progress” indicates ongoing analysis, while “On hold” signifies the need for additional verification.
- Issuing the Credential Evaluation Report: Evaluators finalize and issue the credential evaluation report. Notifications about the application’s final review status are regularly updated on the applicant’s account.
In summary, WES (World Education Services) plays a crucial role in bridging educational gaps between India and the US/Canada. This non-profit organization facilitates seamless credit evaluations for those aspiring to study abroad, ensuring a smooth transition into the educational systems of the US and Canada.
The blog provides a comprehensive understanding of the WES evaluation process, highlighting its digital nature and emphasizing the importance of timing. The three types of evaluations – Document-by-Document, Course-by-Course, and CPA Evaluation – cater to various academic and professional needs.
The blog concludes by emphasizing WES’s efficiency, detailing the step-by-step evaluation procedure, and underscoring its significance in validating academic credentials for education and employment opportunities in the US and Canada. Ultimately, WES serves as a valuable resource for individuals navigating international education systems, offering a reliable means of credential translation and validation.
