Get a foreign degree recognized
There is no federal registry: the school, employer or state licensing board decides, usually with a credential evaluation.
What you need
- Your diploma and transcripts
- English translations of non-English documents
- A credential evaluation from a private service, if requested
Step by step
- Ask the school, employer or state licensing board which evaluation it accepts
- Choose the credential evaluation service they recommend
- Send your documents and translations and pay the service's fee
- Submit the evaluation to the institution that asked for it
Where to apply
US Department of Education: recognition of foreign qualifications · ed.gov
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- The Department of Education doesn't evaluate degrees: don't send it your documents.
- For licensed professions, the state licensing board is the authority.
- Evaluation services usually have an appeals process if you disagree.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: ed.gov. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.