Credential evaluation translation: what US universities and evaluators ask for

Credential evaluation translation is the certified translation of your diploma and academic transcript that evaluators (such as WES or ECE) and US universities ask for to read your studies as equivalent. Diploma in hand, enrollment deadline approaching, and the institution asks for a certified translation of both documents. The process is not complicated, but it has details that make the difference between a translation accepted the first time and one sent back for missing something specific.

Key takeaways

• The diploma and transcript are usually translated together: most institutions ask for both.
• The university, the credential evaluator (such as WES or ECE) and a graduate program may have different requirements for the same document.
• The translator’s signed statement (certificate of accuracy) is what makes the translation acceptable, not the translation alone.
• Documents with a crest, seal or stamp need those elements translated or described too.
• Some programs also ask for an apostille, which is a separate step from the translation.

Table of contents

• Diploma and transcript: usually together
• Credential evaluator, university and graduate program
• What cannot be missing from the translation
• Seals and stamps count too
• How long it takes
• FAQ

Diploma and transcript: usually together

Most institutions ask for both documents together: the diploma proves you finished the program, and the transcript shows the content: courses, grades and hours. Sending only one of them usually leads to a request for the other, and that delays the process.

Credential evaluator, university and graduate program

A university reviewing a credit transfer, a credential evaluator (such as WES or ECE, used for immigration or employment) and a graduate program may ask for slightly different formats of the same document. It is worth confirming directly with the receiving institution what it asks for before you send.

Destination	What it usually asks for
University (credit transfer)	Translated diploma and transcript, with the translator’s statement
Credential evaluator (WES, ECE)	A copy of the diploma and transcript with a certified translation, in the evaluator’s format
Graduate program	Diploma and transcript, sometimes with an apostille in addition to the translation

What cannot be missing from the translation

Besides the text of the diploma and transcript, the complete translation must come with the translator’s signed statement that the translation is complete and accurate. Without it, even a technically perfect translation can be rejected for lacking the formal statement US institutions ask for.

Seals and stamps count too

Diplomas often carry the university crest, stamps and signatures. All of those elements have to appear described or translated in the final version, not skipped because they are not running text.

How long it takes

Even with the more elaborate layout of a diploma (crest, stamps, non-linear design), the 24-hour turnaround is usually enough, with the double quality review already included, as long as the document you send is legible and complete.

How we make academic documents easier

A diploma and a transcript have their own layout (crest, stamp, grade table), and we treat every element with the same care as the main text.

• Certificate of accuracy and US notarization included, with no separate charge
• Layout matching the original, with crests, stamps and seals described precisely
• Delivery in 24 hours, with double human review
• ATA member, number 273295, verifiable in the official directory
• Support 7 days a week to confirm requirements before you send

Our diploma translation page details the full process, and our help center answers other questions before you send.

Want to translate your diploma and transcript?

Now you know what universities, evaluators and graduate programs usually ask for. The next step is simple: send your documents and leave the rest to us.

FAQ

Do I need to translate the diploma and the transcript together?

In most cases, yes: institutions usually ask for both, because one proves you finished the program and the other details its content. Sending only one usually leads to a request for the other.

Does a credential evaluator like WES ask for a different translation than a university?

It may ask for a slightly different format. It is worth confirming directly with the evaluator or the receiving university before sending the documents for translation.

Do the crest and stamp on the diploma need to be translated?

Yes: those elements have to appear described or translated in the final version, and they cannot be skipped because they are not running text.

How long does it take to translate a diploma with an elaborate layout?

Usually the same 24-hour turnaround, with the double quality review included, as long as the document you send is legible and complete.

Besides the translation, do they usually ask for anything else?

Some graduate programs ask for an apostille in addition to the certified translation. It is worth confirming that requirement directly with the receiving institution.

Related topics: diploma translation | pricing | languages we translate | certified translation for immigration/USCIS

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