Credentials evaluations

NCEES offers credentials evaluation services for licensure candidates who have
  • Earned a college-level degree outside the United States;
  • Completed college coursework in an engineering or surveying program not accredited by ABET; or
  • Been referred to NCEES Credentials Evaluations by a licensing board or NCEES Records.

Licensing boards use credentials evaluations to determine if a candidate is qualified to sit for a licensing exam. The evaluations may also be required for licensees seeking comity licensure in an additional state or territory. An evaluation from NCEES Credentials Evaluations compares educational history against the ABET accreditation criteria for degree programs in the United States.

How do credentials evaluations work?

Before applying for an evaluation, first consult the appropriate licensing board to find out about any specific licensure requirements.

After you complete the online application, NCEES will send you a checklist of documents that must be submitted directly to NCEES from the academic institution(s) attended. If the documents are in a foreign language, official English translations must be submitted with them. Also required is a copy of the official syllabus or catalog for the academic program(s).

Normally, requested documents include the following:

  • Two copies of all official transcripts, grade reports, or mark sheets and, if applicable, college-level advanced placement examinations such as A-levels, German Abitur, AP, CLEP, and French Baccalaureate
  • Diplomas/verification of degree(s) or qualification(s) from the issuing institution
  • A signed and sealed Transcript Request Form
  • Official course descriptions

Application instructions

Once you have submitted an application online, you have 6 months to complete the application with the requested documents before it becomes inactive. Inactive files are stored for 18 months.

What does the evaluation include?

  • Applicant's academic history
  • Accreditation of the institution(s) attended
  • Degree and program description
  • Curricular analysis based on the applicable ABET criteria

Fees

  • Evaluation: $400
    • The official report is sent to the licensing board. An unofficial copy is available for the applicant after the report is released.
  • Re-evaluation: $225
  • Reactivation of an inactive file: $75
  • Additional electronic transmittal: $60