Frequently Asked Questions


  • What is the process for requesting an evaluation and/or translation?

    To request an evaluation and/or translation, you must complete our application form and submit it to the office with all required documents and fees. Click here for the application.
    We request that you carefully review our application, our website and frequently asked questions.  They contain information about our translation and evaluation services and what you can use them for. We also strongly recommend that you check with the institution(s) to which you will be submitting your evaluation/translation (schools, colleges, universities, licensing boards, etc.) to determine which type of evaluation is required for your specific goals. Still, if you need any additional information, feel free to contact our Tampa or New York offices.

  • Can I come to the office to submit my documents?

    Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. has an open door policy. Walk-ins are welcome at any of our two office locations.
    Our main office in Tampa, Florida, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, except for lunch hour from 12:00 to 12:30 pm.
    Our New York office is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, except for lunch hour from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.  Appointments are available only for applicants in need of RUSH services; please call 212-590-2425 to schedule an appointment.

  • What forms of payment are accepted?

    We accept checks, money orders and credit card payments.

  • What type of evaluation do I need?

    You should check with the institution, prospective employer, immigration attorney or licensing board to understand the specific requirements before sending documents for evaluation/ translation. Below are some general guidelines that could be helpful:

    General Evaluation: solely establishes the equivalent US degree(s) or years of study for secondary and/or higher education document(s) submitted; no course-by-course analysis nor grade-point-average (GPA) is provided; it is usually required for immigration, employment, military service, and for admission to community colleges or universities when a grade-point-average (GPA) is not requested.

    Grade Evaluation: establishes the equivalent US degree(s) or years of study for secondary education document(s) submitted and includes the grade-point-average; it is usually required for admission to an associate degree program or to a bachelor’s degree program when the institution requests to know the grade-point-average (GPA).

    Comprehensive Evaluation: establishes the US equivalent degree(s) or years of study for higher education document(s) submitted and includes a course-by-course analysis with credits, equivalent grades and the grade point average (GPA); it is usually required for professional licensing, such as teacher certification, and for admission to bachelor’s degree program, master’s degree program or to a doctoral degree program. Credits earned may be transferred into a US degree program at the discretion of the institution to which you are applying for admission.

  • What documents are required for evaluation/translation?

    Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. ONLY accepts original / official documents (transcripts, grade sheets, diplomas, certificates, etc.) referring to your education completed outside the United States. No photocopies, faxes, or scanned copies will be reviewed under any circumstances. Official documents previously submitted by the institution attended to an institution/office in the US will be accepted when documents are forwarded to this office directly by the receiving US institution/office.

  • What if my documents are not in English?

    Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. provides certified English translations of documents issued in a foreign language for additional fees. Any English translation(s) submitted must be done by a translator certified in their country of origin (for example, Traductor Público, Tradutor Juramentado), certified by a US Court or certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). Translations are not accepted when done by the client or by any individual who is competent in both the native language and in English, but who is not certified as a translator.

  • What is the usual time that it takes for the evaluation/translation to be completed?

    The usual time for completion of services is two to four weeks once all documents have been received and all fees have been paid. No services will be provided until all required documents have been received and all required fees have been paid.

  • What if I need the evaluation/translation sooner?

    RUSH services are available for additional 100% of the fees of the regular requested services. RUSH services are completed between three to five business days once all documents have been received and all fees have been paid. No services will be provided until all required documents have been received and all required fees have been paid.

  • Can I have additional copies of my evaluation/translation?

    Two original copies of the evaluation/translation are issued to each client; one for the client and one for the institution of the client’s choice. If additional copies are needed, they may be requested at the time services are requested at a charge of $15.00 per additional copy. If additional copies are requested after the services have been completed, a charge of $25.00 per copy will be required. Unless you are planning on picking up the copy/copies, you must submit payment for mailing fees and the exact address of the institution to receive the evaluation(s)/ translation(s).

  • What if I have new documents to be added to an evaluation previously done?

    Any client may submit new documents to be added to an evaluation/translation previously completed. New charges will include a reopening fee, the cost of two new copies for the updated work and the additional cost if updated file requires a new level of evaluation.

  • How long do you keep my records on file?

    All hard copies are kept on file for a period of five years from the date of the first evaluation/ translation issued. After five years only electronic files are available.

  • What if I have questions regarding the outcome of the evaluation?

    Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. has an open door policy regarding the review of the work completed. We guarantee the professionalism and integrity of our procedure, which is to give each document an honest and diligent evaluation. However, the outcome of an evaluation does not necessarily meet the expectations of the client. As stated in our literature, due to the differences between U.S. and foreign education systems, the evaluations do not necessarily equal the same number of credits, years of study, grades and degrees/titles granted in the original country. You are welcome to bring to our attention any concerns you have regarding the outcome of your evaluation. If your concerns have merit, a revised evaluation will be issued at no additional cost to you.

  • What if I find a mistake on the evaluation/translation I receive?

    If you find any mistakes on your evaluation/translation, you are welcome to bring the issue to our attention. If your concerns have merit, a revised evaluation/translation will be issued at no additional cost to you.