Choosing the Best Evaluation for International Academic Credentials: WES, ICES, CES, and IQAS
When students and professionals from non-English speaking countries seek to further their education or careers in English-speaking countries, the process of credential evaluation becomes essential. Multiple organizations offer these services, each with its unique features and turnaround times. In this article, we will compare the four major credential evaluation services: WES, ICES, CES, and IQAS.
WES: The Balancing Act Between Accuracy and Speed
WES (World Education Services) is one of the most well-known organizations in the field of academic credential evaluation. It provides evaluations in 150 countries, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of international educational credentials. WES offers three different evaluations: evaluation, evaluation plus, and notarial evaluation. The traditional evaluation takes approximately 25–30 working days, making it one of the fastest options among the providers discussed here.
WES Evaluation Speed and Accuracy
WES is renowned for its accuracy and thoroughness, ensuring that the evaluation aligns with the standards of the academic institution in the recipient country. The evaluation includes a translation of the original documents, a detailed course-by-course comparison, and an assessment of the student's overall academic experience.
ICES and CES: Quality over Speed
ICES (International Credential Evaluating Services) and CES (Credential Evaluation Services) are two closely related institutions that work together to evaluate non-English speaking credentials. Both organizations offer similar services, with ICES focusing more on the evaluation process and CES on the actual evaluation services.
The evaluation process for ICES and CES typically takes approximately 55–60 working days, which is longer than WES but often seen as more detailed and comprehensive. These evaluations provide a more detailed report that may include a more nuanced comparison of the courses and programs.
ICES and CES: Detailed Reports and Support
Apart from the detailed evaluations, ICES and CES also offer support services such as additional evaluations, notarized copies of the evaluation, and professional consultations. This can be beneficial for individuals who need a more in-depth understanding of their academic credentials or those who require additional documentation for visa applications and other purposes.
IQAS: The Longest but Perhaps the Most Comprehensive Option
IQAS (International Quality Assurance Services) is another significant player in the academic credential evaluation market. This organization is particularly known for its high-quality evaluations, even if they take more time to complete. The evaluation process at IQAS has been ongoing until May 2020, making it the longest among the options considered here.
The advantage of IQAS lies in its thoroughness and the depth of the analysis it provides. IQAS not only evaluates the coursework but also incorporates the broader context of the educational system in the issuing country, providing a more holistic assessment.
IQAS: Long but Detailed Analysis
The evaluation process at IQAS typically involves a detailed analysis of the student's academic journey, including the student's background, the educational system, and the specific programs they have pursued. This level of detail can be particularly helpful for highly specialized fields or for individuals who have completed unique or non-traditional academic paths.
Conclusion: Your Ideal Choice
When deciding between WES, ICES, CES, and IQAS, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances. WES offers speed and efficiency, making it ideal for those in a rush or who need a quick turnaround. ICES and CES provide more detailed evaluations with additional support services, suitable for those needing a deeper understanding of their credentials. IQAS offers the most comprehensive and detailed analysis, ideal for those in specialized fields or for individuals who need the broadest and most thorough assessment.
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