What You Need to Know: Answers to Questions About WES Credential Evaluation Reports
Planning to order a WES credential evaluation? If you’re looking to pursue the next chapter in your life in the United States or Canada, a WES credential evaluation report will support your post-secondary school and job applications. Keep reading to get answers to frequently asked questions about WES credential evaluations:
What is a WES reference number? How do I obtain one?
A WES reference number is generated once you submit your application along with full payment and is unique to your credential evaluation report. Save your reference number in a convenient and safe location so you can easily include it in your communications with WES. If you contact our customer support team, for example, you will need to provide your reference number so our team can better assist you.
I got married and changed my last name. What last name should I put on my application, if the last name on my academic documents is different?
You can choose which surname to use on your application. Both this name and the name on your academic documents will appear on the report. We include a note explaining any differences in last names to avoid confusion for recipients of your report.
Can I apply with my spouse?
No, each applicant must create an individual account and pay a separate fee accordingly.
I have documents from more than one institution. Do these need to be sent separately?
Unless stated otherwise, documents from different institutions must be sent and directly to WES from each institution. However, if the document requirements for your country or territory of education allow it, you can enclose individual sealed envelopes in a larger envelope and send them to WES as one package.
It is worth noting that WES has established digital partnerships with a growing number of institutions, so your documents may be eligible for submission through approved electronic channels.
Always refer to your required documents for instructions specific to your institution. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure a smooth process.
What information do you use to evaluate my degree?
Our staff are equipped with the latest research and insights to evaluate your credentials, including our database of 6,400 grading samples from more than 200 countries. Using this information, an evaluation specialist will assess your credentials and prepare your report. If we are unable to evaluate your degree or credential, your account will be updated and you will be notified. Please note: WES does not evaluate professional, vocational, or trade certificates.
Would you like a preview of what your degree is comparable to in the U.S. or Canada? Use our Degree Equivalency Tool in the U.S. or Canada. While this tool doesn’t replace an official evaluation, it can give you an idea of how your credentials will be recognized.
Do I need to send original documents?
Unless stated otherwise in your required documents, please do not send original documents to WES. All documents that arrive in our office become WES property and cannot be returned. If we specifically request original documents for your country or territory of education, we will return the documents once we have completed your evaluation.
What if I make a mistake on my application?
You can modify your contact information, add or remove a recipient, upgrade your evaluation package, request sealed envelopes, order more reports, change your delivery options, and pay your balance in your WES account. To make any other changes, please contact our Customer Support (U.S. / Canada) team.
What options do I have if my institution will not send documents to WES?
Before contacting your institution, it is crucial to carefully review your required documents and confirm instructions for sending documents from your country or territory of education.
If we need your transcript in a sealed envelope, the school can send you the sealed envelope, and you can send it to us. You can use this form to request the release of your documents.
WES has also established digital partnerships with many institutions worldwide. Your college or university may be able to conveniently and securely submit documents to us electronically. In many cases, WES accepts documents that are sent electronically via online platforms and exchange networks.
If your institution does not have a digital arrangement with WES or would like to explore this option, you can encourage an authorized representative from the college or university to complete this Digital Partnership form. Someone from our team will respond to the request.
What is my country of education?
Your country of education is generally the country or territory where you studied and earned your degree.
After I submit my application, how much time do I have to send my documents?
All applications that remain incomplete 180 days after the payment date of the original application will, at the sole discretion of WES, be deemed “inactive.” No refunds or credits will be issued once the application is deemed inactive.
A reactivation fee will be required to reopen and further process applications deemed inactive. Learn more on our Terms and Conditions.
I live in the U.S. or Canada. Can I still receive a credential evaluation?
Yes, you can. Leveraging your international education can open doors to new opportunities. Check out this video for more details.
Related Readings
The WES Credential Evaluation Process Explained
What to Expect After You Receive Your WES Credential Evaluation
