Top 5 Credential Evaluation Companies

When you’re moving to a different country, there’s a list of documents you must take with you, including academic documents. This can be anything from transcripts, secondary and tertiary education courseworks, and more. But immigrants soon learn a harsh truth: without a proper evaluation of their academic record, their achievements could be considered nonexistent.

That’s when the best credential evaluation services come in to save the day. Companies like MotaWord provide immigrants with new opportunities by helping them translate their education into U.S. equivalents. That alone can make finding a job much easier for a newcomer.

Additionally, these companies are an excellent resource for vital information on immigration processes, especially for work-related visas, like the H-1B or the EB-1 visa. Working with these companies can highly improve your chances of getting approved because they are aware of all the different requirements for specific visas.

In this article, we’ll explore the top five credentials evaluation companies, the pros and cons of working with each one, and how to choose the right one for your application. Let’s get started!

Overview of the Top 5 Credentials Evaluation Companies

Here are the top companies we’ll be reviewing:

1. MotaWord - The Best Foreign Credential Evaluation Service

MotaWord is at the top of this list because it’s been in the market for years, has excellent reviews, and, of course, because we’re writing this article ourselves!

All jokes aside, here at MotaWord, we have a stellar reputation for accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We’re the go-to choice for both individuals and organizations seeking reliable credential evaluations. That also means we’ve offered our services successfully to clients and organizations from around the world. Even if your degree comes from a country with a rare language and an educational system very different from the U.S., we can help you.

What sets our credential evaluation services apart is our innovative approach to degree evaluation. We use cutting-edge technology and a global network of experts to deliver fast and precise evaluations tailored to each client's needs. We ensure thorough and accurate results every time. Finally, we also offer other services, like expert opinion letters and work experience evaluations that can support your immigration efforts when dealing with RFEs from the USCIS.

Pros and Cons of MotaWord's Credential Evaluation Services

Pros

• Highly accurate evaluations backed by expert analysis and clear documentation
• Fast turnaround times and transparent, upfront pricing
• Very transparent prices
• 24/7 multilingual customer support
• Simple online process with no paperwork or complicated forms
• User-friendly platform that accepts various document formats
• Online service that accepts evaluation requests from around the world

Cons

• Online-only service — while convenient for most, it may not suit those who prefer in-person interactions
• Limited payment options — we accept any major credit card.

MotaWord: An Excellent Top Choice for Most Needs

MotaWord is an excellent choice for most translation and credential evaluation needs. There are very few downsides to working with us, but we are aware of our service’s weaknesses. The good news is we’re constantly working on providing better solutions and on improving our platforms. For example, we are working on incorporating PayPal and Dwolla as payment options, and we’re also constantly improving our platform so you, as a user, get the best experience working with us. Finally, we offer one of the best, most friendly, and truly concerned customer service and support you’ll find in the industry. If there’s anything you want to tell us, you can contact us before, throughout, and after your evaluation process.

2. World Education Services (WES)

World Education Services is one of the most recognized credential evaluation agencies, particularly in the United States and Canada. With decades of experience in the industry, WES has processed millions of evaluations and is often the first name people encounter when researching academic equivalency services.

WES is widely accepted by universities, licensing boards, and government agencies. Their standardized process helps ensure consistency across evaluations. However, that same level of standardization can sometimes feel inflexible. WES does not offer much room for individual circumstances, and applicants with complex academic backgrounds may find it challenging to get clarification or adjustments.

Another common concern is turnaround time. While WES does offer estimated timelines, delays are not uncommon, especially during peak seasons. Customer support can also be difficult to reach or slow to respond, which can be frustrating when dealing with urgent deadlines. This is something you’ll find easily when looking at their reviews.

Pros and Cons of WES Credential Evaluation Services

Pros

• Long-standing reputation and high institutional recognition
• Accepted by most U.S. and Canadian universities and immigration authorities
• Secure, trackable document submission system
• Offers detailed evaluation types, including course-by-course and document-by-document options

Cons

• Rigid evaluation structure with limited customization for unusual cases
• Turnaround times can vary and sometimes extend beyond initial estimates
• Customer service response times may be slow or inconsistent
• Online platform can be unintuitive for first-time users
• No 24/7 customer support

WES: A Trusted But Not Always Flexible Option

World Education Services is a reputable and widely used agency, especially when applying to institutions that require a WES evaluation specifically. It’s a safe choice if you’re submitting standard academic records from well-known institutions. However, if your documents are non-traditional or if you’re hoping for personalized service or quick adjustments, WES may not always meet those expectations.

The process works well for many, but it can feel rigid for those who need flexibility or direct support. If you’re comfortable navigating the system independently and don’t mind some waiting time, WES is a reliable—if not always the fastest—option.

3. A2Z Evaluations

A2Z Evaluations, based in San Francisco, California, is an independent credential evaluation agency that has been serving clients since 1995. While it doesn’t have the scale or brand recognition of some of the larger organizations, A2Z stands out for its personalized approach and willingness to handle complex academic records with care. They offer both general evaluations and course-by-course reports. Pricing starts at $225 for a general evaluation and $365 for a course-by-course evaluation, which is slightly higher within the industry.

One of the main advantages of A2Z is its hands-on service. Evaluations are reviewed by real experts, and the team often goes the extra mile to make sense of academic histories from lesser-known or non-traditional institutions. However, their smaller size means processing times are generally longer. Also, their website is noticeably outdated, which might not give the best first impression. Finally, customer support is friendly, but responses can take time during peak periods.

Pros and Cons of A2Z Credential Evaluation Services

Pros

• Personalized evaluations with human review and detailed narrative reports
• Competitive pricing starting at $225 (general) and $365 (course-by-course)
• Accepts a wide variety of international academic records
• Offers notarized and apostilled reports when required
• Good option for non-traditional or complex educational backgrounds

Cons

• Slower turnaround times
• Outdated website with limited online functionality
• Smaller support team means longer wait times for responses
• Not as widely recognized as larger evaluation agencies

A2Z: A Thoughtful Choice for Unique Academic Backgrounds

A2Z Evaluations is a solid option for individuals who need a more personalized evaluation, especially those with academic records that don’t easily fit into standardized formats. Their attention to detail and human-reviewed reports are valuable for clients who need more than just a basic summary. However, slower processing and a less modern platform may be drawbacks for those seeking speed or convenience.

If you’re not in a rush and want careful, hands-on service at a reasonable price, A2Z Evaluations is worth considering.

4. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Educational Credential Evaluators is a well-established credential evaluation agency based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ECE has built a strong reputation over the years for providing reliable foreign degree and transcript evaluations for employment, education, immigration, and even military-related purposes.

One of ECE’s most appealing features is its affordability. With general evaluations starting at just $100 and course-by-course evaluations from $195, they offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry. Their standard processing time is around five business days, which is faster than many other agencies, especially given the lower cost.

ECE’s evaluations are known for being clear, well-structured, and widely accepted by educational institutions and licensing boards. Their service is efficient, though not particularly customizable, and some users have reported difficulty reaching customer service quickly when questions arise.

Pros and Cons of ECE Credential Evaluation Services

Pros

• Affordable pricing starting at $100 for general evaluations
• Quick turnaround time — typically 5 business days
• Accepted by many universities, employers, and licensing bodies
• Offers evaluations for military, immigration, and educational use
• Straightforward, structured reports that are easy to understand

Cons

• Customer support can be slow or difficult to reach at times
• Limited flexibility for unique or complex academic histories
• Does not offer 24/7 support or live chat

ECE: Affordable, Reliable, but Considerably Slow

Educational Credential Evaluators is a great option for applicants seeking an affordable and widely accepted credential evaluation. Their streamlined service and consistent turnaround make them a practical choice, particularly for standard evaluations. However, the experience may feel a bit impersonal, and those with complicated academic records or urgent needs might find the limited customer support challenging.

5. The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI)

The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a long-standing credential evaluation provider offering both document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations. They serve a wide range of purposes, including education, employment, and immigration, and have been active in the field since 1994.

ACEI is a solid mid-sized option for applicants who need a standard academic evaluation at a reasonable price. Their document-by-document evaluations start at $105, and course-by-course reports are priced from $195, comparable to other agencies in this range. Their reports are well-formatted and generally accepted by many institutions and employers, particularly in the U.S.

What makes ACEI stand out is its attention to regional education systems. They’ve developed a broad library of global credential equivalencies and offer decent support for credentials from less commonly evaluated countries. That said, their website is somewhat dated, and the ordering process can feel a bit clunky. They don’t currently offer around-the-clock support, and some users report slower processing times during busy seasons.

Pros and Cons of ACEI Credential Evaluation Services

Pros

• Reasonably priced evaluations: $105 for document-by-document and $195 for course-by-course
• Long history and solid experience in credential evaluation
• Good support for international and less-common academic systems
• Reports are generally accepted by U.S. employers and institutions

Cons

• Outdated website and less intuitive ordering system
• No 24/7 customer support
• Processing can be slow during peak periods
• Limited customization or personalization of reports

ACEI: A Decent Option With Room for Improvement

The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute offers dependable service for applicants looking for a reasonably priced evaluation. Their experience with a wide range of international credentials is a clear strength. However, if you’re expecting a modern, user-friendly interface or quick customer service, ACEI might fall short.

Why MotaWord Stands Out From the Crowd

Choosing the right credential evaluation service can make a big difference in your academic or professional journey. You want accuracy, speed, and support—and that’s exactly what MotaWord delivers. We also offer some of the best prices you’ll find in the industry.

With expert-reviewed reports, transparent pricing, and 24/7 customer support, MotaWord goes beyond just checking boxes. We’re here to make sure your credentials are clearly understood and properly recognized, no matter where you're coming from.

What Matters Most in Credential Evaluation

Every credential tells a story—where you’ve studied, what you’ve achieved, and the path you’re building for the future. A good evaluation doesn’t just translate documents; it captures that story clearly and fairly for others to understand.

As you review your options, think beyond price or turnaround time. Consider which provider will treat your academic history with the care and context it deserves. That’s what turns an evaluation into an opportunity.