If you are considering a career in the U.S. military, you may be asked about your educational background. Level of education, subject-matter expertise and academic skill can determine eligibility, placement and career direction in the Armed Forces. If you earned your education abroad, a military recruiter may want to know how your education compares to U.S. academic standards. A military-purposed credential evaluation from International Education Evaluations (IEE) can interpret and explain your education from outside of the United States in a way that recruiters, military career counselors and service branches can understand.
Since its inception, the U.S. military has welcomed recruits from all over into its ranks. However, the institution also has strict requirements for enlistment or officer candidacy, and it does its due diligence to guarantee that minimum criteria is satisfied or exceeded. With respect to enlistees educated abroad, a credential evaluation provides assurance that an individual’s education is genuine and meets minimum requirements; furthermore, it allows the individual a chance to be recognized for unique skills, expertise or achievements, which the military can use to its advantage in initiatives or operations.
Quick Answer: When Do Military Applicants Need a Credential Evaluation?
Military applicants may need a credential evaluation when their education was completed outside the United States and a recruiter, counselor or adjudicator needs to understand the U.S. equivalent of that education. The evaluation does not replace the decision-making process but rather supplements it. It provides an academic comparison that helps clarify what the applicant’s foreign credentials are most similar to in U.S. terms.
Common situations include:
- Showing that a secondary school diploma is comparable to U.S. high school graduation.
- Applying a foreign university degree for enlistment, job/duty placement based on qualifications, completing a personnel file or perhaps supporting a promotion.
- Providing course, credit, grade, or GPA information when requested or required.
- Clarifying the academic level of a credential from another country.
- Completing a recruiter’s request for evidence/documents, and in a timely manner.
Requirements can vary by applicant, recruiter, branch, role, and reviewing office. Some applicants only need proof that a credential is comparable to a U.S. high school diploma or college degree. Others need to present credits, grades or GPAs in U.S. terms. Be sure to ask specifically what is needed to make the process run smoothly and to avoid delays.
Ready to go now? Start at IEE’s military credential evaluation service landing page to review the evaluation options commonly used by applicants working with U.S. military recruiters. While our standard turnaround time is 3 business days, IEE offers rush and same-day services in the event you’re crunched for time.
Why Foreign Credentials Get Equated into U.S. Terms
Education systems are not structured the same way around the world. Program length, grading scales, credit systems, school recognition, documentation and credential names can all differ. A credential evaluation helps tell the story about a diploma or degree holder and ends with a recommendation of its equivalency in the U.S. It provides clarity for a recipient, who is potentially playing a big role in the course of this person’s life.
For military applicants, clarity via a credential evaluation matters because recruiters can both guarantee that minimum requirements for enlistment are met and place the individual in an appropriate service branch, training program, academy or job with the Armed Forces. A credential evaluation shows that an individual is qualified, holds genuine academic achievements and possesses specific skills or knowledge that can be matched with an important responsibility within the military. Rather than examining the diploma or transcript blindly, the credential evaluation and its trusted evaluator gives a necessary recommendation of how best to understand an individual’s foreign educational background.
Why Applicants Choose IEE for Military Evaluations
A key part of credential evaluation is the evaluator. There are many providers available throughout the industry. International Education Evaluations (IEE) has been producing credential evaluation since 1981. It has seen so many credentials, documents and scenarios from every corner of the globe. It has been a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) since 2018, and its staff have made contributions all over the industry, actively working with organizations devoted to higher education, international mobility and credential evaluation. This experience and engagement within the industry demonstrate’s IEE’s capability as a reliable partner for credential evaluation needs, including for the military.
Another advantage to choosing IEE is time. IEE’s customer support team is available around the clock to answer any questions, including how to start the evaluation. Once the order is placed and all documentation is received, your report will be prepared and sent promptly, as the standard turnaround time is only 3 days. From the digital application process to the well-trained evaluation staff, a credential evaluation report gets to you efficiently.
Furthermore, report options are extremely clear. Using IEE’s evaluation services page, you can easily match the report type to the recruiter’s request while filling out your initial application. You can also check document requirements and pricing information.
Lastly, IEE’s military evaluation page is specifically tailored for individuals looking to get their education reviewed for military purposes. IEE respects the willingness to serve in the military, and wishes to show this respect as well as assist the military via credential evaluation.
Which IEE Report Type Fits Military Applicants?
IEE’s evaluation service chart displays the main report types and their typical contents. For military applicants, the report selection is based on recruiter or recipient need. Sometimes, the organizations reviewing the credential evaluation simply needs an equivalency; in other cases, a detailed course analysis is requested.
Document Report
When the biggest need on a report is the equivalency, a Document Report is usually the right fit. The Document Report at IEE identifies the credential title, admission requirement, program duration, institution attended + accreditation status, date of completion, and the U.S. equivalency. Evaluations may also contain supplementary notes at IEE’s discretion, as additional information or context is sometimes included for the recipient’s benefit.
Generally, this report is chosen when a recruiter only needs to understand if a credential or degree from outside the U.S. is comparable to a U.S. credential. It focuses on basic credential information.
Course Report
A Course Report provides a more detailed review. It includes the same information as a Document Report, but then goes deeper into coursework. The Course Report features all courses taken, along with a grade and credit amount for each in U.S. terms. It also calculates a grade point average (GPA) on the U.S. 4-point scale. As the Course Report does a deeper examination of the credential, more academic documentation may be required. This type of report is useful when the reviewing officer wishes to understand how successful the applicant was. By seeing how well the individual did both in specific courses and in aggregate, the reviewer will have a better grasp of the academic background and competency presented.
Before placing an order, applicants with postsecondary coursework should ask a military recruiter or representative if this kind of report is required. Course Reports require more documents, have more details to interpret and can come at a higher cost.
Document + GPA Report
A Document + GPA Report is nearly identical to a regular Document Report. However, it adds a GPA calculation. This is a good middle ground; it shows the academic equivalency and the individual’s unique results via a GPA, but it does not show all the details of a Course Report, which a recipient may feel is not required.
Ultimately, the best report is the one that matches the reviewer’s instructions and needs. If you are unsure, share the report descriptions with your recruiter and ask which option they want before you place your order.
| IEE report type | Contents | What to confirm first |
|---|---|---|
| Document Report | Basic credential contents and U.S. equivalency. | If the reviewer only needs an equivalency in U.S. terms for the foreign credential. |
| Document + GPA Report | Same as Document Report, plus a U.S.-formatted GPA. | If a GPA needs to be provided. |
| Course Report | Same as Document Report, plus list of courses and their respective credits and grades, along with GPA and total credit amount. | If the office needs courses details, credit conversion or individual grades to appear. |
What Documents Are Necessary?
Document requirements depend on your country of education and the credential(s) being evaluated. Requirements may also vary based on report type. In general, applicants provide various kinds of academic records: diplomas, degree certificates, transcripts, mark sheets, diploma supplements or others unique to the country of education. Furthermore, to protect against fraud, some situations may require direct verification from an attending institution, an oversight authority or even an online database.
IEE’s website has a documentation requirements tool that lets applicants check requirements by country. Use it before you order so you know which documents to collect and whether any records need to be sent in a particular way, such as directly from an institution or through a third-party service.
For documents not issued in English, a translation may be required in order to complete the evaluation. Fortunately, IEE also has translation services ready to translate your documents into English word-for-word.
Taking time to look through requirements and prepare the right documents can both reduce delays and produce the best quality report. An evaluation can only move forward when the evaluator has the records needed to review the credential accurately. Before starting your evaluation, take these steps:
- Ask your recruiter which evaluation type they need.
- Confirm whether a Document Report, Document + GPA Report, or Course Report is most applicable with recruiter needs.
- Check IEE’s country-specific documentation requirements.
- Gather your academic records, or arrange for them to be sent.
- Make sure both biographical and educational information is consistent across your documents and entered correctly in your order.
- If documents are not in English, obtain or order a translation.
How the 3-Day Turnaround Helps With Recruiting Deadlines
Military recruiting can move quickly. An applicant may have an appointment, a document request, or a deadline for submitting materials before an operation, training program or onboarding begins. If an evaluation is required, it can take time before it’s complete, which can slow the process of enlistment more.
Recognizing the sensitivity of time, especially in matters related to the military, IEE proudly promotes a standard processing time of 3 business days for evaluations. That speed gives applicants a clearer planning window. Once the required documents are submitted and the order is ready for review, the applicant can plan around a short standard processing timeline instead of an uncertain wait. That being said, research and understanding before an order can make things finish even more efficiently.
A faster evaluation is especially useful when:
- Your recruiter has requested documents before an interview, appointment or meeting.
- You need to clarify your education level before the next step in your process.
- You recently found out that a foreign credential must be evaluated.
- You need to make a change to the credential evaluation you’ve already received, such as adding a new recipient or credential, correcting the report’s purpose, or getting a new report type.
- You are balancing evaluation requirements with other application tasks.
While lower processing time is a great convenience, IEE does not allow speed to come at the expense of accuracy. IEE’s process is designed to both maximize efficiency and ensure quality. IEE is dedicated to providing a transparent and ethical process that applies best practices, keeps industry standards, conducts thorough examination of credentials, follows consistent policies and recommends fair equivalencies.
How to Order a Military Credential Evaluation With IEE
Ordering the right evaluation type starts with knowing your recipient’s needs. If a military recruiter or counselor gives you requirements, reference them while you place your order. If unsure, certainly reach out to them and confirm.
- Confirm the purpose. Choose military as the purpose of evaluation.
- Select the report type. Choose Document Report, Document + GPA Report, or Course Report based on what your recruiter requested.
- Check document requirements. Use the country-specific documentation tool to get a sense of what is necessary to construct the evaluation.
- Upload or submit documents. Provide the academic records needed for the evaluation. This could be a transcript, diploma or certificate. IEE allows submission to happen digitally.
- Add recipient information. If your recruiter or office needs IEE to send them the report, enter the correct delivery details.
- Track the order. Watch for status updates and respond quickly if more information is requested. IEE reserves the right to request more documentation if needed to complete a full, accurate evaluation with the best equivalency recommendation possible.
Place your order on IEE’s Get Started page once you know which report type you need.
Questions to Ask Your Recruiter Before You Order
Confirming necessary details can prevent ordering the wrong report, missing a required document or experiencing significant delays in the delivery of your order. Ask your recruiter:
- Do you need a basic equivalency report or a course-by-course evaluation?
- Is a GPA calculation required?
- Should the report be sent directly to you, or to a specific office?
- Are there branch-specific or office-specific instructions I should follow?
- Is there a deadline for submitting the completed evaluation?
- Do you need translations in addition to the evaluation?
If the recruiter is unsure which report is needed, start with the purpose of the review. If the recruiter only needs to know what your education is equal to, a Document Report appears sufficient. If more specific information is needed, such as coursework, grades or a GPA, a Course Report is a better call. It’s better to clarify before ordering than it is to request an incorrect report and then having to reorder later.
A Final Note on Credential Evaluations
A credential evaluation explains foreign education in U.S. academic terms. It can show the U.S. equivalent of a credential, provide GPA or course details, and help reviewers understand academic achievements from another country.
However, the credential evaluation is advisory. It does not guarantee enlistment, placement, rank, eligibility, or approval for any military role. Those decisions are made through the military’s own review process. The evaluation is merely a supporting document that helps your educational achievements be understood accurately. This ultimately can support your case to be a member of the U.S. military, but admission to the military is left to the discretion of the service branch, office or the individual responsible for such decisions. IEE believes the credential evaluation plays an instrumental role in giving people chances, recognizing accomplishments and vouching for qualified individuals.
It is advised that applicants understand what a credential evaluation is. It should be treated as a potentially helpful part of a larger process. Overall, keep communication open with your recruiter, follow all instructions given, and respond quickly if additional documentation is requested. IEE wishes candidates for military enlistment the best of luck, thanks them for their future service, and hopes it can assist with the pursuit of this noble and courageous goal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Credential Evaluations
Do all military applicants with foreign education need a credential evaluation?
Not always. A credential evaluation is usually needed when a recruiter or reviewing office needs help understanding education completed outside the United States. Applicants should confirm if this is truly required before ordering.
Which IEE report should I choose for military service?
Choose the report type that your recruiter requests. A Document Report is usually enough for giving a basic equivalency, a Document + GPA Report adds individual results with a GPA calculation, and a Course Report is best when course, credit and grade details are required.
How long does an IEE military credential evaluation take?
IEE lists a standard 3-business-day turnaround for common academic evaluation reports once the required documents are submitted and the order is ready for the evaluation stage.
Can a credential evaluation guarantee enlistment or eligibility?
No. A credential evaluation explains foreign education in U.S. academic terms. Discretion on military eligibility remains with those responsible in the respective branches, departments and offices.
What should I ask my recruiter before ordering?
Ask which report type is needed, if conversion of grades, GPA or credits is required, where the report should be sent, whether translations are needed, and whether there is a deadline for submitting the completed evaluation.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
- I confirmed the report type (and information about my education) that my recruiter needs.
- I checked the country-specific documentation requirements.
- I gathered diplomas, transcripts, certificates, or mark sheets applying to my credential.
- I reviewed if translations are needed and have either requested or acquired them.
- I know the recipient and accompanying details (including mailing or email address).
- I know the deadline for my completed evaluation to be sent and received. I also selected Rush, Special or Same-Day service for a faster delivery if necessary.
- I chose the IEE report type that matches the reviewer’s instructions.
