GET EXACT PRICE QUOTE NOW

WES Translation Requirements for Credential Evaluation

Learn WES translation requirements for credential evaluation and how to submit certified translations for transcripts and diplomas.

Stamping academic documents for WES credential evaluation submission.

If your academic documents are not issued in English or French, an accurate translation is an essential part of the WES credential evaluation process. World Education Services evaluates international academic credentials for immigration, university admissions, professional licensing, and employment purposes in the United States and Canada. To complete an evaluation, WES may require certified translations of transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and other official academic documents issued in another language.

Many applicants get stuck due to incorrect translations, forgotten pages, self-translations or wrong file uploads. WES has particular requirements for document translation and submission. Failure to meet these standards may result in processing delays or rejection of documents. Knowing these requirements before you submit your application can help the evaluation process go more smoothly.

This guide describes the official translation requirements WES has for credential evaluation, including which documents need to be translated, what makes an acceptable certified translation, how to properly submit translated documents, and common errors that applicants should avoid when preparing their records for WES evaluation.

I offer certified translation services for academic documents submitted to WES, including diplomas, transcripts, mark sheets and supporting educational documents. All translations are prepared accurately to assist you with your credential evaluation process. Contact me for a quote.

What Is a WES Educational Credential Assessment?

Reviewing academic documents for the WES credential evaluation process.

Understanding the Purpose of a WES Evaluation

A WES credential evaluation reviews academic credentials earned outside the United States or Canada and compares them to local education standards. World Education Services evaluates documents such as diplomas, transcripts, and mark sheets to help educational institutions, employers, licensing organizations, and Canadian immigration programs administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) understand international qualifications, academic achievements, and academic equivalencies.

A credential evaluation is not the same as a certified translation. A certified translation will convert your documents from the original language into English or French. A credential evaluator assesses the educational value of the documents, including grading systems and academic terminology commonly used in foreign education.

When Does World Education Services Require Document Translation?

Notary stamping translated documents for WES application requirements.

WES U.S. Translation Requirements

For WES U.S., academic documents generally must be accurately translated into English. Translations should include all visible information from the original document, including:

Document review may be affected by missing pages or incomplete translations. Some credentials may also need to be sent to WES by the issuing institution.

WES Canada Translation Requirements

WES Canada accepts academic documents translated into either English or French. WES needs certified translations for documents not originally issued in English or French to help with document verification during the credential evaluation process.

The requirements for translation can vary according to:

Reviewing the requirements in the WES account before submission can help avoid delays or rejected files.

Which Documents Usually Need Translation for WES?

Stack of academic records prepared for WES document submission.

Common Academic Documents Requested by WES

World Education Services may require certified translations for academic documents issued in a language other than English or French. These documents help verify educational history and determine the U.S. or Canadian equivalency of international credentials. Common documents that usually require translation include:

WES requires that translations include all visible content and official markings on the original document. If a translation is incomplete or missing a page, it may affect the review process and could result in the need for further documents to be submitted during the credential evaluation.

Do you require certified translations for your WES credential evaluation or IRCC application? Your academic documents are accurately translated and properly prepared to meet current WES translation requirements for submission and verification. Contact me for a quote.

WES Certified Translation Requirements

Organized educational documents for WES translation requirements.

What Makes a Translation Acceptable for a WES Application

World Education Services requires certified translations to be translated word-for-word from the original academic document. The translation should clearly present the information from the original record without omissions, edits, or summaries. WES uses these translations to review international academic credentials, especially for individuals who have studied outside the United States or Canada. All documents should be professionally translated, clear, and easy to review to help support the credential evaluation process.

Self-translated documents, incomplete translations or altered documents can be the source of processing problems during credential evaluation. WES needs proper certification and comprehensive translations to accurately assess educational documents and support the overall verification process.

Who Can Translate Documents for WES?

WES recommends using a professional translator or certified translation service to prepare academic document translations. The translator should have experience translating official records such as diplomas, transcripts, and mark sheets. Applicants are generally not allowed to translate their own documents, and translations completed by family members, friends, or related individuals are typically not accepted.

Using a qualified translator ensures that documents are translated accurately and meet WES standards for completeness and certification. Professional translation services also have a better knowledge of academic formatting requirements and the terminology that is usually used in credential evaluations.

What Should a WES Certified Translation Include?

A WES-certified translation should contain all information needed to verify the accuracy of the translated document. This usually includes:

Anything visible should be translated, including official marking, handwritten notes, grades, institutional marking, etc. Lacking pages or incomplete translations can lead to further document requests in the WES evaluation review process.

How to Submit Translated Documents to WES

Submitting translated academic documents through the WES online account.

Uploading Certified Translations to Your WES Account

World Education Services allows applicants to upload their documents directly through their online WES account when translations are requested as part of the credential evaluation process. Applicants are generally required to upload both the original-language document and the certified translation together for review. WES commonly accepts digital file formats such as PDF and JPEG through the applicant portal, provided the files are clear, complete, and easy to read.

Applicants are also advised to consider file size limits and not to submit password-protected PDFs, as such files may not be available for review. While some official academic records may still have to comply with institution-specific submission requirements, WES states that translations do not have to be submitted in a sealed envelope and can generally be uploaded directly through the applicant’s WES account.

Important WES Upload Guidelines

It is important to follow the proper procedure for uploading during the credential evaluation process to avoid delays. The applicant should carefully review all documents before submission and should conform to these guidelines:

If the scans are blurry, the files are incomplete, uploaded incorrectly, or translated pages are missing, WES may request additional documents or delay processing.

Common Errors That Delay WES Credential Evaluations

Signing academic forms to avoid WES evaluation processing delays.

World Education Services may put evaluations on hold or ask for additional documents when submitted files do not meet translation or document requirements. A large number of delays are due to document submissions containing missing information, insufficient clarity, or being submitted to the wrong section. Carefully preparing and reviewing all files before submission can help applicants avoid unnecessary processing issues.

Common mistakes that can cause a delay in your WES credential evaluation include:

If the submission is incomplete or uploaded incorrectly, you may be asked to provide additional documents, experience a longer processing time, or have your application placed on hold until the proper documents are provided.

Obtain Your Academic Documents Properly Translated for WES Without the Stress

Certified translation services for WES credential evaluation documents.

Do you need accurate and certified translations for your WES credential evaluation, Canadian immigration application, academic admission, or professional licensing process? I make the process of translating academic documents clear, accurate, and easy to understand. I help ensure that your diplomas, transcripts, mark sheets, and supporting educational records are professionally prepared according to current WES translation requirements and are commonly accepted by WES, institutions and employers reviewing international academic credentials.

Try to avoid unnecessary delays, excessive document requests, and common translation inaccuracies that can affect your WES credential evaluation. Let me help prepare your certified translations correctly the first time so your academic documents are complete, accurate, and ready for submission. Contact me today to request a quote and move forward with confidence.