Does WES offer different credential evaluation reports for me, and what is each one used for?
WES typically offers four services: course-by-course evaluation, document-by-document evaluation, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and NZQA Global Records Verification. Course-by-course usually suits graduate admissions, document-by-document suits employment and undergraduate admissions, ECA suits Canadian immigration, and NZQA suits New Zealand. Check the official WES page.
WES offers four main report types, and each has a different purpose. The right pick depends on whether you are applying to a university, working, or planning immigration, so match the report to your goal first.
The Four WES Report Types
| Service type | Key features | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Course-by-Course Evaluation | Lists individual courses, credits and grades, with a calculated US or Canadian GPA equivalency | Graduate admissions, professional licensing (except CPA), credit transfers |
| Document-by-Document Evaluation | Summarises each credential and its general US or Canadian equivalency | Employment, US immigration, undergraduate admissions |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | Specialised report designated by IRCC for immigration | Canada PR (Express Entry) and Provincial Nominee Programs |
| NZQA Global Records Verification | Verifies authenticity of international academic documents for NZQA | Assessing international qualifications in New Zealand |
Which One Students Usually Choose
For study in the USA or Canada, students most commonly opt for document-by-document or course-by-course evaluation. The other two are usually chosen only when your situation specifically needs them. Requirements differ by institution, so check what the receiving body accepts.
My Advice
Before you order, ask your target university or immigration body which report type it accepts. Ordering the wrong one costs time. Check the official WES page for current services and rules.
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