What is the FCE? #

The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is an official report that evaluates your academic degree and converts it into its U.S. equivalent.

It confirms:

• Your level of education
• Your major / field of study
• That your degree meets U.S. standards

FCEs are typically valid for up to 5 years, so this is an important long-term investment

Why is the FCE required? #

U.S. schools must verify that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Without a valid FCE:

❌ You cannot move forward in the process
❌ Schools cannot evaluate your qualifications

What type of FCE do you need? #

You MUST request:

👉 Course-by-Course Evaluation

⚠️ Not accepted:

• Document-by-document evaluation
• Summary reports

Our Recommended Partner  #

To simplify the process, we recommend using the evaluation provider familiar with our program requirements: 

Alianza Academic Evaluations  #

Program participants receive: 

• Correct evaluation type selection guidance 
• Experience evaluating international teaching degrees 
• Faster document review communication 
• Evaluations aligned with licensure expectations

Alianza is an AICE Endorsed member and offers IAG applicants a discount on the Course-by-Course evaluation.  

Use the link and password below to apply and receive the discount.   

Link: IAG Applicants – Alianza Academic Evaluations 

Password: IAGEducators 

What your FCE must include #

Your evaluation must:

• Include all university coursework
• Show your degree equivalency
• Be issued by a credential evaluation company that is a member of either AICE or NACES 
• Reflect your teaching field (if applicable)
• Include student teaching / teaching practice (if available)

Other Accepted FCE Providers #

If not using our recommended provider, your evaluation must be completed by a company that is a member of: 

👉 Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

Note: Applicants sometimes experience delays when the evaluation does not include required details. Choosing a provider familiar with teacher credential evaluations can help avoid this. 

How to get your FCE (Step-by-step) #

1. Apply with Alianza or another approved AICE or NACES evaluation company
2. Create your account
3. Upload your:
   • Degree
   • Transcripts
4. Select:
   👉 Course-by-Course Evaluation
5. Complete payment
6. Provide any oficial documentation requested
7. Wait for evaluation processing

⏳ Processing time: several weeks → start early

How to submit your FCE #

Upload your verified FCE:

👉 Under Submissions → Documents
👉 Select: FCE (Foreign Credential Evaluation ONLY)

Important Notes #

• Transcripts alone are NOT accepted
• Your FCE must include ALL studies
• If your degree is not in education, it must match your teaching subject
• The evaluation company can usually translate your documents (additional cost may apply)

Special Case: Teaching Practice Not Included #

If your FCE does NOT show teaching practice:

👉 You will need a Teaching Practice Letter

(This is a common issue — do not ignore it)

Common Mistakes (Very Important) #

Avoid these:

❌ Requesting the wrong type (not course-by-course)
❌ Using a provider that is not an AICE or NACES member.
❌ Submitting incomplete evaluations
❌ Missing teaching practice (when required)
❌ Waiting too long to begin the process