Credential Evaluations

For New Mainers

For new Mainers trained and credentialed in their home countries, a first step to becoming qualified in the US is to learn whether those certifications can be transferred here.

Students in a classroom earning credentials

What is an evaluation?

A credential evaluation or equivalency is the process by which a person’s college transcripts and diploma are reviewed to determine if they are equal to a US degree.

One step that may be necessary before a credential evaluation can be done is to first have the documents translated into English. An English translation is not the same thing as an evaluation. For most evaluations, a person is required to have a translation done by a certified translator. There are a number of local companies that do translations. Some evaluation companies also provide this service.

Do I need an evaluation?

Many new Mainers come to the US with college degrees and years of experience. They may be accountants, engineers, or some type of medical professional. Most people are interested in knowing the value of their degrees or diplomas. But is an evaluation necessary?

The answer to this question is: IT DEPENDS.

Determining the timing and necessity of an evaluation is a complicated process. It depends on:

  • Professional goals
  • Educational background
  • English proficiency

Knowing when and how an evaluation should be done is a complicated process. It can also be expensive, with a translation costing several hundred dollars and the evaluation costing several hundred dollars as well.

What are the main questions I should ask myself if I think I want to have an evaluation done?

The main questions to ask yourself are:

  • Why am I having it done?
  • Who wants the evaluation report?
  • How do they want the report done?
  • Do I have or can I get the documents they need for the evaluation and submit them the way they want them submitted?
Why do I need an evaluation?
  • Work
  • School
  • Professional License
Who is requesting the evaluation?
  • Employer
  • College or University
  • Professional Licensing Agency
Who does the evaluation?

Colleges, employers, and licensing boards may have different requirements for which evaluating agencies they accept.

There are different agencies that do evaluations. There is a national association of some evaluation companies, NACES — National Association of Credential Evaluator Service.

Many schools and employers will accept an evaluation done by one of the agencies that belong to this group. Each agency will have different costs and requirements for how you will need to submit proof of your education.

What is your professional background?

If you have a technical background in engineering, computers, or some science, it may be useful for you to have an evaluation done just to show an employer that you have the technical training to do the job.

But if you are in a field that relies more heavily on previous work experience and soft skills, then you may not need an evaluation.

See what people are saying about NMRC.

Allagash Brewing Company logoI am very happy and thankful for what I learned from the Job Class. I'd like to share my story with you regarding what I learned from Job class. I am a very happy guy today. I am Warehouse Associate 1 and Forklift Operator. I use all the professional skills that I learned, I can manage my pay, understand my Pay Stubs and more. Portland Adult Education is a place where I found every help regarding job search, connecting me with Allagash Brewing Company and the interview was successful because of what the teacher taught me during my interview. I would like to say Job class is the manpower booster for all those who take it seriously.

Antonio Langaba

PAE Student

Intern at Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash Brewing Company logoWe are very excited to share with you that Langaba has accepted a full-time, year-round position as a Warehouse Operations Associate! Langaba has done an excellent job learning the core functions of the role and has met the goal that his supervisor set for him at the beginning of the internship (to be able to ship a tractor trailer truck). Langaba's first day working his new schedule will begin tomorrow. In addition, he has earned a merit increase and now has access to all the benefits that Allagash offers….Thank you so much for your support through this process. This feels like a big win!

Meg Sweet

HR Coordinator

Allagash Brewing Company

Scholarships for Maine Immigrants logoPAE/NMRC has been a good referral source for SMI , and we have worked cooperatively to support students with scholarships for many years. What SMI values in NMRC’s work: NMRC facilitates whatever service the individual needs. They can be an advocate with a school or an employer or can strategize with the individual on how to overcome whatever the barriers might be. Each person who comes to them is provided with a pathway that will address their barriers. For all of these reasons, since 2019, SMI has been proud to have a more formal funding partnership with NMRC.

Scholarships for Maine Immigrants

2021 Fall/Winter Newsletter

NMRC logoJob Class had numerous students who were busy with other responsibilities including families, work, appointments and more but they showed a commitment and pushed till the end. Leticia is an excellent example. She became a citizen and 2 weeks later voted in the 2020 election. She has had experience working as a hotel housekeeper but after completing Job Class A and despite her limited education in her home country of Mexico she is currently employed at Abbott assembling kits. She happily reports that because of this new job, it is no longer imperative for her to work a second job to support her family.

Job Class A Report

Student Success Story