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Credential evaluators brief licensure committee on foreign degree equivalency methods
Summary
Representatives from NACES member agencies described documentation, accreditation checks, translations and program-by-program reviews used to assess whether foreign doctoral psychology degrees are equivalent to U.S. doctorates.
Representatives of four credential-evaluation agencies that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) gave the California Board of Psychology Licensure Committee an overview on Jan. 31, 2025, of how they evaluate foreign doctoral degrees for licensure purposes.
Yezi (NAECES chair) introduced presenters from Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES), Educational Perspectives (EP), Forensic Academic Credentials Service (FACS), and SpanTran/TEC. David Flores (ERES) and other evaluators explained that agencies verify institutional recognition and accreditation in the issuing country, review program admissions requirements and curriculum, examine coursework and supervised-practice components where applicable, and require original documents and certified translations. Evaluators described direct institutional verification practices and use of industry databases (for example the World Higher Education Directory) and the agencies’ own archives to confirm program legitimacy.
Presenters noted evaluations can be tailored to a licensing board’s criteria. For example, when requested by a board, an evaluator can request an institution to complete a standardized form indicating course content or clock/credit hours in specified topical areas to allow a direct comparison against board rules. Agencies also said they consider dissertations or theses, program duration, and field specialization when assessing whether a foreign credential aligns with U.S. doctoral standards. Several presenters emphasized they do not evaluate education from institutions or programs that are not recognized at the time of attendance.
Committee members thanked the presenters and asked questions about research‑focused programs versus coursework‑focused doctoral degrees and how an evaluator treats American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation in the review. Panelists said they treat APA accreditation as a factor only if the board has requested that benchmark; otherwise they first determine whether the foreign degree is a recognized doctoral degree in the country of origin and then, if needed, assess whether the credential meets the board’s licensing requirements.
Committee members were also told that applicants may select any NACES member (or other statutorily authorized evaluators) to submit an evaluation as part of the board’s application process. The committee received the presentations as informational and posed no further action.
