Insights on Global Academic Credential Trends: An Interview with Ari Mihael, Director of Educational Standards at WES

WES Staff

The landscape of international academic credential evaluation has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by technological innovations and the increasing globalization of education. Over the past five years, WES has witnessed a significant rise in the digital transmission of documents, which has greatly improved the authentication process and reduced evaluation processing time. Technology has played a pivotal role in streamlining the collection and verification of academic records. While the core methodology of credential evaluation remains unchanged, advancements in international education have refined the process. The globalization of education has further driven the demand for credential evaluations, facilitating the international transferability of qualifications. Over the years, WES has expanded its services beyond academic evaluations to meet these demands by offering customized reports for various professional licensing boards and other entities.

This interview with Ari Mihael, Director of Educational Standards at World Education Services (WES), reviews the latest trends in international academic credential evaluation.

What trends have you observed in international academic credential evaluation over the past five years?

We’ve seen digital transmission of documents increase significantly. Today, 80 percent of the documents we receive at WES are sent digitally through verified sources to our evaluation system. This is the best means of authentication because the documents come directly from the issuing authority. Before the pandemic, this figure was under 10 percent.

How has technology influenced the evolution of international credential evaluations, and what advancements do you foresee in the near future?

Technology has facilitated the collection of academic records and improved communications with international institutions. As a result, academic records can now be transmitted digitally, expediting document intake time. From the perspective of WES, technology has trimmed evaluation processing times and contributed to our ability to provide accurate, standardized evaluation reports based on authentic academic documents.

WES has been around for 50 years now. Has the method of evaluating credentials changed in this period?

The fundamentals of the methodology have not changed. However, other developments in international education have fine-tuned the methodology. Developments like education reforms, the increased numbers of non-accredited programs, transnational education, and international branch campuses managed by U.S. and Canadian institutions. Also, we operate within the framework of our membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) in the United States, and in Canada, the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC). The mandate of these two entities is to ensure a solid document authentication framework and evaluation methodology grounded in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner.

We’ve always followed a rigorous process of verifying documents. Our process involves identifying key quantitative and qualitative criteria, continually analyzing global education systems and leveraging resources across multiple countries. For an Indian qualification, for example, we first assess its role in India’s education system, then determine its equivalent in the U.S. and Canada. Our standardized process ensures that qualifications meeting the same criteria across countries result in consistent equivalencies.

WES initially served only the academic sector and international admissions offices. Has the scope and reach of WES changed?

Yes, our main product has historically been credential evaluation reports for college and university admissions. In the 1990s we started to expand our offerings as immigration applications increased. Then, in the early 2000s, we began working with accounting licensing boards in the U.S. to develop customized reports, known as the Supplemental CPA Report (CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant). The way it worked was that students would apply, then receive the CPA supplemental evaluation, and the reports would go to the licensing boards. Licensing boards would then determine whether individuals qualify to come to the U.S. for the CPA exam, enabling them to become licensed U.S. CPAs for international work.

Also in the 2000s, we began working with teachers in Canada and physical therapists and nurses in the U.S. More recently, we have collaborated with engineering licensing boards in Canada. Our international expertise allows us to adapt to the specific needs of licensing bodies, offering customized reports and programs.

How do you anticipate the increasing globalization of education will impact the demand for credential evaluations in the coming years?

Globalization of education has contributed to the alignment of education systems across countries (credentials, credit systems) which in turn has facilitated the international transferability of qualifications. In addition, systemic educational cooperation (among countries and educational systems) has enhanced access to education and provided academic and career pathways to students in diverse education environments.

Why should professional licensing entities consider partnering with WES?

I would say there are two top reasons. The first is authentication. WES authenticates every document we evaluate. We do this by only accepting academic records directly from the source. For example, if an applicant has studied in Costa Rica, the documents must come directly from the educational institution in that country. Our fraud rate is less than 1 percent due to our strict document collection process.

The second reason is accuracy. Our credential evaluation reports are quality assured through a rigorous methodology. Our specialists are equipped with the latest research and resources, including an extensive automated evaluation database built on 50 years of experience.

Learn more about how the Business Development team at WES can support your credential verification process. Connect with us today.