International Education Research Foundation (IERF)

IERF, international credentials evaluation in the United States

The International Education Research Foundation (IERF) is an academic credentials evaluation service based in Culver City, California. Its work consists of analyzing degrees and studies completed outside the United States and issuing equivalency reports relative to the U.S. educational system. The organization presents itself as the oldest credentials evaluation service in the country and notes that, over more than five decades, it has processed more than 580,000 evaluations.

Equivalency reports and areas of use

The equivalency reports issued by the organization are used in various procedures and contexts. The site lists the following uses:

• Further education.
• Obtaining professional licenses and certifications.
• Employment applications.
• Immigration procedures.
• Military enlistment.

Evaluations are conducted regardless of the country where the studies were completed.

Methodology and capabilities of the evaluation team

The team of evaluators is proficient in more than twenty languages, and some of its members have lived and studied abroad. IERF's equivalency policy is determined by examining educational systems around the world and how each program fits into the U.S. system. The organization maintains long-standing relationships with colleges and universities, as well as with state licensing and certification boards.

Services for individuals

For individuals who need to have studies completed outside the United States recognized, the organization offers a standard application and specific procedures depending on the type of license. The site details specific applications for barbering and cosmetology licensure, for massage therapy licensure, and for physical therapy licensure. It also allows requesting a duplicate copy or a revised report.

Services for institutions and online tracking

IERF serves educational institutions, licensing agencies, immigration entities, and military recruitment. For them, it offers EvalDirect™, a platform that allows online checking of the status of their applicants' evaluations. Communication with institutions is channeled through an institutional relations officer.

Review procedure and timeframes

The applicant has 90 days from the issuance of the report to raise any questions about its content; after that period, the file is closed. If the applicant wishes their case to go to the Review Committee, they must submit the request in writing, by postal mail, email, or fax, stating their name and file number. The site indicates that the case is reviewed in a minimum of ten business days and that the response is sent in writing. The organization clarifies that it does not guarantee that the Committee will determine changes to the report already issued. Once the request is submitted, the applicant receives an email with the file number and the date of receipt, and is contacted by email or phone if additional documentation is required.

Publications, training, and institutional activity

The organization maintains its own documentary collection, the IERF Vault, and publishes presentations and articles, in addition to offering training. It awards the Sepmeyer Award, aimed at excellence in credentials evaluation research. The site commemorates the organization's 55th anniversary.

Association backing

IERF is a founding member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®), a recognizing body for credentials evaluation services in the United States.

Location and contact

10736 Jefferson Blvd, #532 Culver City, CA 90230 · Email: info@ierf.org