FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Are FCSA evaluations recognized?
FCSA performs thousands of evaluations every year for people from all over the world. FCSA evaluations are accepted by INS, the Texas State Board of Education, Motorola, Dell, colleges and universities throughout the country, immigration attorneys, and the Texas State Board of Professional Engineering, among others. (See more about our clients.) FCSA's director, Dr. William Paver, has extensive professional experience in the field of credentials evaluation. A leader in international admissions, Dr. Paver was responsible for developing the international admissions office at the University of Texas at Austin into one of the preeminent offices of its kind in the country. (See more about Dr. Paver.)

FCSA endeavors to produce evaluations of high quality and general acceptability at affordable prices. At the same time, we strive to serve our clients by being accessible and helpful. We employ an expert staff so that we can provide the quick turnaround and close attention that each person requires. If you have questions about whether or not an FCSA evaluation is what you need, please contact us. Also, it is good idea to check with the university, licensing board, or employer using the evaluation.

What are the application procedures?
You can download an FCSA application from our website or we can mail one to you. You must send the completed application, along with the academic documents you want to have evaluated and the required fees. If any part of this process is not completed we cannot start your evaluation.

What if I'm not sure what type of report to request?
It is always best to check with the university, licensing board, or employer using the evaluation. You may also contact FCSA and we will help you determine what type of report you need. For teacher certification, engineering licensure, or university admission, a Detailed Evaluation is usually required.

How long does the evaluation take?
An evaluation is normally ready to be mailed about two weeks (10 working days) after the date when all necessary documents have been received. While FCSA takes great pride in the rapidity of our service, please note that this timeframe is subject to change depending on our case load.

Do you have a faster service?
We have a 3-day rush service which requires payment of an additional $75 and a one-day service which requires an additional payment of $150.

Can I drop in at the FCSA offices?
You may visit our offices at 1910 Justin Lane in Austin, Texas any time during our working hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Click here for a map.

Do you evaluate work experience?
At this time, FCSA evaluates academic credentials only.

Will FCSA confirm receipt of my evaluation request?
If your evaluation arrives in our offices with all necessary documents, you will not receive confirmation. If, after examining your application, we find that there are missing documents, we will send you a postcard or email listing any missing documentation that we may need to complete your evaluation.

COSTS

Do I need to pre-pay?
Payment must be included with the application and documents. An evaluation will not be started until our office receives the appropriate fees. Payment can be made by personal check, money order, cashiers check, or credit card. We accept MasterCard, VISA, and American Express.

What does an evaluation cost?
A General Statement of Equivalency costs $75. This statement will list the US equivalents of your diplomas and degrees. A Detailed Evaluation of your coursework for purposes of assessing transfer credit costs $110. (The Detailed Evaluation includes the General Statement.)

What if I decide to cancel the evaluation?
If you contact us in writing (by mail, fax, or email) before the evaluation has been started, you can be refunded all but a $25 handling fee.

DOCUMENTATION

Do I need to send original documents?
FCSA accepts photocopies of your original documents. Exception: If you are applying for board licensure, you may need to submit original documents in a sealed envelope from your institution. Click here for a listing of application requirements for boards that accept FCSA evaluations. Click here to print out a form to send to your institutions requesting original/attested documents. Please remember to send clear and complete photocopies, including both sides if applicable. At the end of the FCSA application, you will be asked to read and sign a statement verifying that the documents you have submitted are true copies of the originals.

Will FCSA return my documentation?
If requested, FCSA will return all original or certified documents after the evaluation is completed. We do not return photocopies or documents notarized in the US.

Do you need all my school records (from elementary to university)?
Generally, we need your records beginning from your secondary or upper secondary studies, particularly when applying as an undergraduate to a US institution. When seeking licensure, graduate admissions, or H-1 status, post secondary records are sufficient.

Should I include my diploma with my records?
Yes. If you have completed a course of study, please include a photocopy (both sides) of the diploma or degree.

Do I need to send a syllabus of my coursework?
No, a transcript listing course titles and grades is sufficient. Exception: If you are applying for board licensure you may need to submit a syllabus (detailed course descriptions) from the year of your graduation. Click here for specific instructions on submitting board licensure evaluations.

What is a transcript?
A transcript is a document issued by secondary schools, colleges, and universities listing the name of the school, student's name, years of attendance, courses studied, and credits and grades received. The transcript may also list degrees completed. Often a transcript has a legend on the back that explains the grading scale and abbreviations.

What grading scale does FCSA use?
FCSA converts all international grading systems to the 4 point scale commonly used in the US (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=O)

What is a semester hour?
In the US, 15 classroom hours generally translates to one semester hour. A year of full time study in the US generally results in 30-36 semester hours of credit. Therefore, one year of full time study at an international school would be assessed as 30-36 hours of transfer credit.

Do you do translations?
No, we do not do translations. You will need to provide a certified translation of your document if it is not in English or Spanish. If your documents are in Spanish, you may do the translation yourself.

What should I do if I have courses in progress?
When you complete the courses, send us an updated transcript. If you wish to add this information within the first six months after your initial evaluation, a $50 re-evaluation fee will be charged for the update. If six months has passed since your initial evaluation, you will be charged the full evaluation fee.

Does FCSA verify documents for authenticity?
Yes, FCSA reserves the right to verify documents for authenticity.

If falsified documents are submitted to FCSA, there will be no refund of payments or return of documents, and the forgery will be reported to the designated recipients of the report as well as academic institutions, evaluation services, and government agencies.

EVALUATIONS

What information is in a General Statement of Equivalency?  (see sample)
Institutions attended (non-US only)
Dates of attendance
Credentials earned and date awarded
United States equivalence

What information is in the Detailed Evaluation of Coursework?  (see sample)
Institutions attended (non-US only)
Dates of attendance
Credentials earned and date awarded
United States equivalence
Courses taken
Equivalent semester hours and US grade equivalence
Overall equivalent US grade point average (US GPA). Upper division and graduate GPA can be specified.

What if I have questions about my evaluation after it is prepared?
We will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your evaluation. For general questions, you may contact us by email, fax, phone (512-459-8428) or mail. Questions about the specific content of you evaluation, however, must be presented in writing, and may be sent to us by regular mail, by email or by fax (512-459-4565).

What if I don't list all my education and decide at a later date that I want it added to my report?
If you wish to add information within the first two years after your initial evaluation, a $50 re-evaluation fee will be charged for the update. If two years have passed since your initial evaluation, you will be charged the evaluation fee.

Can FCSA send my evaluation directly to a school or employer?
Yes. In section 1 of the application, you are asked to fill in the address or addresses where you would like your evaluations to be mailed.

Can I get copies of my evaluation after the initial mailing?
FCSA keeps your records on file in our office for exactly two (2) years from the date at the top of your evaluation. For example, if your evaluation date was January 1, 2005, your evaluation will be on file at FCSA until January 1, 2007. Until that time, FCSA guarantees that additional copies of your evaluation will be available for purchase. After that date, however, copies may not be available and you may need to reapply and resubmit the entire application package, including the full fee. Copies, if available, cost $25 each. Please click on FCSA Request for Additional Evaluation Copies to see our download instructions for the application.

How long will FCSA keep my incomplete application?
If you submit an application and do not complete it, FCSA will keep your documents on file for 2 years from the date of application. After 2 years, you will need to submit a new application.

Copyright 2008 FCSA