Credential Evaluation Agencies
International candidates must have their foreign education credentials evaluated before applying to a US state board. Three agencies handle most CPA evaluations.
NASBA International Evaluation Services
Best for: States that require NIES exclusively (most common choice)
Direct NASBA relationship. Online document upload now accepted. Exclusive evaluator for ~25 jurisdictions.
Foreign Academic Credentials Service
Best for: Budget-conscious candidates in states that accept FACS
Most affordable option. Saves ~$150 compared to NIES. Established by AICPA/NASBA.
World Education Services
Best for: Candidates who also need evaluation for immigration or other purposes
Largest non-profit evaluator (50,000+ evaluations/year). Not all CPA state boards accept WES.
Which Agency Should You Use?
- 1. Check your state board first. Every state board publishes a list of approved evaluation agencies. If your state only accepts NIES, that is your only option.
- 2. If your state accepts multiple agencies, FACS saves about $150 compared to NIES and processes in a similar timeframe.
- 3. WES is the largest evaluator but is not accepted by all CPA state boards. Better if you also need evaluation for immigration.
Documents You Will Need
- Official transcripts or mark sheets from your university
- Degree certificates for all completed programs
- English translations for any non-English documents
- Syllabi or course descriptions for accounting and business courses
- Valid passport or government-issued ID