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Foundations of

International Credential Evaluation

An online training course for credential evaluation professionals with the foundational knowledge, established methodologies, and practical approaches needed to assess international qualifications fairly and consistently.

Who This Course Is Intended To Support

Credential Evaluation Services

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Regulatory & Government Bodies

"This course is perfectly tailored both for beginners who want to quickly break into international credential evaluation, and for current professionals in the education sector who have gained fragmented hands-on experience but lack systematic training. It truly fills a critical gap in professional development. A high-quality, systematic training program like this will save you from detours and boost your work efficiency."
 - Kit L

Course Curriculum

A nine-module learning experience designed to build practical, ethical, and research-based foundations for international credential evaluation.

Module 1

Introduction

Establish the foundational landscape of the field by exploring key terminology, stakeholder roles, professional ethics, and modern advancements such as artificial intelligence.

Module 2

EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Navigate the diverse global educational landscape by defining the characteristics, interconnections, and evaluation considerations for academic, vocational, professional, and experiential learning pathways.

Module 3

Recognition & Accreditation

Verify the legitimacy and quality of educational institutions by understanding different types of recognition frameworks and applying strategies to detect fraudulent diplomas and accreditation mills.

Module 4

Documentation

Apply practical strategies to identify essential credential components, resolve missing information, and verify academic record authenticity while spotting common red flags for fraud.
Module 5

Research & Resources

Develop essential independent research skills to effectively locate, evaluate, and document reliable information on global educational systems, institutions, and historical contexts.

Module 6

Grading

Interpret diverse global grading philosophies and apply systematic, context-aware methodologies to convert international grades fairly and consistently.

Module 7

Comparability Assessment

Apply a systematic methodology to evaluate foreign qualifications by comparing learning outcomes, assessing academic load, and utilizing the "substantial difference" principle to make fair recognition decisions.
Module 8

Transfer Credit

Master the foundational principles and practical mechanics required to accurately assess international academic coursework and award fair, consistent transfer credit aligned with institutional policies.

Module 9

Capstone Test

Apply core principles and critical thinking to practical questions that test your ability to navigate real-world evaluation scenarios.

Course Registration

Registration is available at different rates for TAICEP members and non-members.


Course Pricing
TAICEP Members
$195
Non-TAICEP Members
$385

Not yet a member or need to renew? Please visit our membership page to join or renew today. Membership secures exclusive pricing for this course and connects you with a global network of professionals dedicated to continuous professional development.

Ready to secure your spot?
Complete your registration today and take advantage of member-exclusive pricing for this course.

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I qualify for the member rate?
Active TAICEP members are eligible for the member registration rate. If you are not a current member or need to renew your membership, please visit www.taicep.org before registering. Please note that attending a past TAICEP conference does not qualify you as an active TAICEP member.
How long do I have to complete the course?
Completion Window: You have 4 months (120 days) from the date of enrollment to complete all modules and the Capstone test. We require completion within 120 days to encourage active commitment to your professional development. Setting a firm timeline helps prevent your training from losing momentum, ensuring you stay fully engaged with the material. This structured pace is the most effective way to master the material and successfully tackle the final Capstone test.

Extension Policy: A one-time, 30-day extension may be purchased for an administrative fee of $50. This request must be submitted before your initial 120-day window expires.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion of all nine modules and the associated quizzes and Capstone test, participants receive a TAICEP Certificate of Achievement and an e-badge.
How long do I have access to the course materials?
Access is granted until the end of your 4-month enrollment period (plus a one-time, 30-day purchased extension, if applicable).

Your access during and after the final exam depends on your results:

  • Upon Passing: If you pass the capstone exam before your enrollment period ends, you will retain full access to all course materials until your original expiration date.
  • Upon Failing: If you do not pass the capstone exam, your access to the course is immediately terminated. To take the course again and regain access to the materials, you must purchase a new course enrollment.
This policy ensures that the integrity of our online course is maintained and that evaluators are always training on the most current version of the material. Because the global education landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, we restrict long-term access to ensure you do not inadvertently rely on outdated course text in your future work.
Is this course suitable for experienced evaluators?
While the Foundations of International Credential Evaluation course is primarily designed for professionals in the field less than five years or those without formal, structured training, experienced evaluators and managers are absolutely welcome and may find significant value in the material. 

However, note that the curriculum focuses heavily on core principles rather than highly advanced, specialized case studies. If you are a veteran evaluator, you likely already employ many of these best practices in your daily work.
What are your terms of enrollment and academic policy?
1. Proprietary Rights & Intellectual Property

  • Ownership: All course materials—including training manuals, instructional videos, quiz banks, and the Capstone test—are the exclusive proprietary property of TAICEP. 
  • Non-Disclosure: You agree not to record, screenshot, download, or duplicate any portion of the course for distribution or public display except where expressly permitted within the modules (e.g., PDFs and checklists.)
  • Individual Use: Access is granted for your individual professional development only. Use of these materials to train others or the incorporation of this content into institutional training programs is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized distribution may result in the revocation of your certificate and potential legal action. 
2. Refund Policy

  • Trial Period: We offer a 100% refund if you determine the course is not a fit after reviewing the materials in Module 1. 
  • Eligibility Cutoff: Your eligibility for a refund expires immediately upon attempting the Module 1 quiz. Once you begin this quiz, the course fee is non-refundable. 
3. Course Duration & Extensions

  • Completion Window: You have 4 months (120 days) from the date of enrollment to complete all modules and the Capstone test. If you pass the Capstone test prior to the expiration of this window, you will retain access to all course materials until your official 120-day enrollment period concludes.
  • Extension Policy: A one-time, 30-day extension may be purchased for an administrative fee of $50. This request must be submitted before your initial 120-day window expires. If a student passes the course during this extension, access to materials will remain active until the extension period expires.
  • Technical Responsibility: Learners are responsible for maintaining a stable internet connection and compatible hardware. TAICEP is not responsible for technical failures resulting from the user's local service or equipment.
4. Grading & Assessment Integrity

  • Basis for Passing: Your final grade is determined solely by the Capstone test. Quizzes in Modules 1–8 are for self-assessment only and do not contribute to your final score. 
  • Passing Score: A minimum score of 80% on the Capstone test is required to pass. 
  • Individual Effort: The Capstone test must be completed individually. Collaboration, the use of memorized or reproduced test materials, or sharing test questions constitutes a violation of professional ethics and may result in disqualification.
5. Failure & Re-enrollment

  • Unsuccessful Completion: If the 80% benchmark on the Capstone test is not met, your enrollment is considered unsuccessful, and your access to the online course and all associated materials will be terminated immediately.
  • Re-enrollment: To attempt the course and regain access to the materials, you must register and purchase a new course enrollment. However, you will receive a 50% off coupon code to apply toward your re-enrollment fee. We strongly recommend a three-month waiting period before registering again.
6. Administrative Policies

  • Accommodations: Requests for disability accommodations must be submitted in writing at least 14 days prior to attempting the Capstone test. 
  • Content Updates: TAICEP reserves the right to update course content to reflect current industry standards. Enrollment provides access to the version of the course active at the time of purchase, subject to the limitations stipulated elsewhere in these Terms.
  • Finality: All grading decisions and policy applications are final. 
Questions or Issues? Please contact answers@taicep.org before agreeing to these terms if you have any questions regarding these policies.
How is my personal data protected?
We take your privacy seriously. Your personal information is protected in compliance with global data protection regulations. For full details on how we collect, store, and secure your data, please read our Privacy Policy.
How was this course developed?
TAICEP acknowledges and thanks the many practitioners and mentors who have contributed to the extensive body of knowledge for credential evaluation professionals through presentations, publications, and training. Specifically for this Foundations manual, TAICEP acknowledges the following people for their varied direct contributions.

Conceptual Development

  • Project lead: Pei (Peggy) Zhu, TAICEP 2025-2026 President, University of Toronto
  • Bettina Sumegi, TAICEP 2027 President, ENIC-NARIC Sweden
  • Robert Prather, TAICEP Executive Director
Content

  • First draft & assessments: Robert Prather, TAICEP 
  • Regional Content Contributor:  Haichen Sun, International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
  • Regional Content Contributor:  Kurt Baumbach, Academic Evaluation Services, Inc.
  • Regional Content Contributor:  Susanna Taormina, CIMEA - NARIC Italia
Online Course Development

  • Megan Gesell, TAICEP 
Review

  • TAICEP Quality Review Group
    • Kenneth Warren, Educational Perspectives NFP

Contact Us

Email: answers@taicep.org


© 2026 TAICEP: The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, All Rights Reserved.