Timeline to Evaluation Completion

The processing of the evaluation frequently requires 15 business days from the date Arizona International Credential Evaluators receives all required information, including a completed application, all supporting documentation related to such application, and payment in full with respect to the application. The 15 business days timeframe does not include mailing, weekends, or holidays. Although Arizona International Credential Evaluators strives to meet or exceed this timeframe, the time to complete the evaluation may vary depending on multiple factors. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that the evaluation will be completed in the 15 business days timeframe.

Documentation Requirements

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the required documentation is provided to complete the evaluation. This includes providing official or original diploma(s), degree(s), or certificate(s) and associated transcripts (marksheets with course names, credits, and grades), as well as English language translations for all submitted documents.

Arizona International Credential Evaluators requires documents to be translated into English. An accurate, word-by-word translation must accompany any documents not submitted in English. The translation must be:

1. a school-issued official translation,
2. a translation completed by an ATA member translator,
3. a translation from a professional translation agency or
4. provided by Arizona International Credential Evaluators.

Applicants are encouraged to take the initiative by contacting their educational institutions early to ensure that required documents, such as official transcripts and verifications, are sent directly to AZICE. Delays in receiving documents from issuing institutions are common and may prolong the evaluation process. To avoid potential setbacks, applicants should submit their materials well before any deadlines related to their academic or employment needs. The evaluation will only commence once all necessary documents have been received, and processing times can vary depending on the country and institution. Failure to provide adequate documentation is not a sufficient cause to receive a refund. Individuals may cancel within seven days of the application date, and Arizona International Credential Evaluators will retain a $60 cancellation fee and refund the remainder. However, no refund is available after the 7-day timeframe.

Complete Chronology Policy

Arizona International Credential Evaluators (AZICE) requires applicants to provide a comprehensive chronological history of their education. For example, AZICE will not evaluate a master’s degree without corresponding documentation of the applicant’s bachelor’s degree, regardless of whether the undergraduate degree was earned in the United States or internationally. Additionally, applicants intending to seek teacher certification or licensure within the US must submit all documentation related to any coursework taken to complete a teacher preparation program or obtain authorization to work outside the US. In some cases, this may require the applicant to submit secondary school coursework in addition to postsecondary content.

Document Retention

All submitted documents are stored securely according to AZICE’s data retention policy. Credential verification-related documents may be retained for archival and comparative purposes to ensure the integrity of future evaluations, which is in line with our data retention policy.

Upon completion of an evaluation, Arizona International Credential Evaluators may return any original documents provided by the applicant. Applicants authorize the organization to retain copies of all documents related to the evaluation. Applicants may withdraw such authorization by notifying the company in writing. Upon reviewing such notification, Arizona International Credential Evaluators will destroy all documents and records (including evaluation reports) concerning the applicant.

Credential Verification

Arizona International Credential Evaluators (AZICE) is committed to ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of educational credentials submitted for evaluation. This policy outlines our verification practices, applicant consent requirements, and disclosure practices.

In applying, applicants empower Arizona International Credential Evaluators and any of its agents to:

• Review all records related to the individual’s academic study,
• Take all steps needed to verify the authenticity of all such records to conduct the evaluation, but not limited to contacting any relevant institutions, government authorities or ministries, testing services, or examinations authorities for verification purposes and/or requesting any additional information needed to complete the evaluation report, and
• Disclose the information and documents related to an application, the status of any evaluations, any other information obtained by Arizona International Credential Evaluators, or the results and reasons for any adverse action taken concerning the applicant or application to any person or organization designated by the applicant or to any other recipient which is determined to have a legitimate interest in receiving the same (ex. government agencies, potential employers).

Arizona International Credential Evaluators reserves the right to verify all documents submitted for evaluation with the issuing authorities. In such cases, there may be a delay in the timely processing of an evaluation. Arizona International Credential Evaluators will refund any rush fees if we elect to verify documents but will not refund the evaluation fee. If the Arizona International Credential Evaluators’ verification determines that documents are altered, forged, or otherwise falsified, the application will be canceled without refund, and any intended recipients of the evaluation will be advised.

• Credential Verification Process

AZICE may contact the institutions, schools, or universities that issued your educational documents to verify the authenticity of the credentials you submit. Verification may include direct contact with institutions to confirm degree completion, attendance dates, course details, and any other academic information relevant to the evaluation. AZICE reserves the right to require additional information (such as grading scale, admissions requirements, etc.) from appropriate institutions/authorities.

By applying, the applicant consents to this verification process.

• Disclosure of Information

To facilitate the verification of your educational credentials, AZICE will only disclose the necessary information to the institution, including:

• • Your full name as listed on the documents provided
  • The specific degree, diploma, or certificate claimed
  • Dates of attendance and graduation, if applicable
  • Course details, grades, or other academic specifics required for verification

AZICE does not disclose any additional personal or sensitive information beyond what is required for credential confirmation.

• Applicant Consent

By applying AZICE, you provide explicit consent for us to contact the issuing institution(s) of your credentials for verification. This consent is a mandatory condition for the credential evaluation process. If you do not wish to provide this consent, you have the right to withdraw your application; however, we cannot proceed with the evaluation.

• Timeliness of the Verification Process

The time required to verify documents may vary depending on the response times of the educational institutions contacted. AZICE cannot guarantee the time frame for completing the verification process, as it is dependent on the issuing institution’s cooperation.

• Fraudulent Credentials

In the event that the issuing institution confirms the submission of fraudulent or altered documents, the applicant forfeits all rights to the return of their documents, and AZICE will terminate the evaluation process and notify relevant authorities as necessary.  This may include notifying any identified licensing boards, employers, visa providers, etc. that the applicant has identified as an intended recipient of the evaluation. Additionally, AZICE may inform other evaluation agencies of the attempted fraud and the documents provided. No evaluation report will be issued for confirmed fraudulent credentials.

Additional Copies

A completed evaluation is retained for five years. Applicants may obtain additional copies of completed evaluations during that time for an additional fee. After the five-year timeframe expires, a new evaluation will be required.

Updating Evaluations

Asking for additional materials to be evaluated may constitute a revision or new application request and will require payment of additional fees.

Issuance of an Advisory Opinion

Arizona International Credential Evaluators’ evaluations are advisory and not binding on any agency or institution. Arizona International Credential Evaluators will not assure applicants of a specific degree equivalency, certification, or recognition. As a result, no refunds will be made because an applicant disagrees with the evaluation outcome.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

AZICE follows strict privacy regulations, including compliance with applicable laws such as GDPR, ensuring your data is handled responsibly. All data shared for verification purposes is limited to the scope of the evaluation. AZICE does not share your data with third parties outside the credential verification process. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Right to Cancel

Arizona International Credential Evaluators reserves the right to cancel an evaluation if (a) an applicant exhibits unprofessional behavior (as determined by Arizona International Credential Evaluators) or (b) after multiple attempts by the applicant or the evaluator to gather the needed information, sufficient documentation has not been provided to complete the evaluation. In such instances, no refund will be provided to the customer.

Right to Withdraw Application

Applicants may withdraw their applications at any time before the evaluation process is completed by contacting AZICE. If you cancel, please note that the fees paid are non-refundable. Withdrawal requests must be made in writing.

Rush Fees

All requests for "rush" services are subject to availability. If rush services are not available, applicants will be notified, and the rush service fees will be refunded.

Qualified Evaluators

Arizona International Credential Evaluators guarantees that we employ seasoned evaluators who use the latest international education research to make our recommendations for educational equivalency.

Refunds

Refunds of rush fees will be granted for late delivery on rush applications. No other refunds will be considered or granted.

 

Updated 09/26/2024