FACS (Foreign Academic Credentials Services): Pros and Cons

Foreign Academic Credentials Services (FACS) was established several decades ago to replace the former AICPA Foreign Academic Credentials in 1982.  FACS is a charter member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

FACS is accepted by most state boards of accountancy. The service fee is among the lowest at $225 for many states.

FACS is a founding member of NACES.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• One of the most affordable fees for most states (as low as $225 per evaluation)
• One of the most established evaluation agencies for the CPA Exam
• Notarized copies accepted in some circumstances (see below)
• Confirmation of receipt is automatic, and status checks are available via email daily
• Rush service is available (for an additional fee)

Cons

• Slower turnaround time without rush service

Submission Details

• Accept notarized copies if they are officially notarized and certified as true copies by the issuing school, a U.S. educational foundation, a U.S. Consul, AMIDEAST or a similar agency
• Original transcripts can be returned by mail if requested
• Email confirmation available

Turnaround Time

• FACS no longer specifies a time frame, but it used to take 4-8 weeks
• A 5-, 10-, or 20-day rush service is available (for an additional fee of $150 to $350)
• Please contact FACS for details

Pricing

• $225, depending on the state
• Requests to change an evaluation from one state board to another require a new fee payment for a new evaluation
• If your transcript requires translation services, you will be charged an additional $60 to $100 per page
• Rush service is available for $150 to $350
• If you want FACS to send your original documents back to you, they will do so for a fee
• Please click here for the FACS pricing schedule

Payment Method

• Check or money order made payable in US Dollars
• Credit card payment is accepted via Paypal
• Payment by check or money order from outside the US must be issued from a bank that has branches in the US and include bank routing numbers

Other Information

• FAQs from the official site

Contact

FACS, INC
105 West Vandalia Street
Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025

• Phone: (618) 656-5291 (10am– 5pm CST Monday – Thursday)
• Fax: (618) 656-5292

Related Posts for International Candidates

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• Popular states for international candidates