FACS (Foreign Academic Credentials Services): Pros and Cons

Foreign Academic Credentials Services (FACS) was established more than 30 years 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 $100 for many states, but turnaround time has been slow.  (2016 update: the regular processing time has now decreased greatly, and FACS can work with applicants to meet their deadlines.)

FACS is the founding member of NACES.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• One of the most affordable fees for most states (as low as $100 per evaluation)
• One of the most established evaluation agencies for CPA exam
• Notarized copies accepted in some circumstances (see below)
• Confirmation of receipt is automatic, and status checks are available via email daily

Cons

• Slower turnaround time without rush service
• Rush service not available

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 transcript 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
• Rush service available ($150 and $75 extra respectively). Again, no specification on timing, but they guarantee to start reviewing within 48 hours. Please contact them for details
• Rush service is not available during busy season, typically June, July and August

Pricing

• $100-$200 depending on the state
• Requests to change an evaluation from one state board to another requires a new fee payment for a new evaluation
• Please click here for 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

• Email: facs@aol.com
• Phone: (618) 656-5291 (10am– 5pm CST Monday – Thursday)
• Fax: (618) 656-5292

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