World Education Services (WES): Pros and Cons

World Education Services (WES) is the largest non-profit credential services organization. It has been serving the international education community since 1974. Moreover, it performs more than 50,000 evaluations every year for students, job seekers, and immigrants around the world.

WES is a founding member of NACES, the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services.

WES Pros and Cons

Pros

• One of the biggest evaluation services
• Clear instruction for CPA Exam candidates by geographic location
• Candidates from certain countries are allowed to send in attested photocopies instead of original copies
• Partners with many organizations to send and receive official, secure digital documents
• Fast turnaround time: seven business days for standard service

Cons

• Expensive: evaluation for CPA exam qualification costs $305
• Only original transcripts/marksheets are accepted
• Not accepted by every state or jurisdictional board of accountancy
• I received quite a few comments in 2012 from readers who told me the State Boards disagreed with the evaluation results of WES. Please note that the rules/interpretation of the rules have undergone a lot of changes in 2012 and therefore this could happen to any of the evaluation services.

WES CPA Evaluation

To receive a CPA evaluation from WES, the company recommends its CPA International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP). Here’s what you’ll get in this package.

• Verified transcripts stored and sent to institutions
• Evaluation of official documents
• Lists of all courses completed at the post-secondary level
• US semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
• US grade point average (GPA) on 4.0 scale
• CPA Supplemental Report (for CPA boards only)

While you can purchase the WES Basic package, it won’t include the supplemental report, which is designed specifically by WES for state boards of accountancy.

Submission Details

Here’s how to get documents checked on WES for CPA applications. First, submit an application for WES evaluation for CPA candidates so you can receive your WES reference number. Be sure to choose “professional licensing/certification” as the purpose of your application and select your state’s board of accountancy as the recipient. Second, you’ll send the appropriate documents for evaluation. Finally, WES will complete the evaluation and deliver it to the accountancy board.

The specific documents you need may depend on your country of origin and the type of degree. However, all academic records must be issued on official university stationery and bear the signature and seal of the authorized university official. If the document is not in English, clear and legible photocopies of word-for-word English translations along with your foreign language documents is required.

Note from WES to Indian candidates:

In August 2021, WES updated a policy for applicants educated in India. The update allows for applicants to send a sealed envelope from their institution directly to WES. If the envelope has been opened, or if it does not have a stamp or signature across the back flap from an appropriate governing body, then it will not be accepted by WES.

For more country-specific information, see WES’s India FAQ.

Turnaround Time

• Seven business days
• Four weeks is recommended for international candidates because WES may need extra time to contact your school for inquiry and clarification.

Pricing

• CPA board evaluation: $305 (not including delivery or additional fees)
• Delivery: standard for $10, courier for $75, expedited for $15-$35
• Sealed envelope: $5 per envelope
• Duplicate reports: $30
• Update a completed application: $80
• Rush service: $100-$195 extra (same day to three-day processing)
• Please click here for the full fee schedule and note that fees are subject to change

Payment Method

• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Personal check, money order, or Western Union

Other Information

• Instruction specifically for CPA Exam qualifications
• You can check out the general FAQ here

Contact

World Education Services
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
USA

Courier mailing address:
64 Beaver St, #146
New York, NY 10004
USA

• Phone: (212) 966-6311 or (+1) 800-361-3106
• Fax: (212) 739-6100
• Email: please use the contact form here

And, of course, don’t get so focused on transcript evaluation that you forget to study for the CPA Exam! We recommend Becker as the best CPA review course available today.

Related Posts for International Candidates

• How to obtain extra credit hours for CPA exam qualification
• Popular states for international candidates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a photocopy of the documents on WES for CPA licensure evaluation?

Although WES does accept photocopies of some documents, the specifics will depend on your situation. For example, you can upload copies of certificates and translations, but not academic transcripts or marksheets. The good news is that WES partners with many organizations to exchange secure digital copies of important transcript documents.

Does AICPA allow WES to evaluate credentials?

AICPA does not decide which credential evaluation services you can use. Instead, individual state boards of accountancy decide which services to allow.

Which states accept WES evaluation for CPA?

Unfortunately, not all state boards of accountancy accept WES for CPA Exam candidates. For example, many states only accept NIES evaluations. Be sure to check with your state or jurisdictional board before requesting an evaluation from WES.