Your educational background will be one of your greatest strengths when relocating from Nigeria to the United States to study or work. If you hold educational credentials from an institution in Nigeria, obtaining a WES credential evaluation will be an invaluable tool when you’re applying for work or admission to an academic program in the U.S.  

Fortunately for holders of secondary school certificates from Nigerian institutions, there is a new digital platform that streamlines the evaluation process. Keep reading to find out more. 

How to start your WES credential evaluation 

It is a common misconception that you need to know where you will study or work before starting the credential evaluation process. The truth is that you can order a credential evaluation as soon as you decide that you want to move to the U.S.  

Ready to begin your credential evaluation? The first step is to create an account! 

We recommend starting the credential evaluation process as early in your planning as possible. Since many academic institutions, professional licensing bodies, and employers will require a credential evaluation report, this is an item on your to-do list that you can complete early on. Read more about the timeline for receiving a credential evaluation.

Once you receive a credential evaluation from WES, you can always return to My Account and order additional copies of your report to be shared with specific recipients, such as a university’s admissions office or a prospective employer.

The WAEC Digital Certificate Platform 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) recently launched the WAEC Digital Certificate Platform. The WAEC Digital Certificate Platform will provide individuals with seamless and timely access to their secondary school examination certificate.  

The WAEC Digital Certificate Platform is a web- and mobile-based application that enables users to request, access, share, download, and confirm their original WAEC certificates. This platform simplifies the entire process and is an invaluable resource for those whose certificates have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or are otherwise not physically accessible.  

The platform implements end-to-end encrypted API, providing applicants with secure certificate data and the ability to preview the certificate or share it as an attachment to any desired email. A certificate can only be accessed when the certificate holder’s identity is verified. 

The platform allows institutions and organizations to promptly and securely confirm the certificates of individuals . In fact, WES utilizes the new digital platform to authenticate and verify academic documents received from Nigerian applicants. The certificates accessed and shared through the platform are authentic and sourced directly from the WAEC database. 

The WAEC Digital Certificate Platform was designed to eliminate delays associated with paper certificates and manual reviews. It creates an easier, instant, and safer mode of accessing WAEC certificates that will streamline the process for individuals and institutions alike. 

Learn more about how to access and share your certificate from the digital platform.

Summary

If you hold educational credentials from an institution in Nigeria, you will likely need a credential evaluation to study or work in the U.S. Remember to begin the process early—even if you are still deciding where you want to live, work, or study in the U.S. 

This will help ensure that you can begin your journey toward pursuing your goals in the U.S., supported by the credibility and recognition of your Nigerian qualifications through a WES credential evaluation. 

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