Chapter 39ยท Updated February 2026
Credential Evaluation Guide
Complete guide to WES, IQAS, and other credential evaluation services - when you need them and how to apply.
Credential Evaluation Guide
Complete guide to WES, IQAS, and other credential evaluation services. This chapter covers international credential equivalencies and how Canadian universities evaluate qualifications from around the world.
When Do You Need a Credential Evaluation?
Required Scenarios
- International applicants from countries where credentials may not be well-known to Canadian admissions officers
- Transfer students seeking credit for courses completed abroad
- Some OUAC 105D applicants (studied outside Canada but not as international student)
- Graduate school applications requiring verified undergraduate credentials
When It May NOT Be Required
- Some universities have in-house evaluation expertise for common credentials (UK A-Levels, IB, AP)
- Universities with direct experience evaluating your credential type
- Countries with bilateral recognition agreements
Tip: Always check with your target universities first - some prefer specific evaluation services or have their own processes.
World Education Services (WES)
About WES
WES is the most widely recognized credential evaluation service in Canada and the United States. Canadian universities universally accept WES evaluations.
WES Evaluation Types
| Type | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Document-by-Document | Basic verification of credentials | University admissions, employment |
| Course-by-Course | Detailed credit equivalency | Transfer credit, graduate school |
WES Application Process
Step 1: Create Your WES Account
- Go to wes.org/ca
- Select "Apply Now" and choose your evaluation type
- Pay the evaluation fee ($220-280 CAD)
Step 2: Request Official Documents
Documents must be sent directly from issuing institutions:
| Credential Type | Document Source |
|---|---|
| Caribbean (CSEC/CAPE) | Request from CXC directly |
| Nigerian (WAEC/NECO) | Request from WAEC headquarters |
| Indian (CBSE/ISC) | Request from respective board |
| UK A-Levels | Request from exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) |
| IB Diploma | Request from IBO directly |
Step 3: Wait for Processing
- Standard: 7-20 business days after all documents received
- Rush service available (additional fee)
WES Fees
| Service | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Document-by-Document | $220 |
| Course-by-Course | $280 |
| Additional Report Copy | $35 |
| Rush Processing | $80-100 |
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
About IQAS
IQAS is Alberta's official credential assessment service. Required for:
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- Mount Royal University
- Other Alberta institutions
IQAS Process
- Submit application online at iqas.alberta.ca
- Send official documents
- Processing time: 10-15 weeks
- Fee: $200 CAD
UK A-Levels
How Canadian Universities Evaluate A-Levels
A-Levels are one of the most recognized international qualifications in Canada.
Grade Equivalencies
| A-Level Grade | Ontario Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 95-100% | Top universities expect A*/A |
| A | 90-94% | Competitive programs |
| B | 80-89% | Most programs |
| C | 70-79% | Minimum for many programs |
| D | 60-69% | May not meet requirements |
| E | 50-59% | Generally not competitive |
Typical Requirements by Program
| Program | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Engineering | A-A in Math, Physics + one science |
| Medicine/Life Sciences | A-A in Biology, Chemistry + one more |
| Business | A-B in Math + two academic subjects |
| Computer Science | A in Math + one science/tech |
| Arts/Humanities | B-B in relevant subjects |
A-Level Credential Evaluation
- Most Canadian universities evaluate A-Levels in-house
- WES evaluation usually not required but may be requested
- Send results directly from your exam board
International Baccalaureate (IB)
IB Diploma Recognition
The IB Diploma is highly valued by Canadian universities and often comes with advantages:
Grade Equivalencies
| IB Score | Ontario Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 95-100% | Top distinction |
| 6 | 87-94% | Excellent |
| 5 | 79-86% | Good |
| 4 | 70-78% | Satisfactory |
| 3 | 60-69% | Minimum passing |
University Credit Policies
University of Toronto:
- Transfer credit for HL courses with score of 5+
- Up to 6 transfer credits possible
- TOK and EE may satisfy breadth requirements
University of British Columbia:
- Credit for HL 5+ courses
- Up to 30 credits (one year equivalent)
- Competitive advantage in admissions
McGill University:
- Advanced standing for HL 5+ courses
- Credit varies by faculty
- May satisfy language requirements
University of Waterloo:
- Credit for HL courses with 5+
- Co-op consideration for IB students
- Scholarship opportunities
IB Predicted Grades
- Canadian universities accept predicted grades for conditional offers
- Final offer contingent on achieving predicted scores
- Early acceptance possible with strong predicted grades
West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
About WAEC/WASSCE
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is the standard secondary school qualification for Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
WAEC Grade Equivalencies
| WAEC Grade | Ontario Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 90-100% | Excellent |
| B2 | 80-89% | Very Good |
| B3 | 75-79% | Good |
| C4 | 70-74% | Credit |
| C5 | 65-69% | Credit |
| C6 | 60-64% | Credit |
| D7-E8 | Below 60% | Pass/Weak Pass |
| F9 | Fail | Failure |
Canadian University Requirements
General Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 credits at C6 or better (including English and Mathematics)
- Additional subjects based on program requirements
- WES evaluation typically required
For Competitive Programs:
- A1-B3 grades in relevant subjects
- Strong performance in Mathematics and Sciences
- May require additional qualifications (A-Levels, Foundation Year)
NECO (National Examinations Council)
- Similar recognition to WAEC in Nigeria
- Same grade equivalency scale
- WES evaluation required
Document Requirements for WAEC
- Original WAEC certificate/statement of results
- Request scratch card verification from WAEC
- Direct verification to WES from WAEC headquarters
- School transcripts if available
Indian Credentials (CBSE, ISC, State Boards)
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
| CBSE Percentage | Ontario Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 90-100% | A+ (90-100%) |
| 80-89% | A (85-89%) |
| 70-79% | B+ (77-84%) |
| 60-69% | B (70-76%) |
| 50-59% | C (60-69%) |
Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Generally viewed favorably due to English-medium instruction
- Similar evaluation to CBSE
- Science streams competitive for STEM programs
State Board Credentials
- Evaluated on case-by-case basis
- WES evaluation recommended
- May need additional documentation
Requirements for Indian Students
- Class XII results (minimum 70% aggregate for competitive programs)
- English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL may still be required)
- WES Document-by-Document evaluation
- Math and Science marks for STEM programs
Other International Credentials
European Baccalaureate
- Well-recognized, similar to IB treatment
- Direct evaluation by most universities
French Baccalaureate
- Highly respected, especially at Quebec universities
- McGill and uOttawa have extensive experience
German Abitur
- Recognized as university-preparatory
- Strong STEM programs valued
Chinese Gaokao
- Increasingly recognized by Canadian universities
- Typically requires high scores + English proficiency
- U of T, Waterloo, and others now accept directly
Tips for Credential Evaluation
Before You Apply
- Check university requirements - Some have specific evaluation preferences
- Start early - Evaluations take 2-8 weeks
- Request documents in advance - Official transcripts can take time
- Keep copies - Maintain digital and physical copies of all documents
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting unofficial or photocopied documents
- Missing translation requirements (documents must be in English or French)
- Waiting too close to deadlines
- Not sending documents directly from institutions
Cost-Saving Tips
- Some universities waive evaluation requirements for common credentials
- Group applications to maximize report copies
- Apply for evaluation before application deadlines open
Official Resources
Credential Evaluation Services
Examination Boards
- CXC - Caribbean Examinations Council
- WAEC - West African Examinations Council
- IBO - International Baccalaureate
- UK NARIC
Government Resources
Last Updated: January 2026
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