NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES): Translation Requirements for Documents in Another Language

Worth knowing about NIES

NIES requirements in detail

What NIES checks on a translation

NIES lists six standards for outside translations (NIES requirements): every item on the document translated verbatim, the same layout as the original, no interpretation or evaluation, a typed text, the translator's signature and date, and full contact details for the translator.

The last point is the one most often missed with informal translations; NIES wants an address, phone and email it can use.

A translation that "interprets" fails the third standard. That rules out converting grades, renaming a degree as its US equivalent or adding explanations; deciding the equivalent is the evaluator's job. We render grades, credits and degree titles exactly as the document prints them.

Outside translation or NIES translation

NIES offers its own translation service to CPA candidates, charged per page by language, $68 to $87 per page, with pages of more than about 250 words or printed on both sides counted as two, and finished in about two weeks (NIES credential language translation).

The result is posted to your NIES candidate portal; hard copies only on request (NIES frequently asked questions).

NIES charges for every page you send for translation, so it asks you to confirm which documents the evaluation needs first (NIES frequently asked questions).

An outside translation by an ATA member is the other route the requirements page allows (NIES requirements); it can be ready before you open the NIES application, which helps with the 90-day limit.

Which boards rely on NIES

NIES evaluates international education only for the CPA profession and only for the boards of accountancy listed on its Services and Fees page (NIES services and fees).

It names jurisdictions where it is the only approved provider, among them Illinois, New Jersey, Washington and Georgia; New York appears on that list, but NIES evaluates there for the exam only, not for the license (NASBA International Evaluation Services).

Other boards accept NIES alongside agencies such as WES or ECE, whose translation rules differ. If you change states later, NIES offers a change-of-jurisdiction report rather than a new evaluation (NIES frequently asked questions).

Documents applicants usually translate

• University transcripts or mark sheets, for every year of post-secondary study
• Degree certificates and diplomas
• Certificates and examination results from accounting bodies such as an Institute of Chartered Accountants
• Syllabi or course descriptions for accounting and business courses, if NIES asks for them
• Professional qualification certificates in accounting

What an eVerbary translation includes

• A complete English translation of every page, stamps, seals and handwritten notes included, laid out like the original so each line can be matched.
• Grades, hours and credits exactly as recorded, with the grading scale the document prints. We never convert marks to a US GPA or equivalency.
• A signed certificate of translation accuracy on letterhead, with our contact details, delivered as a PDF you can upload or print.
• $24.95 per page of up to 250 words, certification included; 24 hours for one to three pages as standard. Regular clients who need it can get delivery in as little as 30 minutes, on request.
• Notarization added at checkout ($34.90 per order) when the office asks for a notarized translation.

Submitting the translation to NIES

• NIES lists a "complete set of official English translations" among the documents for your evaluation, and all mail must be addressed to NASBA International Evaluation Services, 150 Fourth Ave. N., Suite 850, Nashville, TN 37219, or it is delayed (NIES requirements).

  Your university sends the official records separately, directly to NIES (NIES requirements).

• eVerbary can also mail the translation to NIES in a sealed, signed envelope: choose the hard copy at checkout with NIES's address ($19.95 Priority or $37.95 Express in the US) and write in the order notes that it is for NIES.

If you need a translator certified by ATA

Some offices accept only a translator who is personally certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). eVerbary assigns one on request, for the languages ATA certifies into English:

To order it, ask for a free quote and write in the notes that the translation is for NIES, what it is for, and that you need a translator individually certified by ATA, plus anything else the office asks for (notarization, delivery by email to the office).

We confirm the price and the translator before you pay. ATA does not certify other languages into English, so no translator anywhere holds ATA certification for them.

For those languages we provide a notarized certified translation instead, at $44.95 per page plus notarization ($34.90 per order); ask the office to confirm it accepts that, and write its answer in the quote notes.

How to order

1. Scan or photograph every page of the document, front and back, including any stamps on the reverse.
2. Upload it, choose the language and "certified", and see the price before paying.
3. Receive the PDF, usually within 24 hours for one to three pages, and submit it with the copy of the original wherever the office asks for it.

Frequently asked questions