What is the purpose of a foreign credential evaluation service?

The purpose of a foreign credential evaluation service is to assess foreign degrees for equivalency. When individuals seek to practice psychology or pursue further education in the United States after earning their degrees from institutions outside the country, they must have their credentials evaluated to determine if those degrees meet the standards set by U.S. accrediting bodies.

The evaluations typically compare the foreign credentials to U.S. academic standards, ensuring that the educational background is equivalent to what would have been obtained in the United States. This process is essential for determining eligibility for licensure and further study in the field of psychology.

Other options provided do not capture the primary role of a foreign credential evaluation service. Authorization to practice psychology pertains to licensure processes which involve multiple factors beyond credential evaluation. Ensuring adherence to psychological practice laws falls under the purview of licensing boards rather than evaluation services. Additionally, recognizing psychology programs from U.S. institutions focuses on accreditation within the U.S. rather than evaluating foreign credentials.