Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of services provided by Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (“ERES,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By submitting an application, creating an account, making a payment, or otherwise using ERES services, you (“Applicant” or “User”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.
If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not access or use the services of ERES.
1. Description of Services
Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (“ERES”) provides a variety of services related to international education credentials and educational information. These services may include, but are not limited to:
- academic credential evaluation services;
- certified or professional translation of educational documents;
- research and informational resources related to international education systems;
- access to educational databases, reports, and analytical tools made available through ERES platforms; and
- other services or digital tools developed or offered by ERES.
Credential evaluation reports issued by ERES represent the professional opinion of ERES based on documentation submitted by the applicant and available research regarding educational institutions, academic programs, and international education systems.
Translation services provided by ERES are intended to produce accurate translations of submitted documents but do not constitute verification of the authenticity of the original documents unless expressly stated.
Educational information services and databases provided by ERES are intended for informational and research purposes only and should not be interpreted as official determinations or guarantees regarding institutional recognition, accreditation, or credential equivalency.
ERES reserves the right to modify, expand, or discontinue any services or platforms at its sole discretion.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms:
Applicant or User
“Applicant” or “User” means any individual or organization that submits an application, creates an account, or otherwise accesses or uses services provided by Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (“ERES”).
Application
“Application” means a request submitted through the ERES website or other authorized channels for credential evaluation services, document translation services, or other services offered by ERES.
Services
“Services” means all services provided by ERES, including but not limited to credential evaluation, document translation, educational research resources, access to informational platforms such as education.eres.com, and other related services or digital tools offered by ERES.
Application Date
“Application Date” means the date on which an Applicant successfully submits an application and full payment is received by ERES through its online system or other authorized payment methods. Applications submitted without payment shall not be considered complete and will not be processed.
Evaluation Start Date
“Evaluation Start Date” means the date on which all required documentation has been received by ERES and the application is deemed complete and ready for evaluation.
Required Documents
“Required Documents” means all documentation requested by ERES that is necessary to complete the requested service, including but not limited to academic transcripts, diplomas, certificates, identification documents, or other supporting materials.
Evaluation Report
“Evaluation Report” means the written credential evaluation prepared and issued by ERES based on submitted documentation and available research regarding educational institutions, programs, and international education systems.
3. Acceptance of Terms and Use of the Website and Service
By creating an account, submitting an application, making a payment, or otherwise using the services or website of ERES, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Account Registration and Security
Certain ERES services may require the creation of an online account. When registering for an account, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to update such information as necessary to keep it accurate.
Accounts are personal to the Applicant. You agree not to share your account credentials with any other person or allow unauthorized access to your account.
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
You agree to notify ERES immediately of any unauthorized access to or use of your account.
ERES shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials.
ERES reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to suspend, restrict, or terminate access to any account that violates these Terms or that is associated with fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful activity.
Acceptable Use of the Website and Services
You agree not to use the ERES website, application systems, or digital platforms for any purpose that is unlawful, disruptive, or inconsistent with the intended use of the Services.
Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
- submitting fraudulent or misleading information;
- impersonating another individual or misrepresenting your identity;
- attempting to gain unauthorized access to ERES systems or databases;
- uploading malicious software, viruses, or harmful code;
- interfering with the operation or security of the website or services;
- attempting to reverse engineer or copy ERES systems, databases, or evaluation methodologies; and
- using automated systems or bots to access the website without authorization.
ERES reserves the right to block, suspend, or restrict access to the website or services if such activities are detected.
4. Application Date and Evaluation Processing
The Application Date is defined as the date on which an Applicant successfully submits an application and full payment is received by ERES through its online system or other authorized payment methods.
Applications submitted without payment shall not be considered complete and will not be processed.
The Evaluation Start Date is defined as the date on which ERES has received all Required Documents and the application is deemed complete and ready for evaluation.
Published processing times and service timelines begin on the Evaluation Start Date, not the Application Date. Applicants are responsible for submitting all Required Documents in a timely manner. Failure to submit Required Documents may delay processing but does not affect the Application Date or refund eligibility.
Processing times for evaluation services may vary depending on several factors, including but not limited to application complexity, document verification requirements, and the volume of applications currently being processed by ERES.
Any processing times referenced on the ERES website represent estimated processing times only and are not guaranteed delivery dates.
Applications submitted or evaluation reports approved after 3:00 PM Pacific Time will be considered received on the next business day.
ERES shall not be responsible for delays caused by:
- incomplete or missing documentation;
- verification procedures required by issuing institutions;
- delays in document delivery by third-party carriers or institutions;
- requests for additional documentation; or
- circumstances beyond the reasonable control of ERES.
ERES reserves the right to determine when an application is complete and ready for evaluation.
Applications that remain incomplete due to missing documentation may be designated as inactive. ERES reserves the right to close inactive applications after a reasonable period of time.
Applicants must submit Required Documents within 180 days of the Application Date. Applications remaining incomplete after this period may be closed without refund.
5. Applicant Responsibilities
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information and documentation submitted to ERES are accurate, complete, and authentic.
Applicants must submit all Required Documents in accordance with ERES document requirements and must promptly respond to any requests for additional information or documentation.
Applicants are responsible for verifying that all documents submitted to ERES belong to the correct individual and accurately reflect the Applicant’s academic history.
If an Applicant authorizes an agent, representative, or third party to submit documents or communicate with ERES on their behalf, the Applicant remains fully responsible for all information and documentation submitted through such representatives.
Failure to provide Required Documents or requested information in a timely manner may delay processing of the application and does not qualify the Applicant for a refund.
ERES reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification at any stage of the evaluation process if the information provided is incomplete, inconsistent, or requires further verification.
ERES shall not be responsible for errors resulting from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the Applicant.
6. Document Requirements and Verification
ERES reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, the documentation required to complete any evaluation or service.
Applicants must submit documents that comply with ERES document submission requirements. ERES reserves the right to reject documents that are incomplete, unclear, illegible, inconsistent, or otherwise unacceptable for evaluation purposes.
ERES may, at its sole discretion:
- request additional documentation;
- require documents to be submitted directly from issuing institutions or authorized sources;
- contact issuing institutions, government authorities, or other relevant organizations for verification;
- conduct independent research regarding educational institutions, academic programs, and educational systems; and
- delay processing of an application while verification or additional research is conducted.
If documentation cannot be verified, appears inconsistent with known institutional practices, or raises concerns regarding authenticity or accuracy, ERES reserves the right to suspend, delay, or terminate the evaluation.
In such cases, ERES may request additional documentation or clarification from the Applicant or from the issuing institution. ERES is not responsible for delays caused by issuing institutions or third-party verification processes.
7. Fraud and Misrepresentation
Submission of falsified, altered, misleading, or fraudulent information or documentation is strictly prohibited.
If ERES determines, in its reasonable discretion, that any information or documentation submitted by an Applicant is falsified, altered, misleading, incomplete, or otherwise unreliable, ERES reserves the right to take appropriate action, including but not limited to:
- canceling the application or requested service without refund;
- suspending or terminating the evaluation process;
- retaining submitted documentation for investigative or record-keeping purposes; and
- notifying relevant educational institutions, licensing authorities, government agencies, or other appropriate entities.
ERES further reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if fraudulent activity, misrepresentation, or other conduct inconsistent with these Terms is suspected.
ERES may retain copies of submitted documents for fraud prevention and record-keeping purposes.
8. Fees and Payment
All applicable service fees are published on the ERES website and may be updated or modified from time to time without prior notice. Any fee changes will apply only to new applications submitted after such changes are posted.
Payment in full is required at the time an application is submitted. Applications submitted without payment will not be considered complete and will not be processed.
Evaluation fees cover administrative case setup, document review, credential research, and preparation of the evaluation report. Accordingly, a portion of the evaluation fee is considered earned upon submission of the application and payment.
Additional fees may apply depending on the services requested or circumstances of the evaluation, including but not limited to:
- expedited or rush processing services;
- additional copies or delivery of evaluation reports;
- report revisions, updates, or corrections requested after issuance;
- document verification services; and
- service upgrades or additional evaluation services.
If additional services are requested after an application has been submitted, applicable fees must be paid before those services are performed.
All payments made to ERES are non-transferable and may not be applied to another applicant or application. ERES reserves the right to suspend or terminate services if payment is reversed, disputed, or otherwise invalidated.
9. Cancellation and Refund Policy
Applicants may request cancellation of an application by submitting a written request to ERES.
Refund eligibility is determined based on the Application Date, which is the date on which the application is submitted and full payment is received by ERES.
Cancellation requests received after an evaluation has been completed are not eligible for refund.
Cancellation Within Five (5) Business Days
If a cancellation request is received within five (5) business days of the Application Date, the Applicant may be eligible for a refund less a $75 administrative processing fee.
Cancellation After Five (5) Business Days
Cancellation requests received more than five (5) business days after the Application Date are not eligible for a refund.
Expedited or Rush Processing
Fees paid for expedited or rush processing services are non-refundable under all circumstances, including cancellations made within five (5) business days of the Application Date.
Missing Documentation
Failure to submit Required Documents does not qualify the Applicant for a refund.
Disagreement With Evaluation Results
Evaluation reports represent the professional judgment of ERES based on available documentation and research. Disagreement with the outcome of an evaluation does not qualify for a refund.
Non-Acceptance by Institutions
ERES does not guarantee acceptance of its evaluation reports by any educational institution, licensing board, employer, or government agency. Non-acceptance of an evaluation report does not qualify for a refund.
Refund Method
Approved refunds will be issued using the original payment method whenever possible.
Business days refer to Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. federal holidays.
10. Incomplete or Inactive Applications
Applications must be completed by submitting all Required Documents and responding to any requests for additional information from ERES.
Draft Applications (No Payment)
Applications that have been started but for which payment has not been completed will remain in draft status. Draft applications may be automatically removed from the ERES system after thirty (30) days.
Paid Applications Awaiting Documents
For applications where payment has been received but Required Documents have not been submitted, the application will remain active for up to six (6) months from the Application Date.
Applicants are responsible for submitting all Required Documents within this period.
Inactive Applications
If Required Documents are not received within six (6) months from the Application Date, the application may be designated as inactive.
ERES reserves the right to suspend processing of inactive applications until the required documentation has been submitted and the case has been reactivated.
Reactivation of Inactive Applications
Inactive applications may be reactivated within twelve (12) months of the Application Date, subject to payment of a reactivation or administrative processing fee and submission of any required documentation.
ERES may request updated documentation when reactivating an application after an extended period of time.
Expired Applications
Applications that remain inactive for more than twelve (12) months from the Application Date may be closed permanently. In such cases, Applicants may be required to submit a new application and payment if they wish to proceed with an evaluation.
Closure of an incomplete or inactive application does not entitle the Applicant to a refund.
11. Evaluation Methodology Disclaimer
Evaluation reports issued by Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES) represent the professional judgment and opinion of ERES based on the documentation submitted by the Applicant and available research regarding educational institutions, academic programs, and international education systems.
ERES conducts credential evaluations using established evaluation methodologies, institutional research, and information obtained from recognized educational resources.
Evaluation results are based solely on the documentation available at the time of evaluation and the information reasonably obtainable through research.
Evaluation reports are advisory in nature and are intended to provide an independent assessment of educational credentials for informational purposes.
ERES does not grant academic credit, confer degrees, issue professional licenses, or determine admission to educational institutions. Acceptance or use of an evaluation report is determined solely by the receiving institution, licensing authority, employer, government agency, or other organization. ERES does not guarantee that its evaluation reports will be accepted by any particular institution or authority.
ERES reserves the right to rely on information obtained from institutional publications, governmental sources, recognized educational databases, and other authoritative resources when conducting evaluations.
Evaluation results issued by ERES may differ from evaluations issued by other credential evaluation organizations due to differences in evaluation methodologies, institutional policies, or available documentation.
Disagreement with the outcome of an evaluation does not constitute grounds for a refund or automatic revision of the evaluation report.
12. Revisions and Corrections
Applicants may be provided the opportunity to review evaluation reports for factual or typographical errors prior to final issuance. Such review is limited to identifying factual inaccuracies and does not permit changes to evaluation conclusions or methodology.
Applicants may request corrections if factual or clerical errors are identified in an issued evaluation report.
Correction requests must be supported by appropriate documentation demonstrating the error.
Corrections may include, but are not limited to, typographical errors or inaccuracies in personal information or credential details.
Requests involving any of the following may require additional fees or submission of a new application:
- submission of additional credentials not previously evaluated;
- submission of new or updated documentation;
- changes in the type or purpose of the evaluation service; or
- requests requiring additional research or reevaluation of previously assessed credentials.
ERES reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether a request constitutes a correction or a revision requiring additional evaluation services.
13. Delivery of Reports
Evaluation reports may be delivered electronically or by physical mail, depending on the service selected by the Applicant.
Where physical delivery of evaluation reports is requested, ERES may use courier or postal services that require signature confirmation upon delivery. Delivery is considered complete when the courier or postal service confirms delivery to the address provided by the Applicant. If a package is returned to ERES due to an incorrect or incomplete address, additional delivery fees may apply for reshipment.
Electronic delivery, including delivery through secure digital transmission, email, or access through the ERES online system, shall constitute official delivery of the evaluation report.
Applicants are responsible for providing accurate email addresses and delivery information for themselves and for any designated recipients, including educational institutions, licensing authorities, employers, or other organizations.
ERES shall not be responsible for delivery delays or failures caused by:
- incorrect or incomplete contact information provided by the Applicant;
- email filtering systems, spam filters, or institutional security systems;
- delays or failures of third-party delivery services; or
- circumstances beyond the reasonable control of ERES.
Requests for additional copies or redelivery of evaluation reports may be subject to additional service fees as published on the ERES website.
14. Record Retention
ERES retains evaluation records and submitted documentation for a limited period in accordance with its internal record retention policies.
Unless otherwise required by law or regulatory authorities, ERES generally retains records related to applications and evaluation reports for up to five (5) years from the Application Date.
Certain records may be retained for a longer period when required for regulatory or licensing purposes. For example, records related to evaluations prepared for the California Board of Accountancy (CPA) may be retained for six (6) years or longer in accordance with applicable requirements.
After the applicable retention period has expired, ERES may securely delete or destroy records at its discretion.
Applicants are responsible for maintaining copies of their evaluation reports and supporting documentation. ERES is not obligated to provide copies of records after the expiration of the applicable retention period.
15. Intellectual Property
All evaluation reports, methodologies, research materials, databases, and related content developed by ERES remain the intellectual property of Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc.
Applicants are granted a limited right to use their evaluation reports for legitimate purposes, including submission to educational institutions, licensing authorities, employers, government agencies, or other organizations requesting credential evaluation.
Evaluation reports may not be altered, modified, misrepresented, or reproduced in a manner that changes the content or meaning of the report without the prior written consent of ERES.
Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of ERES materials, evaluation methodologies, or research resources for commercial purposes is prohibited.
ERES educational research databases and institutional information resources may not be copied, scraped, or redistributed without authorization.
16. Use of Automated Technologies
ERES may utilize automated tools, machine-assisted systems, or artificial intelligence technologies as part of its internal processes and service delivery.
Such technologies may assist ERES in tasks including, but not limited to, document processing, data extraction, research, and analysis of educational credentials.
Automated technologies are used to support and enhance the efficiency of ERES services. Unless otherwise specified, final evaluation determinations remain subject to professional review by qualified evaluators.
ERES does not guarantee that automated processes will be free from errors and reserves the right to review, modify, or correct results produced through automated systems.
17. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability
ERES provides its services, website, evaluation reports, and related systems on an “as is” and “as available” basis.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, ERES makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding the availability, accuracy, reliability, or completeness of its services, evaluation reports, website, or related information. ERES does not warrant that its services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from technical issues.
Evaluation reports issued by ERES represent professional opinions based on the documentation submitted by the Applicant and available research regarding educational institutions and educational systems. ERES does not guarantee acceptance of its evaluation reports by any educational institution, licensing authority, employer, government agency, or other organization.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, ERES shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of opportunities, admission decisions, employment outcomes, licensing determinations, or immigration decisions arising from or related to the use of ERES services.
In all cases, the total liability of ERES for any claim arising from or related to its services shall not exceed the amount paid by the Applicant for the service giving rise to the claim.
18. Indemnification
Applicants agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES), its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from or related to:
- submission of fraudulent, altered, or misleading documentation or information;
- misuse or misrepresentation of evaluation reports issued by ERES;
- violation of these Terms and Conditions; or
- any use of ERES services that results in claims or disputes involving third parties.
This indemnification obligation shall survive termination of these Terms and the completion of services.
19. Modification of Terms
ERES reserves the right to modify or update these Terms and Conditions at any time.
Any such modifications will become effective when the updated Terms are posted on the ERES website, unless otherwise stated.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing the Terms periodically for updates.
Continued use of ERES services after the posting of updated Terms constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
20. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States.
Any disputes arising from these Terms or the use of ERES services shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located within the State of California.
Last Updated: March 09, 2026