3.3. Education Verification Requirements

Owned by Emily Luhman
Last updated: Jul 26, 2023 by Alisha Lujan

Purpose

This procedure describes the documents needed to verify educational credentials for hired applicants.

Applicability

Verification of educational credentials is required for all hired applicants to demonstrate that the applicant meets the position classification's minimum qualifications. Verification of education credentials is required to meet the following standards:

  • To demonstrate the the applicant meets the position classification's minimum qualifications.
  • If an applicant is being given credit for the degree completion on a SPET grid.
  • If a completed degree is being substituted for experience in order to meet the position classification's minimum qualifications.

Verification of the highest obtained degree can be used as verification of a lower level degree. For example, official transcripts confirming completion of a Master's degree can be used as verification to meet a minimum qualification of Bachelor's degree. 


Please Note: The requirement to provide verification of education credentials applies to both external applicants and current UNM employees who are being hired. For current UNM employees, it is recommended that the supervisor or Hiring Coordinator review the employee's personnel file to determine if the necessary documents are already on file. To review the file send an email request to hrfiles@unm.edu with 'Transcript Verification' in the subject line followed by the employee's name, employee's Banner ID, and requisition number. The requester also needs to include their title and phone number in the email.


Educational Verification Documents Accepted


Credential Being Verified

Educational Verification Documents Accepted

Comments

High School/GED

  1. Copy HS Diploma or GED(copy)
  2. Unofficial High School Transcript (copy)
  3. Official High School Transcript (copy)
Unofficial or official academic transcripts from a college/university can be used to confirm completion of High School/GED.

Completion of college-level credit hours

Official Academic Transcript (or copy with a seal)


Official Transcripts Must Include the Following Information:
  • University/College name
  • Candidate’s name
  • Verify credit hours necessary to meet minimums
  • Level of education and discipline
  • Official seal of the institution on the document 

Alternatively, departments can request that HR verify educational credentials through the National Student Clearinghouse. 

Academic Degree, including completion of subject specific credit hours

Official transcript (or copy with seal)

Official Transcripts Must Include the Following Information:
  • University/College name
  • Candidate’s name
  • Look for “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Conferred”
  • Verify credit hours necessary to meet minimums
  • Level of education and discipline
  • Date awarded
  • Official seal of the institution on the document 

Please contact your HR Consultant regarding questions regarding the completion of subject specific credit hours.

Alternatively, departments can request that HR verify educational credentials through the National Student Clearinghouse.

Please Note: Degrees obtained outside of the United States may not be equivalent to the degrees stated in the position classifications minimum qualifications. Additional third party verification is required for degrees obtained outside of the United States to determine if the degree meets the stated minimum qualification.

Process for Requesting National Student Clearinghouse Educational Credential Verification

About National Student Clearinghouse

The National Student Clearinghouse is a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization and the leading provider of educational reporting, data exchange, verification, and research services. A list of DegreeVerify participating schools can be found on the NSC website.

How To Request NSC Educational Credential Verification

To request that Human Resources verify a hired applicants educational credentials, the Education Verification Request form must be completed and submitted to the HR Transaction Center Representative reviewing the hiring request or emailed to hrpr@unm.edu. The HR Transaction Center Representative will confirm once the educational credentials have been verified.
If a degree was obtained prior to 1980, the response time from NSC may be greater than 5 business days.

Cost

$10 fee will be charged to the hiring department. Please be sure to include the appropriate index and account code on the request form.


Process for Requesting Third Party Verification For Degrees Obtained Outside of U.S.

About National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

NACES® is an association of independent, nongovernmental organizations providing credential evaluation services to individuals who have completed part or all of their education outside the United States. To find a list of NACES approved credentialing services, please visit the NACES website. 

Purpose of Third Party Verification for Degrees Obtained Outside of U.S.

To determine U.S. equivalent of degree obtained outside of U.S. in order to establish if applicant meets minimum qualifications or confirm appropriate credit for degree awarded on equity grid.

How to Request Third Party Verification

Identify a third party providing on the NACES website and follow their verification procedures. Typically the "general evaluation" is sufficient to determine the U.S. equivalency. 

Cost

Costs vary by third party provider. Typically the cost of a "general evaluation" can range for $75 - $150.