Authenticate your
academic record.
Access information about certificate authentication at THE A.U. and understand the distinction between authenticating an academic document and verifying the credential it represents.
AUTHENTICATION
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES OFFICIAL RECORDS CREDENTIAL INFORMATION WASHINGTON, D.C.
When the authenticity of an academic document matters.
Academic certificates and other educational documents may be requested for employment, further education, professional purposes, international use, or institutional review.
Certificate authentication concerns the authenticity of an academic document and the appropriate institutional process for confirming that document.
Because authentication requirements can vary by recipient, country, institution, or authority, users should always confirm the specific requirements of the organization requesting the document.
Two related processes. Different purposes.
Confirming a credential
Credential verification is concerned with confirming information associated with an academic certificate or credential through the appropriate official verification channel.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
Confirm credential information.
USE
Employers, institutions, organizations, and other authorized parties may request credential verification.
Confirming the document
Certificate authentication concerns the authenticity of an academic document and may involve additional requirements depending on how and where the document will be used.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
Address document-authentication requirements.
USE
May be requested when an academic document must be presented to an external authority or organization.
A clear approach to your academic document.
Identify the Requirement
Determine exactly what the receiving employer, institution, authority, embassy, or organization requires before requesting authentication.
Prepare the Document
Have the relevant academic certificate or document available and ensure that the information presented is complete and accurate.
Confirm the Process
Authentication requirements may differ depending on the intended use of the document. Confirm the appropriate process before proceeding.
Complete the Request
Follow the applicable institutional or external requirements and retain the resulting documentation for the organization requesting it.
Your document may need more than simple verification.
Different organizations use different procedures when reviewing academic documents. A credential may be verified through an institutional verification channel while a separate authority may require document authentication.
This can be particularly important when academic documents are being submitted for international purposes, professional applications, employment, further study, or official administrative processes.
Before requesting authentication, identify the exact requirement of the receiving organization. This can help prevent unnecessary steps and delays.
Academic credentials should be reviewed through appropriate channels.
Verify the Credential
When the objective is to confirm academic credential information, use the appropriate certificate verification channel provided by THE A.U.
Review the Document
When a document-authentication requirement exists, identify the specific documentation and authentication standard required by the receiving organization.
Request Clarification
If you are unsure whether you require verification or authentication, contact THE A.U. before submitting your request.
Authentication requirements can vary across borders.
Check the Receiving Authority
International document requirements are determined by the organization or authority receiving the academic document.
Confirm Required Steps
Some processes may involve additional authentication, legalization, notarization, translation, or other documentation requirements.
Use the Correct Channel
Start with the requirement that has actually been requested and use the appropriate verification or authentication process.
Authentication does not automatically establish accreditation or recognition.
Certificate authentication concerns the authenticity of an academic document. Credential verification concerns confirmation of information associated with a credential.
Neither process should be interpreted as a statement of accreditation, government recognition, professional licensure, transfer-credit acceptance, or eligibility for a particular purpose unless that status is separately established by the appropriate official documentation or authority.
For information about institutional accreditation and related documentation, please review the appropriate institutional information rather than treating authentication or verification as accreditation.
“A trustworthy academic record begins with clear information, appropriate documentation, and the right verification process.”
Need to authenticate or verify an academic certificate?
Verify a Certificate
If you need to confirm information associated with a THE A.U. academic certificate, begin with the certificate verification process.
Authentication Information
If an employer, institution, authority, or other organization specifically requires document authentication, contact THE A.U. to confirm the applicable process.
Certificate authentication questions.
What is certificate authentication?
Certificate authentication concerns confirming the authenticity of an academic document for a particular use or receiving organization.
Is authentication the same as verification?
No. Verification generally concerns confirming credential information, while authentication concerns the authenticity of the document itself and may involve additional requirements.
Who may request authentication?
An employer, educational institution, government authority, professional organization, or another receiving organization may specify authentication as part of its document requirements.
What if I only need to verify my certificate?
If you need credential information confirmed rather than a separate authentication process, visit the Certificate Verification page.
Clear credential information from a modern institution.
The American University of Higher Education provides online, flexible, and self-paced higher education opportunities with its Washington, D.C. identity at the center.
The American University of Higher Education
1717 K St NW Washington, DC 20006 United States +1 202-773-8688
Know which process you need. Then take the right next step.
Whether you need credential verification or information about certificate authentication, begin with the requirement of the organization receiving your academic document.
