Should I translate my transcripts first or order the credential evaluation first?

They are two separate steps. UF and FIU ask for a NACES course-by-course evaluation in addition to the translation. Many evaluators accept professional translations, but each one has its own rule: check it before ordering the translation.

Is a notarized translation more official for a university?

Not necessarily. FIU states that it does not consider documents certified by a notary public to be official. Add notarization ($30 per order) only if the receiving office asks for it.

Does the school have to give me my child's IEP in Spanish?

Federal special-education rules require prior written notice in the parent's native language unless it is clearly not feasible, an interpreter at IEP meetings when needed, and a free copy of the IEP. They do not explicitly say the IEP document itself must be translated. Ask the school in writing for what you need in Spanish.

Foreign School Records: Transcripts, Diplomas and IEPs

Families who move from Latin America bring report cards, diplomas, university degrees and vaccination cards. Each destination wants them differently: a university, a credential evaluator, the neighborhood school or the health department. This guide collects what the published rules say.

Before you order: confirm your institution’s rule

Some institutions require a specific kind of translator. Miami Dade College’s foreign transcripts checklist asks for a certified English translation “from ATAnet.org”, noting that exceptions may apply. The evaluator Josef Silny & Associates says outside translations must be done by ATA-certified translators. Fidelis is not an ATA member. If your school or program asks for ATA or a specific accreditation, confirm with them before choosing any translator, including us.

Florida universities: what each one says

UF (international freshmen): asks for a “word for word” certified English translation if the school doesn’t issue transcripts in English, plus a NACES course-by-course evaluation (UF Admissions).
FIU (international students): asks for a certified English translation together with the original-language records, and says it must be literal, not interpretive. It also says it does not consider documents certified by a notary public to be official (FIU). FIU’s graduate page also asks for a duly accredited translation service or translator: confirm with FIU Graduate Admissions.
Miami Dade College: see the note in the section above.

Credential evaluators. WES asks for a professional, exact, word-for-word translation and does not accept translations done by the applicant (WES). Each evaluator has its own rules: read them first.

Enrolling a child in a Florida school

There are three separate tracks:

Vaccines. The school immunization certificate (form DH 680) is completed by a Florida-licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse, or by the county health department (Florida Department of Health). Whether the card needs a translation varies by county: call yours. We cover it in Spanish medical records.
The school-entry health exam, done within the year before enrollment by a U.S.-licensed provider.
Grades. Florida Administrative Code rule 6A-1.09941 says grades from another country are accepted at face value, subject to validation (flrules.org). The rule doesn’t require a translation, but a clear one helps the school place the student.

Florida law allows a temporary exemption of up to 30 school days for students transferring into a new county while they obtain their immunization records (section 1003.22). Ask the school whether your case qualifies.

IEPs in Spanish

If your child has an IEP (individualized education program), federal special-education rules say:

Prior written notice must be in the parent’s native language unless it is clearly not feasible (34 CFR 300.503(c)).
The school must do whatever is necessary for you to understand the IEP meeting, including arranging an interpreter, and give you a copy of the IEP at no cost (34 CFR 300.322).

The 2015 federal guidance on communicating with parents who speak another language was withdrawn in August 2025, according to education press reports. The rules above remain in force. The school’s language help is free: ask for it in writing. A private translation makes sense when the document leaves the school, for example for an outside therapist or a move abroad.

If the same documents go to USCIS

If a diploma or transcript is also submitted to USCIS, 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3) requires a full English translation certified as complete and accurate. Often one certified translation serves both purposes. Confirm with each recipient.

What we deliver

A word-for-word translation that mirrors the original’s layout, with grades and grading scales exactly as written. Jorge Cardona translates and signs, with a double review and verification. It’s $29 for the first page and $25 for each additional page in the same order, and we deliver 1 to 3 pages in 1–2 business days.

For schools, districts and universities. A student’s transcripts, diplomas and records are priced per page. The institution’s own materials, such as family handbooks, notices, forms or enrollment guides, are quoted per word: from 9 cents a word, depending on volume, subject matter and deadline, with volume pricing for work that repeats every school year. Always with a formal quote before we start. To see our work, we translate and certify the first 2 pages of one real document free, once per business or institution. Request the free sample. See more about academic document translation.

Sources

Fidelis Certified Translations is an independent translation service. It is not affiliated with any university, school district or U.S. government agency. This content is for information only and is not legal advice.

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