Attestation
Equivalency Certificate vs Certificate of Recognition
People searching for an 'equivalency certificate' and a 'Certificate of Recognition' are usually after the same thing. Here is the clarification.
They are the same document
In 2024 the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research renamed the equivalency certificate to the Certificate of Recognition. The purpose is unchanged: confirming a foreign degree is genuine and equivalent to a UAE qualification.
What changed
- The name, from equivalency certificate to Certificate of Recognition
- It is issued digitally as a downloadable report
- The underlying two-stage assessment (institution, then qualification) is the same
What to do
Whichever term an employer or authority uses, the process is the same, and the degree usually needs attestation first. See the Certificate of Recognition service.
Key takeaways
Key takeaways: Equivalency certificate and Certificate of Recognition are the same UAE document since the 2024 rename; the two-stage assessment is unchanged.
The two-stage assessment is the part people miss: MOHESR first checks the awarding institution is recognised, then assesses your specific qualification, so a recognised university is necessary but not on its own sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certificate of Recognition?
MOHESR's formal statement that a foreign degree is genuine and equivalent to a UAE qualification. It was called an equivalency certificate until 2024.
Is it the same as an equivalency certificate?
Yes, the Ministry renamed the equivalency certificate to the Certificate of Recognition in 2024; the process is the same.
Is recognition the same as attestation?
No. Attestation legalises the document; recognition confirms the degree is academically equivalent to a UAE qualification. Attestation usually comes first.
How long does it take?
It depends on whether the degree is attested and the institution is recognised; the assessment has two stages.
Who needs it?
Regulated professions, teaching, healthcare and engineering, and some visa categories, on top of attestation.
What does it cost?
A flat service fee plus any Ministry charge at cost, confirmed before we start.
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