Documents from countries outside Norway
These include degrees, diplomas, transcripts of examination marks, Diploma Supplements (higher education), various attestations and certificates.
Translations
- To gain a better understanding of the documents that are presented, as an employer you should make demands of the translation, which should be viewed in context with the original-language documents.
- Remember that some translations may be interpretative or explanatory, either intentionally or unintentionally.
- In some countries it can take a long time before a degree or diploma is awarded after graduation, in which case temporary certificates or attestations are awarded. In France this can take up to one year, and in Bangladesh almost five years.
Photocopies
- The requirement should be to insist on certified photocopies of original documents. A certified photocopy should not be regarded as an original. A photocopy of a certified photocopy should not be accepted.
- In some countries it is common to have photocopies of documents certified by a Notary Public. These are known as apostilles (or apostille certificates) and can be accepted as certified photocopies.
Authenticity
- In the past few years there has been an increase in academic documents issued by “diploma mills”. These “diploma mills” are not publicly recognised or accredited as higher education institutions. They issue diplomas and certificates of educational qualifications against payment and set minimal requirements as to academic performance. The most extreme of these “diploma mills” demand nothing more from the applicant than payment for the service. Others require applicants to submit a comprehensive CV and perhaps a short paper on a given subject.
- Be aware of the possibility of forged or fraudulent documents.