Official transcript is the institution’s certified record of a student’s academic history, including courses, credits, grades, transfer credit, and degrees awarded.
How it works
The student submits a transcript request through the registrar’s office or an approved vendor, specifying the recipient. The registrar verifies that no holds block release, generates the official transcript, and sends it electronically or by mail. The receiving party accepts it as official only if it arrives through the approved channel. Updates (late grades, degree conferral) require a new request if a fresh copy is needed.
Example: an online graduate applies to a master’s program and orders an official electronic transcript sent directly to the graduate school. The graduate school receives the secure file, verifies the bachelor’s degree and GPA, and proceeds with the admission decision. An emailed PDF printed by the student is not accepted as official.
How it differs
An unofficial transcript is for student use and lacks certification. A diploma documents only the degree, not the full course history. A degree audit is a planning tool, not an official record. Transfer-credit evaluation uses incoming official transcripts from other institutions.
Common errors
Sending an unofficial transcript when an official one is required. Assuming a transcript can be released to a third party without the student’s authorization. Expecting holds (financial, academic) to be ignored for transcript release.
References
- 1. AACRAO transcript practicesOfficial versus unofficial
- 2. Electronic transcript exchangeSecure delivery standards
Official transcript is the institution’s certified record of a student’s academic history, including courses, credits, grades, transfer credit, and degrees awarded.