An official transcript is a certified copy of your academic record that comes directly from your college or university’s registrar’s office. A transcript you download from your student portal, print yourself, photocopy, scan, or photograph does not count as official — even if it shows the exact same information. Official transcripts are either mailed in a sealed, institution-stamped envelope or sent electronically through an approved delivery service like Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse.
Key Takeaways
- Official transcripts come directly from your institution's registrar's office — a transcript you download from your student portal does not count as official.
- Delivery method is what makes a transcript official: sealed physical mail from the school, or electronic delivery through an approved third-party service.
- A transcript you download from a student portal, print, scan, or photocopy yourself is unofficial, regardless of how it looks.
- Most schools offer online transcript ordering through services like Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse, or their own registrar portal.
- Transcript processing times vary by school — electronic delivery is typically 1–3 business days; physical mail takes longer.
- Holds on your student account (unpaid fees, library fines) can block your transcript request, so it's worth checking early.
What Is an Official Transcript?
An official transcript is a certified copy of your academic record — your courses, grades, degree conferral, and graduation date — that your institution sends directly to whoever needs it.
The word "official" isn't about what's on the transcript. It's about how it gets from your school to the recipient.
Official transcripts are delivered two ways:
Physical mail Your school's registrar prints the transcript, places it in an envelope, seals it, and stamps it with the institution's seal. As long as that envelope arrives unopened, it's official. If you open it before delivering it to your program or institution, it's no longer considered official — even if nothing inside changed.
Electronic delivery through an approved service Many schools send official transcripts digitally through platforms like:
- Parchment
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Credentials Solutions
- eSCRIP-SAFE
When the school sends the transcript through one of these services directly to the recipient, it counts as official. The platform handles verification and secure delivery. You're not the one forwarding it.
What Is an Unofficial Transcript?
An unofficial transcript contains the same academic information — but it's delivered in a way that can't be independently verified.
Unofficial transcripts include:
- A PDF you download from your student portal
- A printed copy you make yourself, even if it looks identical to the official version
- A photocopy of an official transcript
- A scanned copy you email or upload
- A photo you take of a physical transcript
- A screenshot of your academic history
Don't stress if you've used unofficial transcripts before — they're useful for checking your own records, confirming your GPA, or giving an advisor a quick look at your coursework. They're just not what programs and institutions require for official verification purposes.
How Official Transcripts Are Used in the ACP Admissions Process
When you apply to an Alternative Certification Program (ACP), your transcripts do two things:
- They help the program verify that you meet the GPA requirement for admission
- They show what subject areas you're eligible to teach based on your academic background.
To learn more about the full admissions process, see our full guide on How to Apply to Alternative Certification Programs.
How to Request Official Transcripts
The process is similar at most schools.
Step 1: Find your school's transcript ordering system
Start with your institution's registrar's office website. Look for "transcripts," "student records," or "official records." Most schools now have an online ordering portal — either their own or through a service like Parchment.
If you're not sure where to look, search: [Your School Name] official transcript request
Step 2: Log in and verify your identity
You'll need your student credentials — or, if it's been a while since you were enrolled, you may need to reset your login or contact the registrar directly to confirm your identity.
Step 3: Place your order and choose a delivery method
You'll specify:
- Who the transcript is going to — the recipient's name and address, or select them from a list if using an electronic service
- How many copies — order what you need, and consider requesting an extra copy for your own records
- Delivery method — electronic delivery is faster when it's available
Step 4: Pay the fee
Most schools charge between $5 and $15 per transcript. You'll pay at the time of request, usually by credit or debit card.
Step 5: Track your order
Save your confirmation email and order number. Most services let you track the status of your request. If you're sending by mail, factor in a few extra days for delivery after processing.
How Long Does It Take?
| Delivery Method | Typical Timeline |
| Electronic (Parchment, Clearinghouse, etc.) | 1–3 business days |
| Standard mail | 5–10 business days (plus transit time) |
| Expedited mail | 2–3 business days (plus overnight shipping) |
A few things can slow this down:
- Graduation season (May and December) — registrar offices are at their busiest
- Account holds — unpaid tuition balances, library fees, or parking fines can block your request entirely
- Name mismatches — if your name on the request doesn't exactly match your records
Check for holds on your account before you order. Most schools will flag the hold when you try to place the request, but it's faster to check ahead of time.
What If My School Has Closed?
If the school you attended has closed, your transcripts are usually held by:
- Another institution that absorbed the closed school's records
- The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), if your school was in Texas
- A state archive or accreditation body, depending on where the school was located
Search: [School Name] closed transcript records — many states maintain a clearinghouse for this. Your ACP's admissions team can also help you figure out next steps.
What If My Transcripts Are From an International Institution?
If your degree or coursework came from a university outside the United States, you'll likely need a credential evaluation in addition to your official transcripts. A certified evaluator reviews your international academic records and translates them into U.S. equivalencies. See How to Become a Teacher in Texas with an International Degree for more on that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask yourself: did it go from my school directly to the recipient, without passing through my hands? If yes, it’s official. If you downloaded it from your student portal, printed it, or forwarded it yourself — even if it looks identical to an official version — it’s unofficial. Official status is determined by delivery method, not content.
Only if your school sent it through an approved electronic service like Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to the recipient. A PDF you download from your student portal and email yourself is unofficial, even if the document looks the same. Check with your school’s registrar to find out which platform they use for official electronic delivery.
You’ll need to resolve the hold before your school will release a transcript. Common holds include unpaid tuition balances, library fees, or parking fines. Contact your school’s registrar or student accounts office to find out what’s blocking it and how to clear it.
Most schools charge between $5 and $15 per transcript, though some charge more. Electronic delivery is often the same price as physical mail and is faster.
Search for “[Your School Name] registrar transcript request.” Most schools have an online portal. If you can’t find it, call the registrar’s office directly — they can walk you through the process and let you know what you’ll need to provide to verify your identity.To learn more about the full admissions process, see Applying to an Alternative Certification Program in Texas.”
Ready to Apply? Here's Your Next Step.
Every certification program has its own transcript requirements. Apply to 240 Certification for free and your Admissions Advisor will walk you through exactly what you need — and how to send it in through your Applicant Portal.
