Evaluation of an efficient method for verifying higher educational credentials

Neuropsychologists do not routinely verify patientʹs self-reported educational information. The present investigation attempted to validate a procedure for verifying educational credentials by phone. Of the 50 subjects representing 38 colleges that participated in this study, the attainment of baccalaureate degrees of only 6% could not be immediately verified by phone. All 19 schools given fictitious information reported they had no record of the fictitious studentʹs attendance. The results of this study suggest that telephoning is an efficient method for verifying higher educational credentials. The authors recommend routine screening of patients whose academic credentials are questionable.