An official document is issued by the institution awarding the degree and has been certified by an authorized official of that institution.
If official transcripts cannot be obtained, applicants should supply certified true copies of official transcripts and certified statements confirming degrees awarded and academic standing achieved. Certification of transcripts and degrees must be effected by imprinting them with the official seal of the institution or by endorsing them by hand with the original signature of the responsible university officer (eg, Registrar, Admissions Officer, President). Photocopies that are not certified in this way are not acceptable for official admission purposes.
Copies of transcripts certified by a notary public are only accepted in exceptional circumstances and never from a North American institution.