For international nurses seeking a career in the United States, the National Council of State Nurses (NCSBN) and local state boards play a key role in the process of obtaining a nurse license. The USA offers numerous benefits for nurses, making it a desirable country for healthcare professionals from around the world. With its high earning potential, career advancement opportunities, and high quality of life, the United States holds great appeal for those seeking to practice their nursing skills on American soil. NCSBN serves as an important resource to facilitate this process by ensuring that foreign nurses meet the standards necessary to provide care in the US health care system, ensuring both patient safety and professional development for nurses. In this article, we will look at the benefits of working in the field of nursing in the United States and what the NCSBN requirements are for foreign professionals to obtain the appropriate permits to practice professional activities.
| Requirements for the Candidate | Responsibility of the Council | |
| Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN) | ||
| Completion of a nursing program that meets RN or LPN/VN association board-approved licensure preparation programs | Confirmation by the diploma verification agency of the correspondence of a foreign diploma to Nursing programs in the USA | |
| NCLEX nursing exam requirements | ||
| Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination | Evidence that the applicant has successfully passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination | |
| Additional requirements for foreign candidates | ||
| Notification of information on the status of a nursing license issued by a foreign country (if available) Successful completion of an English language proficiency test that includes reading, speaking, writing and listening components, EXCEPT for applicants from countries for which English is the native language and the nursing program in which the applicant studied was taught in English and English-language textbooks were used | Verification of nursing licensure status and/or permit to practice, if applicable in country of origin. Confirmation of the candidate’s successful completion of the English language exam | |
| Requirements for TIN (Social Security Number) | ||
| In some states, the applicant is required to have a Social Security Number. However, some states have exceptions to having an SSN | ||
| Additional requirements for public protection: Criminal background check | ||
| Reporting Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Plea Agreements (even if not adjudicated) – Criminal record certificate Filing fingerprints with State and Federal agencies. | Evaluation of all misdemeanors, felonies and plea agreements (even if not adjudicated) of license applicants | |
| Additional requirements for public protection: Disorders associated with the use of psychoactive substances | ||
| Reporting any substance use disorder in the past five years. | Background check for a substance use disorder assessment to ensure the applicant is able to safely practice nursing. | |
| Additional requirements for the protection of the population: Other licenses, certificates, registrations | ||
| Entering additional information regarding a professional or labor license, registration or certification | Evaluation of the entered information regarding these documents | |
Importantly. Verification of documents
- Some Nursing Councils require a report on confirmation of a document on secondary education.
- Verification agencies evaluate a professional license. The license should be evaluated regardless of whether the customer has indicated that they have a license.
- Agencies require original language transcripts, syllabi or course descriptions, diplomas, and licenses sent directly from the issuing institution, not from the applicant.
- Agencies should require that all documents not translated into English be accompanied by an official translation from a certified translator. Translators who are members of the American Translators Association (ATA) are generally accepted.
Importantly. Verification report
- The report must clearly state whether the applicant’s education and licensure (education/licensure obtained abroad) is consistent with a first-level (RN) or second-level (LPN/VN) nursing program.
- The report must clearly state the source of all educational and licensing documentation, and supporting documents must be attached to the report.
- The report should clearly state the approval and accreditation status of the nursing education program in its country of origin and the governing body.
- The report should clearly indicate the language of the textbooks, teaching of the nursing educational program, didactic and clinical courses, as well as the native language of the country.
- The report must clearly state that the licensure investigation was conducted in the nurse’s home country. The agency should be instructed to verify licensure in the country of study, even if the nurse does not indicate licensure.
- Any discipline listed on the nurse’s license should be disclosed in the report, if applicable.
Importantly. Information that the report should contain
Although formats may vary between institutions, assessment reports should generally contain the same information:
Information about the applicant . In addition to the applicant’s name, information may include address, date of birth, country of origin, aliases, and social security number (if available).
Information about the educational institution and program. In the report to the regulatory body, relevant information about the educational institution should be provided: program approval status, admission requirements, duration, scope and language of training for didactic and clinical disciplines, as well as program accreditation status.
Academic information about the applicant . In addition to dates of attendance and completion of training, the nurse licensure report breaks down the number of didactic and clinical hours earned by the applicant in each field of study. Some reports also include the applicant’s transcript with grades.
It is important that the report also indicates the source of the evaluated documents.
Comparability of education. The report should include a brief description of the level of nursing achieved by the applicant, including any areas in which training may have been deficient.
Assessment reports are advisory in nature. Ultimately, the decision to grant or deny a license, based on expert judgment, is at the Council’s discretion.
EXAMPLE OF A REPORT
Importantly. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN professional exams
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams are currently offered internationally in the following countries:
- Australia | Brazil | Canada | England
- Germany | Hong Kong | India | Japan
- Mexico | Philippines | Puerto Rico | Taiwan
In most jurisdictions, successful completion of the NCLEX exam is a requirement for licensure, and all applicants must arrange to take the exam either at one of these locations or in the United States.
| State | Verification organization | Speaking exam | ||
| alabama | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) www.cgfns.orgEducational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES) www.eres.comJosef Silny & Associates, Inc, International Education Consultants www.jsilny.org | If the nursing courses and textbooks were not taught in English, provide proof of passing the English language proficiency exam. | ||
| IELTS Academic – computer or paper-based TOEFL iBT produced by Educational Testing Service (ETS)PTE Academic MELAB produced by Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments (CaMLA) | ||||
| Alaska | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) www.cgfns.org | We are unable to accept the Online IELTS Indicator Test or the TOEFL at Home Test | ||
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic examination – overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on all modules; Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based test (TOEFL-iBT) – overall score of 84 with a speaking score of 26 | ||||
| Arizona | CES Professional Report.VisaScreen Certificate.CGFNS Certification (Option not available for practical nurses). | Exemption from the requirement for proof of English proficiency: If you completed a nursing program in a country or territory where English is the primary language (eg Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, Trinidad, Tobago, South Africa, Ghana, Jamaica, Barbados or a United States territory), you do not need to prove your English language skills. If you have worked as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the last 5 years in a country or territory where English is the primary language, you do not need to prove your English language skills. | ||
| Internet-based (iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 84 and a minimum speaking score of 26 International English Language Test Service Academic Examination (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 on the Overall Band Score with a minimum of 6.0 on each module Pearson test of English Academic Exam with a minimum score of 55 overall and a minimum score of 50 on each section Visa Screen Certificate from CGFNS | ||||
| Arkansas | The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) The Josef Silny & Associates, Inc | You are exempt from this requirement if you completed a nursing program in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain or the United States. | ||
| The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 560 on the paper examination; 220 for the computerized examination; or, internet-based test (iBT) score of 83 with a minimum speaking score of 26 The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module with a score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.0 in any one module The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with a score of 55 overall with no subscores lower than 50 in each scored part The Occupational English Test (OET) with a score of C+ or above in each subtest and overall score of 300 or more on a single test. NOTE: At-home or remotely proctored tests are not accepted. | ||||
| California | The Board does not require a report from CGFNS to obtain a license in California. However, if you have passed the CGFNS assessment, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing qualifications (including the clinical part of your training) from this organisation. | TOEFL | ||
| Colorado | The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) | |||
| Connecticut | The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) | |||
| Delaware | CGFNS CES Report | |||
| District of Columbia | Josef Silny & Associates – www.jsilny.org International Education Evaluations https://myiee.org/university/dc-board-of-nursing. |  | ||
| Florida | Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education ConsultantsCommission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing SchoolsAshland Educational Services Foreign Credentials Evaluation Agency | If you completed a nursing course in English and used English-language textbooks, you do not need to prove your knowledge of English | ||
| A minimum score of 540 (207 on the computerized version and 76 on the Internet-based version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination A minimum score of 55 with a minimum speaking score of 55% on the Michigan English Test (MET) A minimum score of 6.5 overall with a 7.0 on the spoken portion on the academic version of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) A minimum score of 300 on the Occupational English Test (OET) Completion of a nursing program given in English in another country | ||||
| Georgia | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools | TOEFL | ||
| Guam | The report must be sent electronically from CGFNS to GBNE | |||
| CGFNS (CES) credentials education report/verification. | ||||
| Hawaii | CGFNSJosef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants | |||
| Idaho | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Certification Program (CGFNS CP) credential Joseph Silny and Associates Inc (JS&A) Certification credential | TOEFL and TSE, with scores at or above: RN: TOEFL – 540 (207 Comp Version) TSE – 50 PN: TOEFL – 530 (197 Comp Version) TSE – 50 TOEFL iBT score of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26; IELTS with scores at or above 6.5 overall and 6.0 each module; Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) overall passing standard of 55, with no individual section of the test at a scoring level below 50; Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) total passing score of 81 and a speaking score of 3 on the Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments (CaMLA). International nurses who have graduated from a college, university or professional training school located in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are exempt from English proficiency requirements. | ||
| Illinois | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Education Records Evaluation Service Inc. Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) The minimum passing score: Paper-based test is 560 Computer-based test is 220 Internet-based test is 83 The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module The minimum passing score: 6.5 (overall score) and 7.0 (spoken band) | ||
| Iowa | CGFNS | Exceptions: Native language is English – Nursing education was obtained from a college, university or vocational school located in Australia, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Trinidad and Tobago or the United Kingdom. – Teaching language in the nursing program – English – Language of textbooks in the nursing program – English | ||
| English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | ||||
| Kansas | CGFNS | TOEFL IELTS Reading 19 6.5 Writing 20 5.5 Listening 20 6.5 Speaking 20 6.5 Both are internet-based exams but can also be explored as in-person exams at approved testing centers. | ||
| kentucky | CGFNSECE – Educational Credential EvaluatorsFoundation for International Services, Inc.Josef Silny & Associates, IncSpanTran: The Evaluation Company | Minimum Exam Score Requirements https://www.cgfns.org/services/certification/visascreen-visa-credentials-assessment/ | ||
| Cambridge Assessment English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 qualifications exams) IELTSMET (Michigan English Test) OET (Occupational English Test) Pearson PTE AcademicTOEFL IbtTOEIC | ||||
| Louisiana | Credentials Evaluation Service Report (CESPR) from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools CGFNS from Josef Silny & Associates, Inc | (TOEFL or TOEFL iBT) (IELTS) (academic version)(TOEIC) (PTE Academic) Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) | ||
| Links || https://www.lsbn.state.la.us/applications/ | ||||
| Man | Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Programs (CGFNS) | The State of Maine ONLY accepts the TOEFL to test English proficiency. | ||
| TOEFL English language proficiency test | ||||
| Links || https://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/licensing/examination.html | ||||
| Maryland | CGFNS | TOEFL iBT – a score of 26IELTS – a score of 7 on speaking, 6 on all other modules, and 6.5 overall is passing on the IELTS | ||
| Links || https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/licensure-international-application-instructions.aspx https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/licensure-foreign-lic-process.aspx | ||||
| Massachusetts | CGFNS | Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN): Speaking CLB 8 Listening CLB 10 Reading CLB 8 Writing CLB 7 International English Language Testing System Academic or General (IELTS Academic or General): Overall Band Score 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 all modules Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): Overall passing standard of 55 with no individual section below 50 Michigan English Test (MET). Total passing score of 55 and a speaking section score of 55Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based (TOEFL iBT): 84 with a minimum speaking component score of 26Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials: Average of 8.5 with no score below 8.0Occupational English Test: No score less than 300 on Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking | ||
| Links || https://www.mass.gov/info-details/information-for-nurses-educated-outside-of-the-united-states | ||||
| Michigan | CGFNSJosef Silny & Associations, Inc. | |||
| Links || https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Nursing/Licensing-Info-and-Forms/Nursing-Licensing-Guide.pdf?rev=953e958a47a74d16ba6efe1e81af03fa&hash=3E29D518B488B65DCFB3BA98488B0435 | ||||
| Minnesota | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (score of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26 on the TOEFL iBT.) International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 7.0 in the speaking module and a minimum of 6.0 in all other modules) | ||
| Links || https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/licensure/apply-for-a-license/apply-by-exam.jsp https://mn.gov/boards/assets/Exam_RN_Packet_FOREIGN_tcm21-37423.pdf https:// mn.gov/boards/assets/Exam_LPN_Pckt_FOREIGN_tcm21-37186.pdf | ||||
| mississippi | CGFNS | If the course was not taught in English, proof of English proficiency will also be required | ||
| missouri | CGFNSJosef Silny & Associates, Inc.TrueProfile | Test of English as a Foreign Language IBT TOEFL with a passing score of 540 on the paper examination or a passing score of 83 and Speaking Score of 26 for the internet-based examination. We do not accept MyBest™ scores nor the TOEFL Essentials Test. Test of English for International Communication TOEIC with a passing score of 725 in the Listening and Reading modules, 160 in Speaking and 150 in Writing. International English Language Testing System IELTS with an overall passing score in the academic module of 6.5 and the Speaking score of 7. We do not accept IELTS Online. | ||
| Links || https://pr.mo.gov/nursing-licensure-lpn.asp https://pr.mo.gov/nursing-licensure-rn.asp | ||||
| Montana | CGFNSJosef Silny & Associates | |||
| Links || https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing/license-information/lpn https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing/license-information/rn | ||||
| nebraska | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)Educational Records Evaluation Services (ERES)Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) paper version with a minimum score of 560 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) computer version with a minimum score of 220 Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test ( TOEFL® iBT) with a minimum score of 84 and a minimum speaking score of 26 International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic version with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 on all modules Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC ) with a minimum score of 725; 150 for writing and 160 for speaking Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a passing standard of 81 and speaking section score of 3 Michigan English Test (MET) with a minimum overall score of 55 and a minimum speaking section score of 55 Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) 55 overall with no sub scores lower than 50 in each scored part | ||
| Links || https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Licensing-Foreign-Educated-Nurse-Information.aspx | ||||
| Harmlessness | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) a CES Professional ReportInternational Education Research Foundation (IERF) Nursing Licensure Evaluation ReportJosef and Silny Report of Evaluation of Educational Credentials | TOEFL iBT – The minimum passing TOEFL score is 84 with a 26 in spoken English Pearson Test of English Academic – The minimum passing score is 55 overall and no individual section below 50. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – The minimum pass score is 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in any one module | ||
| Links || https://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Additional-Information-for-International-Graduates.pdf | ||||
| New Hampshire | CGFNS | |||
| Links || https://www.oplc.nh.gov/applications-rn https://www.oplc.nh.gov/applications-lpn https://www.oplc.nh.gov/applications-lna | ||||
| New Jersey | CGFNS | |||
| New Mexico | Josef & Silny Associates, Inc. Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing SchoolsEducational Records Evaluation Service Inc | Successful completion of a nursing training program that includes instruction and textbooks in English; or | ||
| TOEFL (minimum score of 540) TOEFL IBT (minimum score of 84 overall, with a minimum speaking score of a 26) TOEIC (minimum score of 725) IELTS (minimum score of 6.5 overall, with 7.0 in the spoken portion) MET ( minimum score of 59). | ||||
| Links || https://www.bon.nm.gov/rn/ | ||||
| New York | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS ) Certification of Professional Education (Form 2F) You must arrange to have your educational documents verified by your educational institution using Form 2F. The school will certify your education on Form 2 and send it along with the official certificate of education and other necessary documentation to NYSED. If the transcript is in a language other than English, you must arrange for it to be translated by a translation agency acceptable to NYSED. If you obtained your nursing license in another country, you must arrange for NYSED to obtain confirmation of your nursing license from the licensing authority that issued it using Form 3F. | |||
| Links || https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-professional-nursing/license-requirements/pathway-5 | ||||
| North Carolina | International Education Evaluations, Inc. (IEE) Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools CGFNS | Even if the nursing courses were taught in English and/or using English textbooks, the applicant still needs to pass an English proficiency test. | ||
| TOEFL – Passing score: TOEFL- written overall score of 560, CBT overall score of 220, iBT overall score of 83. NCBON code: 3236 IELTS (Academic) – Passing score: IELTS-overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on all modules. | ||||
| Links || https://www.ncbon.com/licensure-listing-apply-licensure-by-examination-nclex | ||||
| North Dakota | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE)Education Records Evaluation Service (ERES)Foundation for International Services, Inc (FIS)Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.World Education Services (WES) | The report should clearly state that the language of instruction was English using English textbooks. If the nursing education program was not taught in English, proof of English proficiency must be provided to the commission. This is NOT required of graduates of Canadian English-language nursing education programs. | ||
| Links || https://www.ndbon.org/NurseLicensure/InitialExam/GradsofInternationalProgram.asp | ||||
| Ohio | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) | Proof of English proficiency is required, except for foreign-educated nurses who have graduated from a college, university or professional education program located in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados or Canada ( except in Quebec, unless you graduated from McGill University, Dawson College in Montreal, Vanier College in Saint-Laurent, John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, or Heritage College in Gatineau). | ||
| “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL iBT) and have a passing score of 84 or higher. Test scores must be sent directly to the Board from the testing agency | ||||
| Links || https://nursing.ohio.gov/licensing-and-certification/forms-and-guidelines/01-rn-and-lpn-licensure-by-examination-application | ||||
| Oklahoma | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants (JS&A) | All foreign-educated applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency, except for: graduates of English-taught nursing education programs in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain, Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, South Africa and the USA; applicants licensed in another US state or territory. The original official copy of the results must be obtained directly from the testing service or from CGFNS . | ||
| TEST | RN | LPN | ||
| TOEIC Listening and Reading Speaking and Writing | 725 | 700 | ||
| 150 | 150 | |||
| IELTS | 6.5 (Academic format) 7.0 (Spoken band) | 6.0 (General training format) 7.0 (Spoken band) | ||
| TOEFL-iBT | 24 Speaking 81 Total | 24 Speaking 77 Total | ||
| MELAB | 55 Speaking 55 Total | 55 Speaking 55 Total | ||
| PET | 55 overall No section < 50 | 55 overall No section < 50 | ||
| Links || https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/nursing/documents/endorforeign07.pdf https://oklahoma.gov/nursing/applications.html | ||||
| Oregon | CGFNS | Graduation from a nursing school outside the United States in which: All classes were conducted in English; and All nursing textbooks were in English; and The majority of clinical practice was in English Documentation of nursing practice in English at the requested licensure level in another US state for at least 400 hours during the two years preceding the application for licensure Successful completion of one of the following examinations | ||
| A score of 83 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT within two years of application for licensure Passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic Module) within two years of application for licensure with an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 all modules Occupational English Test (OET) taken within two years of application submission with Grade C+ for reading, writing. listening (which is at least a score of 300) and Grade B for speaking (which is at least a score of 350) Passing the English NCLEX® examination in another state Graduation from a post-licensure nursing education program in the United States. | ||||
| Links || https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=3927 | ||||
| pennsylvania | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing SchoolsJosef Silny & Associates, Inc. | State Board regulations require the Board to approve English language tests for applicants whose nursing education program was not conducted in English. | ||
| TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language For the TOEFL iBT — Achieve a passing score of 84 or higher total score, with a minimum speaking score of 26. For the TOEFL PBT — Achieve a passing score of 540 or higher total score. IELTS Academic – International English Language Test System Academic Test • Achieve a passing score of 6.5 or higher overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each module. PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic Test • Achieve a passing score of 55 or higher overall, with no Communicative Skills sub-scores lower than 50 in each part. MELAB with Speaking Test • Achieve a passing score of 81 or higher overall total score and a minimum score of 3 on the Speaking Test. The MELAB English language test I has not been held since 2018. The board may accept MELAB results sent directly from the examiner for tests taken before the exam closes. | ||||
| Links || https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/General-Information.aspx https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Documents/Board%20Documents/Foreign -Credentials-Evaluators-Notice-1.20.23.pdf https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Documents/Board%20Documents/Board-Approved-English-Proficiency-Exams.pdf | ||||
| Rhode Island | CGFNS | |||
| South Carolina | Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional ReportJosef Silny & Associates: Foreign Credential EvaluationsA2Z Evaluations, LLCAcademic Evaluation Services, Inc.Center for Applied Research, Evaluation and Education, Inc.Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.Educational Perspectives, NFPEducational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. Evaluation Service, Inc.Foreign Academic Credential ServiceFoundation for International Services, Inc.Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.Global Services Associates, Inc.International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc.International Education EvaluationsInternational Education Research Foundation, Inc.SpanTran: The Evaluation CompanyTranscript ResearchWorld Education Services, Inc | To be exempt from the English language proficiency test, you must meet BOTH of the following requirements: English was the language of instruction, including the language of textbooks. which allow exemptions are McGill University, Dawson College, Vanier College, John Abbott College and Heritage College) Ireland Jamaica New Zealand South Africa Trinidad and Tobago Great Britain United States of America | ||
| Cambridge English: Standard: C1; Overall score of 176 with a minimum speaking score of 185. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Passing Standard: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, and Listening; AND 7.0 in Speaking. Michigan English Test (MET): Passing Standard: Overall score of 55 with a minimum of 55 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Occupational English Test (OET): Passing Standard: Minimum of 350 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Pearson PTE Academic: Passing Standard: Overall score of 55 with a minimum of 50 in Reading, Writing, and Listening; AND 60 in Speaking. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT): Passing Standard: Overall score of 83, with a minimum Reading, Listening & Writing Combined score of 57; AND a score of 26 in Speaking. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Passing Standard: A minimum score of 725 in Reading and Listening; 150 in Writing, and 160 in Speaking. International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP) Academic: Passing Standard: Overall score of 3.8 with a minimum of 3.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. | ||||
| Links || https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/feducation.aspx | ||||
| South Dakota | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS)) | If you are studying in a non-English-speaking educational program, successfully pass the English Language Proficiency Test | ||
| Links || https://doh.sd.gov/licensing-and-records/boards/nursing/nursing-licensure-registration-and-renewal-requirements/rn-lpn-licensure-procedures/internationally-and-foreign-educated-rn- lpn-applicants/ | ||||
| Tennessee | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) | ||
| Links || https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board/nursing-board/applications.html | ||||
| Texac | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES) International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF) Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education ConsultantsSpanTran: The Evaluation Company | If your nursing program was conducted in a language other than English, you must provide proof of English proficiency | ||
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a passing score of 560 paper based or 220 computer based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet based test (iBT) with a minimum passing score of 83 receipt of both the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a minimum score of 50 and the Test of Written English (TWE) with a minimum score of 4.0 International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a passing standard of an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all of the four modules. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a passing standard of an overall score of 55 with a minimum of 50 in each of the four modules. | ||||
| Links || https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp.html https://www.bon.texas.gov/bon-ces.asp.html | ||||
| Utah | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) | |||
| Links || https://dopl.utah.gov/nursing/apply-for-a-license/registered-nurse-or-licensed-practical-nurse/ | ||||
| Vermont | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF) | TOEFL | ||
| Links || https://cms.sec.state.vt.us:8443/share/s/D_J2OWJdQJiz2tEUcy8sqw | ||||
| Virgin Islands | ||||
| virginia | CGFNS CES report or CGFNS Certificate and a Josef Silny & Associates professional credential evaluation report | TOEFL IELTS | ||
| Links || https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/RegisteredNurse/ https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/Forms/Nursing/RNLPN_Exam_Instr.pdf | ||||
| Washington | CES Professional Report from CGFNSEducation Records Evaluation Service (ERES)Josef Silney & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants | The English Language Proficiency Test is required of all applicants who received their nursing education outside the US, unless one of the following conditions is met: You can provide proof of a high school or college diploma obtained in the U.S. You can provide proof at least 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in another US state. Proof of employment in the US must be completed by your current or previous employer on company letterhead and include: Dates of employment Proof of hours Proof that you have worked in the occupation you are applying for. You received your nursing education and degree in one of the following English-speaking countries: The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Guam, Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands, Canada (expect for Quebec) The results of the English language proficiency test are valid only two years from the date of passing the exam. | ||
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, IBT) Passing LPN score : 79 with a speaking score of 26 (institution code: 7292) Passing RN score : 84 with a speaking score of 26 (institution code: 7292) International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic version) Passing LPN and RN scores: 6.5 with a score of 6.0 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The Occupational English Test (OET) Passing LPN and RN scores: Minimum score of 300 in listening, reading and writing. Minimum score of 280 in speaking. Michigan English Test (MET) Passing LPN and RN scores: Minimum score of 55 overall; Minimum score of 55 in speaking | ||||
| Links || https://nursing.wa.gov/licensing/apply-license/educated-outside-united-states | ||||
| West Virginia | The West Virginia Board of Registered NursesCGFNS | Satisfactory documentary evidence of English language proficiency in one of the following ways: Provide evidence that nursing education, textbooks and most clinical practices were in English, or: | ||
| report showing a score of at least 530 for the written exam or 200 for the computer exam on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ) plus a score of at least 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) report showing a score of at least 700 on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) plus a score of at least 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) VisaScreen certificate | ||||
| Links || https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/Documents/WVRNPrimarySourceVerification.aspx https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/forms/Documents/2015%20On-site%20Accreditation%20Visitor%20Guide.pdf – p. 24 | ||||
| Wisconsin | CGFNS | A graduate of a foreign program of study that was not taught in English, or if English is not his or her first language, must successfully complete an English proficiency test that includes reading, speaking, writing, and listening components | ||
| Links || https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/n/2.pdf | ||||
| Wyoming | CGFNS course-by-course evaluation CGFNS certificate program (CES) ERES (Education Records Evaluation Service) IERF (International Education Research Foundation, Inc) Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. | Except for applicants from countries where English is a native language and the nursing program was taught in English and used English textbooks | ||
| IELTS Academic – Band score result of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in any one module. TOEFL – 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26. PTE Academic – 55 overall with no sub scores lower than 50 in each scored part. MET – 55 overall score with a minimum speaking section score of 55. | ||||
| Links || https://wsbn.wyo.gov/licensing#h.n8npstgle11f | ||||
Link
NCSBN: National Council of State Boards of Nursinghttps://www.ncsbn.org/
Boards of Nursing in every statehttps://www.ncsbn.org/membership/us-members/contact-bon.page