The CGFNS Certification Process

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is an independent, private, non-profit organization established in 1977 to evaluate graduates of nursing schools located outside of the United States who are interested in practicing as registered nurses in the U.S.

A CGFNS Certificate is needed for an immigrant occupational-preference visa and admission to take the RN licensing exam (the NCLEX). Approximately 80% of the states in the US require international nurses to obtain a CGFNS certificate in order to receive permission to take the NCLEX exam. Notable exceptions are California, Florida, and New York. For specific information, contact the State Board of Nursing in the state in which you want to work.

A 2-Step Process

Step 1: Credentials Evaluation
To be eligible for CGFNS certification, you must be a graduate of a 2-year, government-approved general nursing program. In addition, you must have a valid license to practice general nursing in the country where you were educated.

Step 2: The Examination
The CGFNS examination is offered three times a year at locations in the US and abroad. Applications are due 3-4 months before your preferred exam date.

State Requirements Guide

Different states have different CGFNS requirements. In fact, some states do not require certification at all. The following reflects information released by Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). International nurses should contact the nursing board in the states they wish to practice to verify current requirements. State-by-State CGFNS Requirements State Requires CGFNS State Requires CGFNS Alabama Yes Montana Yes Alaska Yes¹ Nebraska Yes Arizona Yes Nevada Yes² Arkansas Yes² New Hampshire Yes California Yes³ New Jersey Yes Colorado Yes New Mexico Yes Connecticut Yes New York Yes4 Delaware Yes North Carolina Yes District of Columbia Yes North Dakota Yes Florida No Ohio Yes Georgia No Oklahoma Yes Hawaii No Oregon Yes Idaho Yes Pennsylvania Yes Illinois Yes Rhode Island Yes Indiana Yes South Carolina No Iowa Yes South Dakota Yes Kansas² Yes Tennessee Yes Kentucky Yes Texas Yes Louisiana Yes Utah Yes Maine Yes Vermont Yes Maryland No Virginia Yes Massachusetts Yes Washington Yes Michigan Yes West Virginia Yes Minnesota Yes Wisconsin Yes Mississippi Yes³ Wyoming Yes Missouri Yes Wyoming Yes ¹will accept, but it is not required ²if English is second language ³may be used to satisfy English competency 4required to obtain temporary permit