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-RN® exam). 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-RN®
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.
USCIS
It is also important to learn about U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) and how this organization sets the
rules for admitting foreign-born persons into the United States.
Click
here for more information.
Contact Information
To start the CGFNS® certification process, you should
contact:
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
3600 Market Street
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA
19104-2651
USA
Phone: 215-349-8767
