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
	Alabama	Yes
	Alaska	Yes¹
	Arizona	Yes
	Arkansas	Yes²
	California	Yes³
	Colorado	Yes
	Connecticut	Yes
	Delaware	Yes
	District of Columbia	Yes
	Florida	No
	Georgia	No
	Hawaii	No
	Idaho	Yes
	Illinois	Yes
	Indiana	Yes
	Iowa	Yes
	Kansas²	Yes
	Kentucky	Yes
	Louisiana	Yes
	Maine	Yes
	Maryland	No
	Massachusetts	Yes
	Michigan	Yes
	Minnesota	Yes
	Mississippi	Yes³
	Missouri	Yes
	Montana	Yes
	Nebraska	Yes
	Nevada	Yes²
	New Hampshire	Yes
	New Jersey	Yes
	New Mexico	Yes
	New York	Yes4
	North Carolina	Yes
	North Dakota	Yes
	Ohio	Yes
	Oklahoma	Yes
	Oregon	Yes
	Pennsylvania	Yes
	Rhode Island	Yes
	South Carolina	No
	South Dakota	Yes
	Tennessee	Yes
	Texas	Yes
	Utah	Yes
	Vermont	Yes
	Virginia	Yes
	Washington	Yes
	West Virginia	Yes
	Wisconsin	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