FAQs - CGFNS

This is a very basic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page which attempts to answer some of the more commonly asked questions. Just click a question to read the answer.

1. Why do I need to take the CGFNS or NCLEX?

   Nurses who wish to obtain a green card, immigrant visa have several tests to complete. These are listed in US immigration laws. In order to file the first step of the visa process, the I-140, there must be proof of CGFNS score of 400 or a nursing license in the state of hire. A nursing license in all states requires NCLEX examination. Many states also require the CGFNS exam of all foreign nurse applicants. There are a few states that do not.
   
   Source: www.nurseimmigrationusa.com
   

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2. What are the states that require nurses to take the CGFNS examination?

   Each state has unique laws and regulations for Registered Nurses (RNs). Differences are apparent between states in requirements for foreign educated nurses. Most states require that a foreign educated nurse have passed the CGFNS exam in order to apply for NCLEX exam. As best as we can determine based on a variety of sources, 42 states appear to require foreign educated nurses seeking RN licensure in their respective state to have CGFNS certification. The other eight states (Arizona, California, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Utah) either require some, but not all, aspects of the CGFNS program, such as a credentials review, or nothing related to CGFNS programs.
   
   

   In Connecticut, an applicant for RN licensure educated in a foreign country must successfully complete the CGFNS exam prior to being accepted for examination and licensure in the state.

   Arizona. As of August 1, 2002, The Arizona Board of Nursing will accept applications from foreign educated nurses who have not completed the CGFNS exam. These nurses will only need the TOEFL or similar English exam, if their nursing education was not in English. Additionally, nurses must have their nursing program transcripts evaluated for equivalency to U. S. nursing educational standards and validation of unrestricted licensure in their country of origin.

   California. California does not require CGFNS certification or require the foreign educated nurse applicant to pass the CGFNS qualifying exam. It does require that the nurse undergo a credentials review by specialists within the state licensing agency, not through CGFNS. California will review a copy of a credential certificate from another source, but the state must complete its own review of the transcript.

   Maryland. Maryland apparently has relatively flexible requirements relative to CGFNS certification. A course-by-course evaluation from CGFNS for foreign educated nurses is required. A CGFNS exam may be required after the Maryland Board of Nursing evaluates the applicant's credentials.

   New Mexico. New Mexico does not require CGFNS certification. It does require evaluation of nursing education credentials sent to the state board of nursing directly from a board-recognized credentialing agency or CGFNS.

   New York. New York does not require CGFNS certification. It does require a credentials verification process by an independent organization such as CGFNS. (CGFNS certification is required for RN limited permit applicants; a limited permit authorizes the practice of registered nursing under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed, currently registered RN, with the endorsement of the employer. )

   Ohio. Ohio does not require CGFNS certification, but does require a credentials evaluation.

   Oregon. Oregon does not require CGFNS certification, but applicants must have their credentials evaluated and prove proficiency in English.

   Utah. Utah requires applicants to undergo only the CGFNS credentials evaluation. That evaluation, in turn, will determine if the nurse applicant must obtain CGFNS certification before taking the NCLEX.

   The following are the other states that require nurses to take the CGFNS Examination:

   Alabama	Alaska	Colorado
   District of Columbia	Florida	Georgia
   Hawaii	Idaho	Indiana
   Iowa	Kansas	Kentucky
   Louisiana	Maine	Massachusetts
   Michigan	Minnesota	Missouri
   Montana	Nebraska	New Hampshire
   New Jersey	North Carolina	North Dakota
   Oklahoma	Pennsylvania	Rhode Island
   South Carolina	South Dakota	Texas
   Vermont	Virginia	Washington
   West Virginia	Wyoming.

   
   

   Nurses who have passed the NCLEX-RN in states that do not require CGFNS may acquire the license of another state through endorsements. Each state's Board of Nursing has its web site that lists the requirement on endorsement.

   Source: http://www.psrnurses.com/FAQ_Philipines.asp

   
   

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3. What if I have not taken the CGFNS examinations yet?

   The CGFNS Qualifying Exam is required by more than 85% of the respective State Board of Nursing all over the United States. For example in the East Coast, the necessity of taking this exam serves as a pre-requisite to the success of your NCLEX-RN examination. You will need to check requirements with the State Board of Nursing on the state of which you intend to practice. For more information, you may visit their website at www.ncsbn.org. However, in order to process your application for an Immigrant Visa, we highly recommend that you pass the CGFNS examination as this is your key for this type of application.
   
   Source: www.uslinksintl.com

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4. How will I know if my school(s) and registration authority(ies) have sent my credentials to CGFNS?

   Upon receipt of each document, CGFNS will send a letter to the applicant notifying the applicant of what documents were received and any documentation that is still needed. Applicants may also check their status online through the CGFNS website.
   
   Source: www.cgfns.org
   

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5. When will I receive the results from my CGFNS Qualifying Exam?

   Results will be mailed to you 5-6 weeks after the applicant takes the exam. Mail delivery varies from country to country, so please allow up to an additional four weeks for delivery. The results are confidential and will be mailed only to the applicant. Pass/fail status is posted online and accessible via applicant login through the CGFNS website.
   
   Source: www.cgfns.org
   

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6. How do I request CGFNS to forward copies of my academic records on my behalf?

   In writing, state the request, and to whom the documentation should be sent. Include the applicant's CGFNS ID Number, name, birth date, signature and the appropriate fee. These types of requests can also be ordered online through the CGFNS website.
   
   Source: www.cgfns.org
   

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7. What do I do if my school no longer has my transcripts?

   Should the applicant determine if there is another organization (Ministry of Health, State Board of Nursing, etc.) which has taken possession of their academic records. If there is such an organization, the applicant may request them to send your documents. If the applicant is uncertain about where to go, contact the CGFNS Customer Service Department for assistance.
   
   Source: www.cgfns.org
   

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8. Can CGFNS give any

   No. All applicants are required to submit a passing score on the TOEFL, TWE and TSE; or the IELTS. For the TOEFL, TWE and TSE, registered nurses must submit a score of 540 on the written TOEFL or 207 on the computer-based TOEFL, 4.0 on the TWE and 50 on the TSE. The TOEIC minimum score for nurses is 725. The IELTS minimum score is 6.5 for academic and 7.0 for spoken. No exceptions can be made on any of the scores.
   
   Source: www.cgfns.org
   

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9. Does CGFNS publish the requirements of all the state boards of nursing?

   No. Applicants should inquire directly to the state in which they are interested in practicing to determine the requirements for licensure in that state.
   
   Source: www.cgfns.org
   

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10. Can I apply to take the TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS exams through CGFNS?

    No. Applicants must apply directly to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to take the TOEFL, TOEIC, TWE and TSE; or IELTS International. For information or an application, contact:
    
    TOEFL, TWE, TSE and TOEFL iBT (TOEFL Services Educational Testing Service)
    
    PO Box 6151
    Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA
    Tel: (609) 771-7100
    Website: www.ets.org
    
    TOEIC Testing Program (Educational Testing Service (ETS))
    
    Rosedale Road, MS 49-N Princeton, NJ 08541 USA
    Tel: 1 (800) 241-5393
    FAX: (609) 683-2667
    Email: toeic@ets.org
    Website: www.ets.org/toeic
    
    IELTS International
    
    100 East Corson Street, Suite 200
    Pasadena, CA 91103 USA
    Tel: (626) 564-2954
    Email: ielts@ieltsintl.org
    Website: www.ielts.org
    
    
    

    Source: www.cgfns.org

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11. As a foreign-educated nurse, how can CGFNS help me to practice in the United States?

    CGFNS offers a Certification Program and Qualifying Exam, which most U.S. State Boards of Nursing require in order to be eligible to apply for licensure within that state.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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12. It

    No. CGFNS needs to have the applicant’s school(s) and/or licensing authority(ies) send the information directly in order to verify accuracy.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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13. What do I do if I need to change my exam date or location after I have been scheduled for the exam?

    If you need to change the exam date or location you must submit a change request form or submit your request in writing to CGFNS. Change request forms are accepted via mail, fax or email. Changes must be received by CGFNS no later than 10 weeks prior to the exam date. Any requests received with less than 10 weeks until the exam cannot be honored.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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14. Can I get a full refund if I drop out of the Certification Program?

    A cancellation must be requested in writing. You will receive an acknowledgment and possible partial refund of your application fee. The refund amount depends on the total amount CGFNS has received from you and the total outstanding charges on your account. As soon as CGFNS opens an application, the applicant is charged a credentials fee as a first-time applicant or as a re-applicant. This fee is non-refundable.

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15. What do I do if my credentials do not meet the requirements of whichever CGFNS service I am applying

    Depending on what part of the application was deficient, CGFNS might be able to provide information on how to rectify the deficiency.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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16. What do I do if my transcripts and/or registrations/licenses are in a language other than English?

    Transcripts and registrations/licenses not in English, need to be accompanied by a word-for-word translation directly from the schools and registration authorities. Translations should also include a Certification of Accuracy (please see instructions on the application). If the school or registration authority cannot provide word-for-word translations, CGFNS can provide this service to the applicant for a fee.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org
    

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17. What is the CGFNS Certification Program?

    The CGFNS Certification Program is a three-part program designed to predict an applicant’s likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN examination and becoming licensed as a registered nurse in the United States.
    
    The three parts of the program include:
    
    1. Credentials Review
    2. Qualifying Examination of nursing knowledge
    3. English Language Proficiency Examination
    
    Applicants must successfully satisfy all above three parts of the Certification Program in order to earn the CGFNS certification.
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php
    

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18. How often and where is the CGFNS Qualifying Exam offered?

    The CGFNS offers the Qualifying Exam three times per year in many locations throughout the world. In the Philippines the examinations are administered in Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
    
    In addition, CGFNS occasionally announces Special Administration of the Qualifying Exams at some exam centers. For current information, check the CGFNS website: http://www.cgfns.org.
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php

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19. What are the English Proficiency requirements for CGFNS?

    To fulfill the English proficiency requirement, the nurse has three options:
    
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); score 540 (or 207 computer-based)
    • Test of English in International Communication (TOEIC); score 725
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS); score 6.5
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php
    
    Source: www.cgfns.

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20. How about the TWE, TSE, or IELTS Spoken Band, when are they required?

    Test of Written English (TWE); score 4.0, Test of Spoken English (TSE); score 50, or the IELTS Spoken Band; score 7.0 are not required for the CGFNS Certification Program. These English proficiency tests are separately required for VisaScreen assessment.
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org
    

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21. Where are these examinations offered?

    The tests are administered worldwide. Check out from the agency’s respective website for an updated list of locations near to you. For those in the Philippines:
    
    TOEFL and TWE computer-based tests are currently administered in: Manila and Cebu. Paper-based tests only are offered in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Kidapawan.
    
    TSE is offered in: Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, Los Banos, Cebu, Davao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete and Kidapawan.
    
    IELTS is administered in Makati and Pasig.
    TOEIC is available only in the United States.
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php
    

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22. How many years are the English Proficiency scores valid for?

    The English Proficiency test scores expire after two years from the date of administration. The nurse must pass the CGFNS Qualifying and English Proficiency examinations within two years of each other for both scores to be valid for CGFNS certification purposes.
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org
    

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23. What are the Certification and Examination Fees?

    Program Fee
    
    USD Certification program (CGFNS Qualifying Exam).........................$295.00
    Re-application for Certification Program.................................................$250.00
    Credentials Evaluation Service General Report....................................$155.00
    Healthcare Profession & Science Course-by-Course Report............$225.00
    Full Education Course-by-Course Report..............................................$265.00
    VisaScreenTM..............................................................................................$325.00
    
    TOEFL Testing & Services Fees
    
    USD TOEFL Computer-Based Test (and TWE)....................................$110.00
    TOEFL Paper-Based Test (and TWE).....................................................$110.00
    
    Test of Spoken English (TSE)...................................................................$125.00
    
    Source: www.placementauthority.com/faq.php
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org
    

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24. If I failed the exam, what is my next step?

    CGFNS will provide your numerical score and the passing score for the exam in the results letter. Also included is your diagnostic profile, which will indicate your strengths and weaknesses in the client needs categories. These categories form the basis not only of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, but also of the NCLEX-RN® examination. The CGFNS Qualifying Exam is offered four times a year. You may re-apply for another test date.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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25. When I pass the exam, do I receive my certificate?

    No. When you pass both the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and TOEFL, you will receive your CGFNS Certificate.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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26. I was never licensed in my country; can I still take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam?

    No. Applicants applying to the Certification Program must hold a registration/license in their country of education before becoming eligible to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. The only time that this requirement is waived is when applicants are not permitted to sit for the licensing exam in their country of nursing education because they are not citizens.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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27. How many times can I take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam?

    You can take the exam however many times you wish, until you achieve a passing score. However, in order to complete the Certification Program, applicants must pass both the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and an English language proficiency exam within two years of each other.
    
    Source: www.cgfns.org

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