For internationally educated nurses who wish to work as Registered Nurses (RNs) in the United States, the journey generally begins with credential evaluation, state board eligibility, and NCLEX-RN licensing. One of the most important organizations involved in this process is CGFNS International (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools), which provides credential evaluation and certification services for internationally educated nurses. Many U.S. State Boards of Nursing require CGFNS credential evaluation before granting eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

At Metier International Academy, we provide complete guidance for:

• NCLEX-RN Preparation
• CGFNS Registration
• CES Report Processing
• State Board Application Support
• NCLEX Registration Guidance
• VisaScreen Guidance
• English Language Exam Preparation (IELTS / OET / PTE)
• USA Nursing Career Pathway Counseling

Our end-to-end support helps nurses navigate the complex USRN licensing process with confidence.

What is CGFNS?

CGFNS is an internationally recognized credential evaluation organization that assesses the education, registration, and professional credentials of internationally educated nurses who want to work in the United States.

CGFNS services commonly used by nurses include:

• Credentials Evaluation Service (CES)
• CGFNS Certification Program
• VisaScreen®
• Professional Credential Verification

Many nurses use CGFNS to satisfy state board requirements before applying for the NCLEX-RN examination.

What is NCLEX-RN?

NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the licensing examination required to become a Registered Nurse in the United States. The examination is conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and delivered through Pearson VUE testing centres worldwide. Passing NCLEX-RN is a mandatory requirement for obtaining RN licensure in the USA.

USA Nurse Career Pathway

Stage 1 – Nursing Eligibility Assessment

Determine eligibility based on:

• Nursing Qualification
• Nursing Registration
• Clinical Experience
• State Board Requirements

Stage 2 – CGFNS Registration

Create a CGFNS account and initiate the required credential evaluation service according to your target state board requirements.

Stage 3 – Document Verification

Required documents may include:

• Nursing Degree/Diploma
• Academic Transcripts
• Nursing Registration Verification
• Passport
• Professional Experience Documents

CGFNS verifies educational and licensing credentials directly through authorized institutions.

Stage 4 – State Board Application

Apply to the selected U.S. State Board of Nursing.

Popular NCLEX states include:

• New York
• Texas
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• Connecticut
• Vermont

(State requirements vary.)

Stage 5 – ATT (Authorization to Test)

After eligibility approval, candidates receive an ATT (Authorization to Test), allowing them to schedule the NCLEX examination.

Stage 6 – NCLEX-RN Examination

Appear for the NCLEX-RN examination at an authorized Pearson VUE testing centre.

Stage 7 – RN Licensure

After passing NCLEX-RN and completing state requirements, candidates receive Registered Nurse licensure.

Stage 8 – VisaScreen & USA Employment

Many internationally educated nurses complete the VisaScreen process and secure employment opportunities in the United States healthcare system.