Navigating the U.S. nursing licensure process as an internationally educated nurse can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. You have the skills, the passion, and the education, but then you encounter the CGFNS requirement—a costly and time-consuming hurdle. What if you could bypass it? For many IENs, finding states that don’t require CGFNS for NCLEX eligibility is the key to unlocking their American dream. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date roadmap to those states, explains the crucial nuances, and helps you plan your next strategic move.
What is CGFNS and Why Do Some States Require It?
Before we dive into the list, let’s clarify what CGFNS actually is. Think of CGFNS as a professional “translator” and “validator” for your nursing credentials. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools evaluates your nursing school transcripts, licensure, and identity to ensure they are comparable to U.S. standards.
Its most common product is the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Report. State Boards of Nursing (BONs) often require this report as a quality control measure. It protects the public by ensuring that every candidate entering the U.S. nursing workforce has met a baseline educational standard. However, this evaluation comes with significant fees and processing time, making the search for alternatives a high priority for many applicants.
Pro Tip: Some states require a specific type of report, like the “Full Education Course-by-Course” report. Always verify the exact CGFNS (or other) report required on the official BON website before you pay for any service.
The List: U.S. States That Don’t Require CGFNS for NCLEX (2026)
Here is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Below is a table of states that, historically, do not mandate the CGFNS CES report for an internationally educated nurse to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. This applies to initial licensure by examination.
CRITICAL DISCLAIMER: Nursing regulations change frequently. This list is a starting point for your research. You must verify the current requirements on the official State Board of Nursing (BON) website before starting your application.
| State | Board of Nursing (BON) Website | Key Notes / Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| California | California BRN | Uses its own validation process. Requires a separate breakdown of your theory and clinical hours, often done by an approved agency like IERF. |
| New York | New York State Education Department | Requires a Course-by-Course evaluation from an approved agency (CGFNS is one option, but others like IERF are also acceptable). |
| Florida | Florida Board of Nursing | Does not require CGFNS for initial licensure by exam. Requires a separate credentials review from an approved service. |
| Texas | Texas BON | Requires a credentials evaluation from a BON-approved company. CGFNS is one option, but you can use others, potentially saving time/money. |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation | Requires a review by an approved credentials evaluation service. You have choices beyond CGFNS. |
| Virginia | Virginia Board of Nursing | Does not list CGFNS as a mandatory requirement for initial licensure, but does require a full credentials review. |
Important Nuances: “No CGFNS” Doesn’t Mean “No Hurdles”
Let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as a completely effortless path to U.S. licensure. Choosing a state that doesn’t require CGFNS removes one significant barrier, but others will almost certainly appear. Understanding these hidden hurdles is key to managing your expectations and planning your budget.
Imagine this: you’ve chosen your state, you’re ready to apply, and then you discover you need an English proficiency test. Or you find out you need a Social Security Number (SSN) just to apply, which you can’t get without a job offer. These are common frustrations.
You will likely encounter alternative requirements such as:
- English Proficiency Tests: Most states require passing scores on tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson PTE.
- Alternative Credential Evaluators: States often approve other companies like IERF or Josef Silny & Associates to perform the transcript review instead of CGFNS.
- Detailed Breakdown of Hours: States like California need a form completed that breaks down every nursing course you took into specific hours for theory, clinical lab, and direct patient care.
- Social Security Number Requirement: Some states require an SSN for licensure, while others only require it for a permanent license after you pass the NCLEX.
Clinical Pearl: The absence of one major requirement (CGFNS) doesn’t mean the path is clear of all smaller hurdles. Budget for at least one credential evaluation and an English proficiency test, no matter which state you choose.
The Path Forward: Applying Without CGFNS
So, you’ve picked a state from the list that looks promising. What now? Let’s walk through the general application process. We’ll use California as our example, but the steps are similar for other states:
- Verify everything on the BON website. Go directly to the “International Applicants” or “Licensure by Examination” section. Print out the checklist they provide.
- Submit your application and fee. This is usually an online process through the BON’s consumer affairs portal.
- Request your transcripts. Have your nursing school send your official transcripts directly to the required evaluating agency (e.g., IERF for CA). You cannot send them yourself.
- Complete any required forms. For California, this means the Breakdown of Educational Program form, often filled out by your school.
- Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE. Once the BON declares you eligible, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), allowing you to schedule your exam.
It’s a multi-step process, but by tackling it one step at a time, you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a mistake during this process can cost you time, money, and massive amounts of frustration. Here are the most common pitfalls we see IENs encounter.
Confusing Initial Licensure with Endorsement: This list applies to getting a license for the first time by taking the NCLEX. Licensure by endorsement is the process of getting a license in a second state when you are already licensed elsewhere. The rules are completely different.
Assuming “Easiest” Means “Best”: A state without a CGFNS requirement might seem easiest now, but what about the job market one year from now? Or its participation in the Nurse Liscensure Compact (NLC), which allows you to work in many other states with one license? Think beyond the initial application.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to re-check the requirements right before you send your application. Regulations can and do change mid-year. A rule that was true six months ago might not be true today. Always do a final check on the BON website before you hit “submit” or mail anything.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your questions are valid, and you’re not the only one asking them. Here are answers to some of the most common queries.
Do I still need to pass the NCLEX exam? Yes, absolutely. There is no path to becoming a Registered Nurse in the United States without passing the NCLEX-RN exam. These states merely remove the prerequisite CGFNS step; the core licensing exam remains required for everyone.
What if I get my license in one of these states and then want to work in another state? This is called licensure by endorsement. If you hold a valid, active RN license in one U.S. state, you can typically apply for a license in another state. If your first state is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), it’s even easier—you can practice in other NLC states without needing additional licenses.
How can I stay updated on changing requirements? The only foolproof method is to make it a habit to check the official Board of Nursing websites. Requirements for international applicants are often complex, so bookmark the page and check it every few months as you plan.
Conclusion & Your Next Steps
Finding states that don’t require CGFNS can be a game-changer for your career and your wallet. Remember, while states like California, Florida, and New York offer alternatives to CGFNS, they still have rigorous requirements, including English tests and other credential evaluations. Your most critical next step is to move beyond this guide and conduct detailed research on the official BON website for your state of choice. This journey is complex, but armed with the right information, you are more than capable of navigating it successfully.
Have you started your research into different state boards? Which state are you considering, and what questions do you have about the process? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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