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The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) and CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) are critical components for international nurses seeking licensure in the United States. The NCLEX assesses the competency of nursing candidates through a standardized exam, while CGFNS evaluates educational credentials and eligibility for the NCLEX application. Explore the detailed differences and requirements to navigate your path toward U.S. nursing licensure.
Main Difference
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized exam required for nursing licensure in the United States, assessing the competency of nursing graduates to practice safely. The CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) certification evaluates the credentials of internationally-educated nurses, verifying their qualifications and readiness to take the NCLEX or obtain licensure in the U.S. While the NCLEX focuses on testing nursing knowledge and skills, the CGFNS primarily handles credential verification and English language proficiency for foreign-trained nurses. Passing the CGFNS certification is often a prerequisite for internationally-educated nurses before attempting the NCLEX exam.
Connection
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a mandatory licensure exam for nurses seeking to practice in the United States, while CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) certifies the credentials of internationally educated nurses to ensure they meet U.S. standards. CGFNS evaluates educational credentials, English language proficiency, and nursing knowledge, often as a prerequisite for eligibility to take the NCLEX. Together, CGFNS certification and passing the NCLEX validate the qualifications of foreign-trained nurses for U.S. licensure and employment.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) | CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Licensure exam for nurses to practice in the United States. | Credential evaluation and certification for internationally educated nurses (IENs) seeking U.S. licensure. |
| Target Audience | Graduates of nursing programs (both U.S. and internationally trained) who want to become licensed RNs in the U.S. | Internationally educated nurses who need credential verification and screening before sitting for NCLEX and U.S. licensure. |
| Function | Assesses competency and knowledge to ensure safe practice as a registered nurse. | Evaluates education credentials, nursing experience, and English proficiency for foreign-educated nurses. |
| Requirement | Required to obtain a nursing license to practice in the U.S. | Often required by state nursing boards as part of the licensure process for foreign-educated nurses. |
| Components | Computer-adaptive multiple-choice questions testing nursing knowledge and clinical judgment. | Credential evaluation, CGFNS Qualifying Exam (optional/required by some states), and English language proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS). |
| Outcome | Passing allows application for RN licensure in the U.S. | A CGFNS Certification Program Certificate can facilitate eligibility to apply for the NCLEX and U.S. licensure. |
| Administered By | National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). | Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International. |
| Typical Process |
1. Apply for NCLEX with state board 2. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) 3. Take exam 4. Receive results and obtain license |
1. Submit credentials for evaluation 2. Pass CGFNS Qualifying Exam (if required) 3. Verify English proficiency 4. Obtain CGFNS Certificate 5. Apply for NCLEX and licensure |
Eligibility Requirements
Nursing eligibility requirements typically include completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nurses or NCLEX-PN for practical nurses. Candidates must also meet state-specific criteria such as background checks, immunization records, and continuing education mandates. Many programs require a high school diploma or GED and prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Licensure renewal often involves ongoing clinical practice hours and adherence to ethical standards established by the state Board of Nursing.
Exam Structure
Nursing exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. Clinical skills evaluations, including simulations and practical demonstrations, test hands-on competencies essential for nursing practice. Written components often include case studies to evaluate critical thinking and decision-making abilities in patient management. Standardized exams such as the NCLEX-RN ensure licensure by measuring readiness to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Purpose and Function
Nursing serves the essential purpose of promoting health, preventing illness, and providing compassionate care to individuals across diverse healthcare settings. It involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care to ensure optimal health outcomes. Nurses function as critical members of interdisciplinary teams, advocating for patients' needs while administering treatments and managing chronic conditions. Education, research, and policy development also play vital roles in advancing nursing practice and improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
International Nurse Credentialing
International nurse credentialing ensures that nursing professionals meet standardized qualifications for practice across different countries, enhancing global healthcare quality. The process involves verifying education, licensure, clinical experience, and language proficiency, often coordinated by organizations such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Credential recognition enables nurses to work legally and safely in various healthcare settings worldwide, addressing workforce shortages and promoting cultural competence. Compliance with international credentialing standards supports patient safety and professional mobility in an increasingly interconnected healthcare environment.
Licensing Authority
The licensing authority for nursing is typically the state board of nursing, responsible for regulating the practice and ensuring standards are met. These boards issue licenses to registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) after verifying education credentials and passing the NCLEX exams. Compliance with continuing education requirements is mandatory to maintain an active nursing license. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) supports uniformity in licensing standards across states.
Source and External Links
CGFNS - Immigration Support Services - The CGFNS Certification Program is a three-part evaluation (credentials review, qualifying exam, and English proficiency test) for foreign-educated nurses to assess their likelihood of passing the NCLEX and qualifying for RN licensure in the US.
FACTS at a GLANCE The CGFNS Certification Program ... - Iowa.gov - The CGFNS Certification Program differs from the Credentials Evaluation Service in that it includes a nursing knowledge exam and English proficiency test to predict readiness for the NCLEX-RN, while CES only evaluates credentials without exam components.
difference between NCLEX and cgfns exams please - All Nurses - The NCLEX is the mandatory US nursing licensure exam, while the CGFNS exam is required by some states as a prerequisite to qualify for the NCLEX; CGFNS includes transcript evaluation, a qualifying nursing exam, and English tests.
FAQs
What is NCLEX?
NCLEX is the National Council Licensure Examination, a standardized test for nursing licensure in the United States and Canada.
What is CGFNS?
CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) evaluates and certifies the credentials of internationally educated nurses for U.S. licensure and employment.
What is the difference between NCLEX and CGFNS?
NCLEX is a standardized nursing licensure exam required for nursing practice in the United States, while CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) evaluates the credentials of internationally educated nurses to ensure eligibility for the NCLEX and U.S. nursing licensure.
Who needs to take the NCLEX?
Graduates of accredited nursing programs seeking licensure as registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) must take the NCLEX.
Who needs to take the CGFNS exam?
International nurses seeking U.S. licensure must take the CGFNS exam.
What is the purpose of the CGFNS certification?
The CGFNS certification verifies that internationally educated nurses meet U.S. standards for nursing education and skills to ensure eligibility for licensure and employment.
Is CGFNS required to apply for NCLEX?
CGFNS certification is not required to apply for the NCLEX, but some U.S. states and employers may require CGFNS credentials for foreign-educated nurses.