The CGFNS Qualifying Exam®
The CGFNS Qualifying Exam® satisfies one of the immigration requirements for obtaining an occupational visa to work in the United States and is a prerequisite in some states for licensure (see www.cgfns.org/sections/tools/apps/sbonrequirements.shtml).
The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of nursing as it is taught and practiced in the United States today, using objective, multiple-choice and alternate-item type questions designed by experts to help predict your likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN®. The Internet-based exam is a combined, single test that takes approximately three hours.
Authorization to take the exam
To be authorized to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam® you need to be enrolled in the Certification Program (for the intention of practicing in the United States) or be enrolled in the International Standards for Professional Nurses program (for Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian or Laotian nurses remaining in their own countries).
For the Certification Program, you will undergo a credentials review. The credentials requirements are listed at www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/cp/default.shtml.
Once the credentials review is successfully completed, you will receive an Authorization to Test notification that includes scheduling instructions for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®.
Scheduling your exam
We offer the exam in more than 600 locations during designated months. In 2012, it will be given during five-day test windows in March, July, September and November. Go to http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/cp/qedates.shtml for a list of current exam dates.
After receiving authorization, you may schedule one day during the five-day test window in one of the two months stated in your Authorization to Test notification. For a list of the exam centers, go to www.kryteriononline.com/host_locations/index.asp.
Register for one exam only. If you select more than one test window, more than one location, or more than one date and time, your exam registration will be cancelled and you will be required to register again for a single selection.
If you need to change your exam date
If you need to change your exam date, you may do so by giving notice 72 hours before your scheduled exam:
You will not receive a credit if you do not arrive for your scheduled exam.
Exam results and diagnostic profile
Approximately two weeks after the end of the five-day test window in which you took your exam, you may access your results online at https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/login.jsp. The results will include a diagnostic profile with an analysis and description of the four subject areas, designated Client Need categories:
Since these four categories form the basis not only of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, but also of the NCLEX-RN® examination, knowledge of your performance in these areas will help to prepare you.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2010). NCLEX-RN® examination test plan. Chicago: NCSBN.
Portions copyrighted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. All rights reserved.
If you miss or fail the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®
You will need to complete and pay for a re-examination application (www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/apps/CP_ReExam_Instructions.pdf), if you fail or do not show up for your scheduled exam and want to be authorized to take it in another month.
If your Certification Program application expires
before you are scheduled for the exam
If you want to qualify for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, but you haven't met the requirements of the Certification Program in 12 months’ time, you will need to complete and pay for a Certification Program reprocess application (www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/apps/CP_reprocess_form.pdf).
