What is the Certification Program?

The CGFNS Certification Program is a three-part program designed for foreign-educated, first-level, general nurses who wish to practice nursing in the United States. The three parts of the program include a credentials review, the CGFNS Qualifying Exam^® (of nursing knowledge) and an English language proficiency test. You must successfully complete all three parts of the Certification Program in order to earn a CGFNS (Certification Program) certificate.

What is a first-level, general nurse?

As defined historically by the International Council of Nurses, a first-level nurse is called a registered or professional nurse in many countries. A general nurse must have obtained theoretical instruction and clinical practice in a variety of nursing areas and must have had his/her nursing education on a post-secondary (tertiary) level.

What are the Certification Program requirements?

The Certification Program Requirements PDF can be found at www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/req/CP_requirements.pdf.

What additional services does the Certification Program offer?

A list of the Certification Program’s services can be found at http://www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/fees.shtml#2. Other CGFNS services can be found at http://www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/fees.shtml#5.

What does CGFNS do when they receive my application?

The application steps for the Certification Program are found at www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/cp/cpsteps.shtml.

What is the difference between the CGFNS certificate and the CES Report?

The CGFNS certificate, achieved after successfully completing the Certification Program, is designed for foreign-educated, first-level, general nurses and is a prerequisite for licensure by many U.S. states. Passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam^® portion of the Certification Program predicts a nurse’s likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN^®. The CES Report summarizes an evaluation of educational/professional credentials and does not require passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam^®. The CES Report may be required as a prerequisite for licensure by some U.S. states.

What is the difference between the CGFNS and the ICHP VisaScreen^® certificates?

The ICHP VisaScreen^® certificate meets all federal requirements for certain health care professionals seeking work visas in the United States. The CGFNS (Certification Program) certificate meets many state board of nursing licensure requirements and is designed specifically for foreign-educated, first-level, general nurses seeking licensure in the United States.

I lost my CGFNS original certificate. How do I request a duplicate certificate? What is the cost?

For replacement certificate fees, go to www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/fees.shtml#2. You can order a replacement certificate with online payment at https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/login.jsp, Once there, click on Place Order, then click on Begin Selection at the bottom of the page. Then click on Additional Services and order your replacement certificate. You can also order by sending us a written letter with payment through postal mail.

When does a CGFNS certificate expire?

A CGFNS certificate never expires.

How do I get an application?

Apply online at https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp and follow the instructions to create an account. You can download other forms from http://www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/forms.shtml.

What if my nursing and secondary education were combined?

You can not be approved for the Certification Program until you demonstrate one of two things:

1. You have completed a full secondary education separate from the nursing education or
2. You have certification that you have completed the equivalent of a secondary school education.