The Virginia State Board of Nursing licenses registered nurses and practical nurses. Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (Compact) state, meaning that nurses licensed by another Compact state do not need to apply for licensure unless they plan to make Virginia their primary state of residency.
Select license type you’re applying for:

Registered Nurse - Initial Licensure
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores not required to be resubmitted to CGFNS for CP Verification Letter.
Exams scores are required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES If your program was not taught in English.
Accepted English Language Proficiency Test and Passing Exam Scores:
- TOEFL Overall Score: 83; Speaking Score: 26
- IELTS Overall Score: 6.5; Speaking Score: 7.0
Notes
Registered Nurse - Endorsement
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores not required to be resubmitted to CGFNS for CP Verification Letter.
Exams scores are required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES If your program was not taught in English.
Notes
Licensed Practical Nurse - Initial Licensure
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exams scores are required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES if your program was not taught in English.
Accepted English Language Proficiency Test and Passing Exam Scores:
- TOEFL Overall Score: 79; Speaking Score: 26
- IELTS Overall Score: 6.0; Speaking Score: 7.0