How to Register For NCLEX RN Exams and Work as a Nurse in USA
If you are a Registered Nurse in Nigeria or other countries and want to work in the United States, one of the requirements is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The other way is to register and take the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) exam.
The NCLEX is a computer-based or computer-adaptive test. It assesses your knowledge and competency in providing safe and effective patient care, while the CGFNS exam evaluates your education and nursing credentials.
If you decide to take the CGFNS exams, you will still need to take and pass the NCLEX RN exams before you can practice as an RN in the United States.
For International nurses, CGFNS can also be used to evaluate your education and nursing licenses from your home country.
How to Register For NCLEX RN Exams
Registering for the NCLEX exam and CGFNS can seem daunting, but the process is straightforward if you follow the steps outlined below. Here we will walk you through the steps on how to register for the NCLEX exam and CGFNS from your country.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
The first step to registering for the NCLEX and CGFNS exams is to determine your eligibility. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the state or province where you wish to be licensed. You can find information about the specific requirements on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website for the NCLEX, and the CGFNS website for the CGFNS exam. You will need to meet the educational requirements, such as completing a nursing program that meets the state or province’s standards.
Step 2: Create an Account on the Pearson VUE Website
To register for the NCLEX exam, you will need to create an account on the Pearson VUE website. Pearson VUE is the company that administers the NCLEX exam. Go to the Pearson VUE website and click on “Create an account” to get started.
Step 3: Register for the NCLEX Exam
After you have created an account, you can register for the NCLEX exam. To register, you will need to log in to your Pearson VUE account and follow the instructions provided. You will need to select the state or province where you wish to be licensed, provide your personal information, and pay the exam fee. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
Step 4: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
Once you have registered and paid the exam fee, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. The ATT will contain important information, such as the test date and time, the location of the testing center, and what to bring on the day of the exam. You will need to schedule your test date and time within the validity period of the ATT, which is usually 90 days.
Step 5: Register for the CGFNS Exam
This step only applies if you plan to take the NCLEX at a later date. Taking this exam is optional.
To register for the CGFNS exam, go to the CGFNS website and create an account. You will need to provide your personal information and pay the exam fee. The CGFNS exam is offered in two parts: the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) and the Qualifying Exam. The CES evaluates your education and nursing credentials, while the Qualifying Exam assesses your knowledge of nursing.
Step 6: Receive Approval to Take the CGFNS Exam
After you have registered and paid the exam fee, you will receive approval to take the CGFNS exam. The approval will contain important information, such as the exam date and time, the location of the testing center, and what to bring on the day of the exam.
Step 7: Prepare for the NCLEX and CGFNS Exams
Preparing for the NCLEX and CGFNS exams is crucial to passing the tests. You can prepare by studying the test content, taking practice exams, and reviewing your nursing textbooks. You can also consider taking an NCLEX review course or hiring a tutor to help you prepare.
In conclusion, registering for the NCLEX and CGFNS exams from Nigeria or any country abroad is a straightforward process. First, determine your eligibility, then create accounts on the Pearson VUE and CGFNS websites. Register for the exams, receive your ATT and approval, and prepare for the qualifying exams.