Nursing Credential Evaluation by Board of Nursing: A Guide for Internationally Educated Nurses
If you are an internationally educated nurse planning to become licensed in the United States, one of the first questions you will face is simple but important: which nursing credential evaluation does your state/territory require? Nursing licensure is handled by each board of nursing, so the process can change depending on where you plan to practice as an RN or LPN. Some boards accept a direct credential evaluation from a NACES member such as IEE, while others route applicants through CGFNS or ask for a specific report format.
Need a board-specific nursing evaluation? Start with IEE’s Nursing Licensure Report to choose your board and begin the evaluation process.
This guide explains nursing credential evaluation by state/territory, what documents are usually needed, and how to use IEE’s board-specific nursing reports for the boards IEE supports.
Quick Answer: What Is a Nursing Credential Evaluation?
A nursing credential evaluation is a professional review of your international nursing education, academic records, professional license, and sometimes English language proficiency. The report helps a U.S. board of nursing understand how your education compares with U.S. nursing education standards before the board decides whether you can move forward with licensure steps such as NCLEX registration.
For internationally educated nurses, often called IENs, the evaluation is not the license itself. It is one part of the licensure file. Your board of nursing may still require a licensure application, identity documents, exam registration, background check, proof of English proficiency, clinical hour documentation, or other state-specific steps.
IEE’s Board of Nursing Licensure Report reviews secondary and nursing education, professional licensure, and English language proficiency for state board use. IEE also offers a Nursing Education Report for nurses applying to academic programs such as ASN, BSN, RN to BSN, advanced practitioner, or graduate nursing programs.
Why Requirements Change by State
Nursing is regulated at the state level in the United States. Each board of nursing sets its own licensure rules to protect public health and confirm that applicants meet safe practice standards. That is why an internationally educated nurse applying in Florida may see different instructions than a nurse applying in Illinois, North Carolina, or Wyoming.
Most states are looking for the same basic evidence: your nursing education, the institution you attended, your coursework, your clinical training, and your current or past nursing license. The difference is usually in how the board wants that evidence submitted. Some boards name the evaluation agencies they accept. Others require a particular report type, direct document delivery, English language review, or a credential report before they will approve you for the next step.
Before ordering any evaluation, confirm the current instructions with the state board where you plan to practice. State rules can change, and the board’s requirements control your licensure path.
States/Territories Where IEE Provides Nursing Licensure Reports
IEE provides board-specific nursing licensure evaluations for RN and LPN applicants through its nursing application. The current IEE nursing application lists custom nursing report options for the following 17 states or jurisdictions:
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
IEE’s nursing page may also show additional jurisdiction-specific application options. Because board acceptance and application menus can change, select your intended state inside the IEE application and confirm any special instructions from the board before you submit documents.
Nursing Credential Evaluation by State: Comparison Table
The table below gives a practical overview for internationally educated nurses comparing direct IEE evaluation options with CGFNS-style pathways. Use it as a starting point, not a replacement for the board’s official instructions.
CGFNS vs. Direct Nursing Credential Evaluation
Many internationally educated nurses hear about CGFNS early in the licensure process. CGFNS offers credential evaluation and related services used by many boards, and some states may require a CGFNS service for certain applicants. In other situations, a board may accept a direct nursing credential evaluation from an approved agency or a NACES member provider such as IEE.
The practical difference is where your report is prepared and how it fits the board’s process. A CGFNS pathway may be required when the board specifically names CGFNS or asks for a CGFNS service. A direct evaluation pathway may work when the board accepts a state-specific credential evaluation from another approved provider. IEE’s nursing reports are built for board review and include the education and licensure details commonly needed for RN and LPN applications.
If your board accepts IEE, start your application online and select the correct state and license type before submitting documents.
If you are unsure which route applies, do not guess. Review the board’s current internationally educated nurse instructions, then contact the board or IEE support before ordering. Choosing the wrong report can cost you time, especially if your NCLEX eligibility deadline is approaching.
Documents Internationally Educated Nurses Usually Need
Exact document requirements vary by country, school, and state board, but most nursing credential evaluations ask for a similar set of records. Expect to prepare the following:
- Academic records: transcripts, marksheets, or grade reports from your nursing program.
- Credential proof: diploma, degree, certificate, or evidence that the nursing program was completed.
- Course and clinical details: course descriptions, hours, or clinical experience records if the board needs them.
- Professional license verification: proof of your current or previous nursing license, registration, or authorization to practice.
- Identity documents: passport or other identification used to confirm your name and personal information.
- English language evidence: test results or other proof if required by the board or the report type.
- Translations: certified English translations for records not issued in English.
IEE also provides documentation requirements and request forms to help applicants gather records. If your documents are not in English, review IEE’s translation services before you submit. Clean, complete documents are the best way to protect your timeline.
How Long Does a Nursing Evaluation Take?
IEE’s standard academic evaluations are known for fast turnaround, and IEE’s nursing credential evaluation reports are designed for 5-day processing after all required documents are received. The key phrase is “after all required documents are received.” If your school, licensing authority, or translator has not provided the required records, the evaluation cannot move as quickly as a complete file.
For planning purposes, separate the timeline into three parts:
- Document gathering: the time it takes you, your school, and your licensing authority to prepare and send records.
- Evaluation processing: the time the evaluation agency needs once the file is complete.
- Board review: the time your state board needs after receiving your evaluation and other licensure materials.
If you have an exam, job offer, immigration deadline, or program start date, begin as early as possible. Also review IEE pricing and available service options before you apply so you understand the report cost and any add-ons you may need.
How to Choose the Right State Report
Use this simple process before you order a nursing credential evaluation:
- Choose your state first. Your intended practice state determines the board instructions.
- Choose your license type. RN and LPN options may be listed separately.
- Confirm the board’s accepted evaluation route. Look for whether the board requires CGFNS or accepts a direct IEE report.
- Check document delivery rules. Some records may need to come directly from schools or licensing authorities.
- Order the matching report. In IEE’s application, select the correct state and license type so the report is prepared for your intended board.
IEE’s evaluation service chart can help you compare report types, but nursing board licensure is more specialized than a general course report. If your goal is RN or LPN licensure, use the nursing licensure path rather than ordering a general education report unless your board specifically tells you to do so.
Common Mistakes That Delay International Nurse Licensure
Most delays are preventable. Watch for these common issues before you submit:
- Ordering the wrong report type. A university admissions report and a board of nursing licensure report are not always interchangeable.
- Selecting the wrong state. A report built for one board may not satisfy another board’s instructions.
- Missing license verification. Boards often need evidence that you were licensed or authorized to practice in the country where you trained.
- Incomplete clinical records. Some boards want details about clinical experience, not only classroom coursework.
- Untranslated documents. Records not issued in English usually need an acceptable English translation.
- Waiting until the NCLEX deadline is close. Board review and document collection can take longer than the evaluation itself.
A credential evaluation is only one part of the process, but it is a part you can prepare for. The more organized your records are, the easier it is for the evaluator and the board to review your file.
When Should You Contact IEE or the Board?
Contact the board when you need official licensure requirements, eligibility decisions, or confirmation that a report type will satisfy that state’s rules. Contact IEE when you need help choosing an IEE report, understanding document requirements, uploading records, or checking the status of your evaluation.
IEE offers 24/7 support through chat, phone, and email, which can be especially helpful for internationally educated nurses working across time zones. You can also review the IEE FAQ for general questions about evaluations, delivery, and documents.
Ready to move toward RN or LPN licensure? Choose your state on IEE’s nursing page and begin your Board of Nursing Licensure Report.
FAQ: Nursing Credential Evaluation by State
Do all states require the same nursing credential evaluation?
No. Nursing licensure requirements vary by state because each board of nursing sets its own rules. Some boards require CGFNS services, while others may accept a direct nursing credential evaluation from an approved provider such as IEE.
Can I use one nursing evaluation for more than one state?
Sometimes, but you should not assume that one report will satisfy every board. If you plan to apply in more than one state, confirm each board’s requirements before ordering or sending reports.
Does IEE evaluate nursing credentials for RN and LPN applicants?
Yes. IEE’s nursing application includes Nursing Licensure Report options for RN and LPN applicants in supported states. Select the correct license type when applying.
How fast is an IEE nursing credential evaluation?
IEE’s nursing credential evaluation reports are designed for 5-day processing after all required documents are received. Document collection and state board review can add time outside the evaluation processing period.
What if my state requires CGFNS?
If your state board specifically requires CGFNS, follow the board’s instruction. If the board accepts IEE or another approved direct evaluation route, you may be able to use IEE’s nursing licensure report instead.
Final Takeaway
The safest way to approach nursing credential evaluation by state is to begin with your intended board of nursing, confirm whether it accepts IEE or requires CGFNS, and then order the report that matches your state and license type. For internationally educated nurses, that preparation can help prevent delays, protect NCLEX timelines, and keep the licensure process moving.
IEE’s state-specific nursing reports give RN and LPN applicants a direct way to document international nursing education, licensure, and English language information for supported boards. If your state is listed and the board accepts IEE, start early, gather complete records, and choose the correct state in the application.
