If you are an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to practice in the United States, a nursing credential evaluation is one of the first steps you need to complete. Boards of nursing require proof that your education and training meet U.S. standards before they will grant licensure. Without a proper evaluation from a recognized agency, your application could be delayed or denied, putting your career plans on hold.
Start your nursing credential evaluation with IEE today and receive results in as few as 5 business days.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the nursing credential evaluation process: what it involves, which states/territories require evaluations from NACES-member agencies, the difference between report types, and exactly how to submit your credentials. Whether you are applying for RN or LPN/LVN licensure, this article will help you move forward with confidence.
What Is a Nursing Credential Evaluation?
A nursing credential evaluation is a formal review of your international nursing education, professional licensure, and clinical training to determine their equivalence to U.S. standards. A qualified evaluation agency examines your transcripts, diplomas, and licensing documents, then produces a detailed report that U.S. boards of nursing use to decide whether your qualifications meet their requirements for licensure.
For IENs, this evaluation is not optional. It is a regulatory requirement in every state that accepts foreign-educated nurses. The evaluation verifies several things:
- The institution where you earned your nursing degree is accredited and recognized
- Your program of study is comparable to a U.S. nursing program in scope and content
- Your clinical hours and coursework meet the minimum standards set by the board
- Your professional nursing license in your home country is valid and in good standing
The evaluation process exists to protect public safety while ensuring that qualified international nurses can contribute to the U.S. healthcare workforce. With nearly 25,000 IENs applying for U.S. credentials each year, the demand for reliable, fast evaluations continues to grow.
Why Internationally Educated Nurses Need a Credential Evaluation
The United States faces a persistent nursing shortage. Hospitals across the country actively recruit internationally educated nurses to fill critical staffing gaps, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for registered nurses will continue to grow through the next decade. For IENs, this shortage represents a significant opportunity, but only if you can navigate the licensure process efficiently.
Every U.S. state/territory regulates nursing independently through its own Board of Nursing (BON). While the specific requirements vary from board to board, virtually all boards require IENs to submit a credential evaluation report as part of their licensure application. Here is why that matters:
- No evaluation, no license. Nursing boards will not process your application without a credential evaluation from an approved agency. This is a hard requirement, not a suggestion.
- Employer and visa requirements. Healthcare employers, recruiting agencies and immigration attorneys often require a completed evaluation before extending job offers or filing visa petitions. If you are pursuing an EB-3 visa or need a Healthcare Worker Certificate (HCW), the evaluation is part of that process.
- NCLEX eligibility. Before you can take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination, most boards require your foreign credentials to be evaluated and approved. Delays in your evaluation directly delay your exam date.
- State-to-state mobility. If you plan to practice in multiple states or may relocate, having an evaluation from a NACES-member agency gives you broader acceptance across the boards of nursing.
The bottom line: a nursing credential evaluation is the gateway to your U.S. nursing career. Getting it done quickly and correctly saves you time, money, and frustration.
Which States Require NACES-Member Evaluations for Nursing Licensure?
Not all credential evaluation agencies carry the same weight with boards of nursing. Many boards specifically require or strongly prefer evaluations from agencies that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). NACES membership means the agency adheres to strict standards for accuracy, consistency, and ethical practice.
IEE is a NACES member and has been providing credential evaluations since 1981, giving it more than four decades of experience working with state nursing boards. IEE currently provides nursing licensure evaluations accepted in 18 U.S. boards, including:
- Colorado Board of Nursing
- District of Columbia Board of Nursing
- Florida Board of Nursing
- Hawaii Board of Nursing
- Idaho Board of Nursing
- Illinois Board of Nursing
- Indiana Board of Nursing
- Kansas Board of Nursing
- Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Montana Board of Nursing
- North Carolina Board of Nursing
- North Dakota Board of Nursing
- Northern Mariana Islands Board of Nursing
- South Carolina Board of Nursing
- Utah Board of Nursing
- Virginia Board of Nursing
- Washington Board of Nursing
- Wyoming State Board of Nursing
- The list of states continues to expand as more boards recognize IEE evaluations. Before you begin your application, confirm that your target board accepts evaluations from IEE or another NACES-member agency by checking the board’s website or contacting IEE’s 24/7 support team.
Why does NACES membership matter? Some non-NACES agencies offer lower prices, but their reports may not be accepted by your state board. Submitting an evaluation from a non-approved agency means starting over with a new evaluation, losing both time and money. Choosing a NACES-member agency from the start protects you from this risk.
Document Report vs. Board of Nursing Licensure: Which Do Nursing Boards Require?
When you apply for a nursing credential evaluation, you will need to choose the right type of report. The two most common options are the Document Report and the Board of Nursing Licensure. Understanding the difference is essential because submitting the wrong report type can delay your licensure application.
View IEE’s full pricing and report comparison to find the right option for your situation.
The Nursing Licensure Report
IEE offers a dedicated Nursing Licensure Report designed specifically for Board of Nursing applications. This report goes beyond the standard Course Report by including:
- Evaluation of both secondary and nursing education programs
- A thorough review of professional nursing licensure history
- English language proficiency verification
- Board-specific formatting that matches the requirements of your target board
The Nursing Licensure Report is priced at $395 with a 5 business day turnaround, and it is tailored to the specific state/territory where you plan to practice. When you submit your application through IEE, you select your target location, and the report is formatted accordingly.
How to Submit Your Nursing Credentials: A Step-by-Step Guide
Submitting your nursing credentials for evaluation does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the process with IEE:
- Create your account. Visit IEE’s application portal and set up your account. The online system guides you through service selection based on your licensure goals.
- Select your evaluation type. Choose the Nursing Licensure Report and select the location where you plan to practice.
- Gather your documents. You will need the following:
- Official transcripts from your nursing program (with certified English translations if not in English)
- Copy of your nursing diploma or degree certificate (based on the location you select, this is sometimes optional)
- Proof of professional nursing licensure from your home country
- English language proficiency test scores, if required by your target state
Use IEE’s secure online portal to upload scanned copies of all required documents. The system validates file formats and confirms receipt in real time.
- Pay for your evaluation. IEE uses transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Payment is processed securely online.
- Track your progress. After submission, you can monitor the status of your evaluation through your account dashboard. IEE sends automated notifications at each stage of the process.
- Receive your report. Your completed evaluation is delivered electronically through the secure portal. IEE can also send the report directly to your board of nursing on your behalf.
The entire process can be completed online without mailing paper documents, which is one of the reasons IEE has become a preferred choice for IENs who need fast, reliable results.
How Fast Turnaround Times Help With Time-Sensitive Licensure Applications
Get started with IEE now to meet your licensure deadlines.
Speed matters when you are applying for nursing licensure. Many IENs face tight deadlines driven by job offers with start dates, or visa processing windows. A slow credential evaluation can create a domino effect that delays every step that follows.
Here is how turnaround times compare across major evaluation providers:
Provider Standard Turnaround NACES Member IEE 3 business days (standard) / 5 business days (nursing) Yes (since 1981) WES 7 business days Yes ECE 20 business days Yes TruMerit 7 business days No IEE’s 5-day turnaround for nursing evaluations is significantly faster than most competitors, and for standard credential evaluations (Document and Course Reports), the turnaround is just 3 business days.
This speed advantage is not just about convenience. Consider these real scenarios where turnaround time directly impacts your career:
- Job offer with a start date. A hospital extends an offer contingent on licensure by a specific date. Every extra week waiting for an evaluation pushes your start date back, and some employers will not hold positions indefinitely.
- Visa processing windows. Employment-based visa applications have deadlines and processing queues. A delayed evaluation can cause you to miss a filing window, potentially adding months to your immigration timeline.
- NCLEX scheduling. Your board of nursing must approve your application before you can register for the NCLEX. A faster evaluation means earlier board approval, which means an earlier exam date.
IEE also provides 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email, so you can get answers and resolve issues at any time, regardless of your time zone. This is especially valuable for IENs who are still in their home countries and may be working across significant time differences.
What Is a Healthcare Worker Certificate and Do You Need One?
In addition to your nursing credential evaluation, you may need a Healthcare Worker Certificate (HCW) if you are entering the United States on an occupational visa. The IEE HCW certificate or GlobalBridge, (sometimes called a VisaScreen), is required by U.S. immigration law for most healthcare professionals seeking employment-based visas.
The GlobalBridge HCW certificate verifies three things:
- Your education is comparable to that of a U.S.-trained nurse
- Your nursing license is valid and unrestricted
- You meet English language proficiency requirements
If you are being recruited by a U.S. healthcare employer or working with a healthcare recruiter, ask whether you need the HCW certificate in addition to your board evaluation. In most cases, you will need both.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Credential Evaluation
How long does a nursing credential evaluation take?
Processing times vary by agency. At IEE, standard evaluations (Document and Course Reports) are completed in 3 business days. Nursing-specific evaluations for board licensure take 5 business days.
How much does a nursing credential evaluation cost?
At IEE, a Document Report costs $95, a Course Report costs $195, and a Nursing Licensure Report costs $395. These prices include standard processing with no hidden fees. View the full pricing breakdown here.
Do I need a NACES-member agency for my evaluation?
Many boards of nursing specifically require or strongly prefer evaluations from NACES-member agencies. Using a NACES member like IEE ensures your report will be accepted and meets recognized quality standards. Check your target board of nursing website for their specific requirements.
Can I use the same evaluation for multiple boards?
It depends on the board. Some boards accept evaluations prepared for other boards, while others require a board-specific report. IEE can advise you on multi-board strategies and may be able to produce reports for additional boards at a reduced cost. Contact IEE’s support team to discuss your situation.
What documents do I need to submit?
You will typically need official transcripts, your nursing diploma, proof of professional licensure, and English proficiency test scores (if required by your board).
What is the difference between CGFNS (now TruMerit) and IEE?
CGFNS/TruMerit is a separate organization doing the same work as IEE. IEE provides credential evaluations for professional licensure and also offers its own HCW certificate pathway through the GlobalBridge program. Some IENs may need services from both organizations depending on their board’s requirements and visa situation.
Take the Next Step Toward U.S. Nursing Licensure
The path from internationally educated nurse to licensed U.S. practitioner starts with a reliable credential evaluation. With more than 44 years of experience, NACES membership, and turnaround times that lead the industry, IEE has helped thousands of nurses move from application to licensure as quickly as possible.
Start your nursing credential evaluation with IEE today. If you have questions about which report type you need or whether your board accepts IEE evaluations, reach out to the 24/7 support team via phone, chat, or email. They can walk you through the process and help you choose the right service for your situation.