Is it much better to file thru an Agency?
If you plan to take the NCLEX, there are 2 options in filing:
1. The easier way would be getting the help of an agency like NEAC. It's hassle free but the downside is they'd require you to shell out extra money for their services (15K) on top of the processing fee (40-45K)= 60K.
2. But, if you want to go through the tedious, frustrating yet less expensive (40K-45K only) process, like me, these are the things you need to know:
What are the steps in filing?
1. Determine on which state you want to be licensed. Submit an application to your chosen state.
Submitting an application in each state varies. Some states may require you to have an SSN. If your prefered state is Illinois, like me, follow steps 1.1-1.5 below:
you or someone close (preferably a relative) must have a dollar bank account----
some payments will be made using a dollar bank draft(this is like a check with a specific amount in dollars payable to a specific institution).
you or someone close (preferably a relative) must have a credit card(i.e. visa, american express, mastercard)-----
some payments will be made thru credit card.
make sure you have an available internet access 24/7-----
the means of communication will be thru email so make sure you can check your email every day.
just use one email address----
this is for uniformity and to avoid confusion.
expect delays----
i started filing for NCLEX October 2012 but i got my ATT(authority to test) on April 2013. reasons for delay might include: your school or PRC mailed the wrong credentials; your school or PRC might fill out the forms required by CGFNS incorrectly; US and PH holidays; post mail from the US sometimes will take too long for you to receive it.
mail your documents thru FEDEX, UPS or DHL------
don't mail it thru the Philippine Post Office because it will end up lost or it will take months for it to arrive in the US. our postal system is really unreliable. the cost for fedex, ups or dhl will range from Php1400 to Php1800 and you will have to mail 3 or 4 documents separately. if your school or the PRC mailed the wrong credentials or filled out the CGFNS forms incorrectly then you will have to pay for it and repeat the process all over again.
Apply to Illinois State Board of Nursing thru this site: https://www.continentaltesting.net/application/applicationForm.aspx?iProfessionID=10
1.1 fill in the required information in the site.
1.2 after finishing the online application, a 4-page application package will be sent to your email
1.3 print the 4 page application package , double check the information then sign it.
1.4 make a bank draft payment of $90.00 to CTS (Continental Testing Services)
1.5 mail 4-page application form along with bank draft payment to CTS
Only step 1 is different in each state. Steps 2-4 is the same for all states:
2 Apply for a (CES) Credentials Evaluation Service from CGFNS
CGFNS will evaluate your credentials then forward the CES Form to the State Board of your choice.
2.1 Go to this site: https://www.cgfns.org/overpass/register.jsp in order to register as a new CGFNS user. Fill out the necessary information(only the ones with asterisk are important).
2.2 After you're registered, verify your registration in your email and go to this site: http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/ces/ where you will request for a CES report. Choose the Professional CES report and not the Academic CES report. They will require you to make an online payment of $335.00 CES fee thru credit card. Just enter the credit card number, the type of credit card and the 3 digit PIN. Your CES report request will not be processed and your credentials will not be evaluated if you don't pay the $335.00. The receipt will be sent to your email after the payment.
2.3 You will receive an e-mail from CGFNS with the CES forms attached and instructions. Just follow the instructions in the email on how to accomplish the forms and how to mail them back to CGFNS.
2.4 Print the forms sent to you, double check the information and sign them. The Request for Validation of License/Registration/Diploma Form have to be filled up by the PRC. Just bring it to the PRC office then pay the PRC for processing and mailing(don't lose the receipt). The PRC will mail this form and not you. Just call PRC from time to time to check if they already mailed the form and ask for the tracking number. You will receive an email from CGFNS confirming if they have received the form mailed by PRC. The Request for Academic Records/Transcripts Form along with your academic records/TOR and another form asking for the number of hours of academic and related learning experience will be filled up by your school. Just bring this to your school registrar. Pay the processing and mailing fee. Your school will be the one to mail the two forms along with your TOR. Make sure you double check the forms before your school will send it to avoid repeating the process and paying twice.
2.5 Photocopy your high school diploma/certificate then have it notarized and mail this yourself to the CGFNS address.
Once CGFNS is done evaluating your credentials, it will send the CES report automatically to Illinois State Board of Nursing.
3. Submit an FBI fingerprinting card to Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
3.1 Request finger print cards from illinois police state department by calling this number 217-782-8556
3.2 Upon receipt of the finger print cards, have your finger prints taken by local police station or NBI 3.4 Get a $50 bank draft payable to Illinois State Police Department.
4. register and pay $200.00 test fee to Pearson Vue
4.1 Go to pearsonvue website: http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/
4.2 Register online and fill out required information
4.3 Pay the $200.00 testing fee using a credit card
4.4 check your e-mail for confirmation
6. Once Illinois BON has approved your application, you will receive the ATT(Authority to Test) from Pearsonvue. Only then, you are allowed to schedule your NCLEX exam by calling Pearsonvue. The phone number will be sent to your email along with the ATT. Lastly, the agent on the phone will require you to pay $150 using a credit card. This is because you are taking the NCLEX Exam outside the US.
What review materials should I read?
I only read Saunders 5th edition. You can buy it at National Bookstore or C&E Bookstore. It comes with a CD. Read the book cover to cover and answer all the practice questions inside the CD. Its your choice if your not confident with just one book.
Which is the best review center and how much is it?
I can not answer this question because I self reviewed. You can google it though. I think the price range is around20-25K. I self reviewed because I found it more cost effective.
GOD BLESS!!!
