CGFNS CP needs English Exam

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Hi there...I finished my BSN in the Philippines, passed my board exam and worked there for 4 years. I live now in Pennsylvania and I want to work here as a nurse. I passed my CGFNS qualifying exam last September but then CGFNS is asking me to take and pass an English exam to complete my Certification Program (CP). Do I really need to take an English exam? Our books in nursing were all American textbooks and the medium of instruction was English.

Please help me. I am not sure if I will register for my English exam because I might be wasting money and time. I mean, instead of preparing for my English exam I should be reviewing for my NCLEX.

Thanks and more power.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi there...I finished my BSN in the Philippines passed my board exam and worked there for 4 years. I live now in Pennsylvania and I want to work here as a nurse. I passed my CGFNS qualifying exam last September but then CGFNS is asking me to take and pass an English exam to complete my Certification Program (CP). Do I really need to take an English exam? Our books in nursing were all American textbooks and the medium of instruction was English. Please help me. I am not sure if I will register for my English exam because I might be wasting money and time. I mean, instead of preparing for my English exam I should be reviewing for my NCLEX. Thanks and more power.[/quote']

Check the BoN website. There are several states that require all IENs trained in any country that English is not the primary language to pass a test of English proficiency, even if the class was instructed in English. But CGFNS generally only requires a candidate to prove English proficiency if required by the BoN regulations.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I found the code for PA, if you were not educated in the US or Canada you must successfully complete a test demonstrating English proficiency if you wish to be licensed in PA

" 21.23. Qualifications of applicant for examination.

(a) An applicant shall pass a written examination as provided by the Board.

(b) Additional applicant qualifications are contained in sections 5 and 6 of the act (63 P. S. 215 and 216).

© Nurses educated in schools of nursing outside of the United States or Canada shall have successfully completed the English language and nursing practice proficiency examination of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. A school of nursing located outside of the United States or Canada will be considered a foreign nursing school."

Source: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter21/s21.23.html

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I believe part of the requirement to sit CGFNS exam is English exam if English is not your first language. Have to checked out the CGFNS CP handbook? Also suggest checking with the state

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Thanks! Now i know I really need to take my English Proficiency exam. I was confused when I read a passage about a Philippine graduate nurse, she was exempted from English exam because books were written in English.

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