Credentials evaluation services - which is the best?

precy · Mar 28, 2007

Even if there are other fast services, I would still go for cgfns coz it's required by majority of the states. I just want to have something on hand just in case I decide to change state. It's your choice though.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 28, 2007

I agree with the above poster, if you decide to change states for some reason, you would be back to Square One. The CES is the only one that is accepted in all states that require a credentials evaluation.

Nuieve · Mar 28, 2007

I agree with the above poster, if you decide to change states for some reason, you would be back to Square One. The CES is the only one that is accepted in all states that require a credentials evaluation.

You mean if I decide to change the state before completing the Visascreen process or at all? I thought I don't have to go through the visascreen process again if I decide to go the endorsement route when changing states, or do I?

tetitto · Mar 28, 2007

I'm going to apply for Oregon license, and they offer three evaluation services:
* CGFNS
* ERES
* IERF
Did anybody try any of these? How fast are they? Any problems etc?
I suspect CGFNS must be way overloaded with applications since it's the most common service, so it will probably take more time, than those other two... I'm thinking about using IERF... but I'd like to hear about them before I send anything anywhere...

Also FYI, IERF has an overlaod of applicants, so they are delaying the credencial review process for about 4 months not the 6 to 8 weeks they say. Plus, costumer service has been graded with a C minus.

lawrence01 · Mar 28, 2007

You mean if I decide to change the state before completing the Visascreen process or at all? I thought I don't have to go through the visascreen process again if I decide to go the endorsement route when changing states, or do I?

The visa screen process (VSC) is totally diff. from the credential evaluation process (CES) or another party's equivalent to it. The VSC is for immigration purposes only while the CES is used by majority of State BON as a tool to see if your credentials are equivalent to the US' program.

Yes, once you have your VSC or even your CES you don't have to do it again as long as it iks not expired but majority of States only accepts CGFNS' services so picking the CGFNS' CES program would be a better choice as you can use it if you decide to endorse to another state.

ERES and IERF are only accepted by some States.

Nuieve · Mar 28, 2007

Also FYI, IERF has an overlaod of applicants, so they are delaying the credencial review process for about 4 months not the 6 to 8 weeks they say. Plus, costumer service has been graded with a C minus.

Oh, thank you very much for letting me know about that. I was going to send a request to my school to send documents there. Now I want! :idea:

Well, in that case I'll have to go the CGFNS route like all normal people.

Nuieve · Mar 28, 2007

The visa screen process (VSC) is totally diff. from the credential evaluation process (CES) or another party's equivalent to it. The VSC is for immigration purposes only while the CES is used by majority of State BON as a tool to see if your credentials are equivalent to the US' program.
Yes, once you have your VSC or even your CES you don't have to do it again as long as it iks not expired but majority of States only accepts CGFNS' services so picking the CGFNS' CES program would be a better choice as you can use it if you decide to endorse to another state.
ERES and IERF are only accepted by some States.

Yes, now I realize it was a bad idea to use any other CES. Do you know what is the current processing times for CGFNS CES applications by any chance?

kalibo · Jul 18, 2008

do i have first to apply for CES before applying for nevada nsg licensure exam?

starbin, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

do i have first to apply for CES before applying for nevada nsg licensure exam?

If Nevada requires the CES, I would say get the CES done (or at least have all the documents sent to CGFNS) before applying to the BON.

Going through CGFNS service could be frustrating, annoying, confusing, and time consuming. CGFNS is very strict with the authenticity of the documents, dates, and other stuff. And they aren't very fast in doing things. The delay could be from either CGFNS itself, or your school or the licensing authority in your country or may be yourself (payment, incomplete application, mismatching dates etc.). CGFNS has a time frame for everything, they may not review the document until the last minute (i guess it depends on the volume of applications/work load), and may just say something is rejected, or incomplete or something after 2 months. It is your responsibility to make sure everything reaches to CGFNS on time, and correctly. This ensures timely processing.

CGFNS has improved the services a lot, they talk nicely and explain things well while called. They used to have very rude and disrespectful people answering the phone few years back. You don't have to hold for a long time, they answer the phone right away. I have been dealing with CGFNS since 2003, and I didn't have a very pleasant experience. However, I look back and say- It was worth it. I have utilized all the services from CGFNS.

As a foreign grad, specially if you need a visa (which is not even available at this time- but that is another issue), you have to go through CGFNS- There is no way out. If CGFNS already has your documents on file, future services will be easier.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 18, 2008

Always get the CES done first, no state will do anything with your application if that is required.

You are also not applying for a state nursing exam, but for licensure in the US as an RN to a specific BON. It requires permission to be able to sit for the NCLEX exam, which is a national exam.

Recommend that you read the primer at the top of this page for information that you need to be aware of.

Best of luck to you.

spongebob6286, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

for the ces forms to be submitted to the school (registrar), there is a portion there that says "for nurses", who is supposed to answer that part? stll the registrar or clinical instructior?

thank you..