Do I have to take this???

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Oct 16, 2014

Did you review the board of nursing requirements? Did you inquire with the IL BoN as they are the ones to make the determination not an anonymous message board?

The answer is here though: http://www.idfpr.com/Renewals/apply/FORMS/CGFNS_02.pdf

Trixstar_27 · Oct 16, 2014

Did you review the board of nursing requirements? Did you inquire with the IL BoN as they are the ones to make the determination not an anonymous message board?
The answer is here though: http://www.idfpr.com/Renewals/apply/FORMS/CGFNS_02.pdf

Hi Justbeachynurse!

Just to answer your question, yes I did review their website. The reason why Im posting this is because one of my friends who took the NCLEX-RN here in Illinois needed to take the English exam even though she had English nursing program when she was in her nursing school. She took her boards last year. In addition, I also have this friend who took the NCLEX here in Illinois 5 months ago (with English language nursing program) and she didn't have to take the English exam. So, it seems quite confusing about the English proficiency exam here in Illinoi

Trixstar_27 · Oct 16, 2014

Still thank you for your response since I put "any related response will greatly be appreciated".

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Oct 16, 2014

www.
idfpr.com
TOEFL
http://www.ets.org/toefl/ http://www.ielts.org/
If the applicant's first language is not English, certification of passage of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module.For TOEFL the minimum passing score on the paper-based test is 560, computer-based test is 220, and internet-based test is 83.
For the IELTS Academic Module, the minimum passing score shall be 6.5 (overall score) and
7.0 (spoken band).
TOEFL / IELTS may be waived by the Department/Division if your credentials evaluation report indicates your nursing education program was conducted in English utilizing English Textbooks.
Results should be sent by TOEFL / IELTS directly to:
IDFPR, 320 W. Washington St. 3rdFL., Springfield IL 62786
Attn: Nursing Unit
THE CES REPORT AND THE TOEFL/ IELTS APPLIES TO ALL INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES INCLUDING THOSE ENDORSING or INITIAL LICENSE

It clearly states that it is required for all who do not have English as a primary language, but it may be waived (at the discretion of the board of nursing) if the CES report indicates that your coursework was administered in English using English text books. This explains why one friend was required to prove English language competency and your next friend was not. So again, only the IL BoN can tell you if they decided that you must prove English competency and "have to take this" TOEFL or IELTS.

steppybay · Oct 17, 2014

Kababayan, yes, you do (we all do and that includes anything and everything that any state BON's says, including if you're a US citizen, dual, a Martian or international), remember that getting a professional license, just like a driver's license is and always will be a privilege, NOT a right.

Being a privilege, the BON's have the right to enforce or not enforce the rules at its sole discretion, they, in fact, don't have to point out anything specific...maybe they don't like your hairstyle, your nail colors, etc, but it's within their rights, of course, I'm making light of the situation, but you kind of get my point.

Like with the CA BRN in specific, they have this policy from 1987 about the concurrency rules, they let ten's of thousand Phils nurses slide under that regulation, but as of Nov. 2011, it's been strictly enforced to any and all applicants, domestic or overseas, thus rejecting thousands upon thousands looking to work and practice in CA and only do so now by complying with those rules, nothing new, just an old rule that applies to all.

Who knows, maybe in the evaluation process, they pick and choose from a bunch of files and yours or other affected ones, it will be at their discretion to not waive, simple as that.