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Hi everyone,

I graduated from one of the best university in Iran and have some experience in there, I immigrated to the US one year ago, I have some question, please help me with answering them:

1- What are the exams that I have to take to become a registered nurse here?

2- what are the best books to read for these exams?

thanks for you help

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1. National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN®). These two examinations are used by the Boards of Nursing to test entry-level nursing competence of candidates for licensure as Registered Nurses and as Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses. The NCLEX examinations are provided exclusively as computerized adaptive tests.

2. Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

You need to apply to your state board of nursing (BON) and you can find links at the bottom of the page. You will need to meet BON requirements for foreign trained nurse which for most involves CGFNS and CES report but a lot will depend on the state you are living in or want to work in. Expect approx 4-6 months wait for eligibility to sit NCLEX so would suggest you do not register with pearsonvue for your ATT until you have been given the go ahead from BON

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hello I really need help what is the next step of my process-I sent my application to the BON Illinois 3 weeks ago and then what...I wait wait and wait,someone said that I have to receive the ATT test to registrate for NCLEX,I don"t know really which is the next action,what to do?

many thanks

kissess

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
hello I really need help what is the next step of my process-I sent my application to the BON Illinois 3 weeks ago and then what...I wait wait and wait,someone said that I have to receive the ATT test to registrate for NCLEX,I don"t know really which is the next action,what to do?

many thanks

kissess

It's a waiting game at this point. Although you've submitted an application, the BON will not send you an ATT until they have received all the required documents including CES or ERES (or proof of passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and Visa Screen both of which can be used in lieu of CES or ERES). Additionally, an English exam is also required if your first language is not English. Did you already go through the process of going through CES and TOEFL, for example? If you've already met the above requirements, then your wait will depend on when the BON receives the documents from the agencies involved in issuing the abovementioned requirements. Unfortunately, the new batch of foreign-trained nurses have been going through a longer wait time to receive required documentation prior to receiving eligibility to take the NCLEX.

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thanks yes my CES report is ready but now I"m going to sit for IELTS and finally NCLEX so that you said but can I sit for NCLEX first and then IELTS?Is it necessary to submit application for VSC-is it the end?

thanks for response

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
thanks yes my CES report is ready but now I"m going to sit for IELTS and finally NCLEX so that you said but can I sit for NCLEX first and then IELTS?Is it necessary to submit application for VSC-is it the end?

thanks for response

The BON in IL will need your English test before you will be deemed eligible to take the NCLEX. Their website mentioned that TOEFL is required with a minimum score of 560 on the paper-based test, 220 on the computer-based test, and 83 on the internet-based test. I am not sure if they would recognize IELTS but you are welcome to call them and ask if they accept this test as well.

In Illinois, you can use the VSC AND a CGFNS Exam Certificate in place of CES or ERES. This is especially helpful for older nurses like me who received our BSN outside the US but already had possession of a VSC (for immigration purpose) and CGFNS certificate (for NCLEX eligibility) which were required of us in the past. If I were to hypothetically endorse my RN to Illinois, I already have those documents and will not need CES or ERES. In your case, you already have CES so really you're good to go as far as educational requirements. What you are still lacking is the English test.

In your specific case, the VSC will be required if you need an employment-based visa to work in the US. If this is the case, then, you can apply for the VSC after you have taken the NCLEX.

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yes,OK I"m applying for registered nurse in IL and I understand that the most important things are to have CES report\I have it\,to sit for TOEFL and finally to get NCLEX exam-these requirements are for IL BON,if I mistake please correct me!That"s why I have to sit fo TOEFL first and then NCLEX...isn"t it!

thanks so much...,smiles

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Once the BON has recieved your application and English exam results they will assess your file and if OK give eligibility to sit NCLEX. DO NOT register with pearsonvue until you have eligibility. Once you have passed NCLEX and a VSC is required I would hang off from sending application until you know your PD is moving forward. VSC is valid for 5 years and English exams must be valid (may have to take again after 2 years) and with retrogression expect the wait to be longer than 5 years if you are the main applicant

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