Is it advisable to take the IELTS first before the NCLEX?

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I am actually reviewing in preparation for the IELTS but since the review is unlimited im planning to take the NCLEX first. However the eligibilty will still lapse in 8 months. Im skeptical. I don't know which among the two exams should i take first. Thanks in advance for those who will reply. ;)

Specializes in ER.

Thanks betty I appreciate your advices.. ;)

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For the US, the majority of states are now requiring at least the CES, and for some, that also will require the English as well if the state has a language requirement. So what are they going to do if they have prepared for the NCLEX but failed to pass the English and therefore cannot even get permission to write the exam in the first place? Guess that you forgot about this.

Nope, didn't forget about that at all. Obviously if a state requires proof of English skills before a foreign nurse is made eligible to sit for NCLEX then he/she will have to do that. I was referring to the majority which does not require English in advance.

I'm weighing in the fact that most nursing schools have shifted to teaching nurses primarily in English to begin with. This is helping new nurses to speak English with more confidence and make the whole IELTS review process a thing of the past (honestly most IELTS review places here teach strategy a lot more than actual language).

We have a difference of opinion both based on personal experience. Perhaps this is a question that will have a different answer for individual nurses. Some who graduate from higher-grade colleges and already have a strong grasp of English would not need to worry about IELTS until the requirement comes up whereas those who have graduated colleges which do not reinforce English as strongly would be better suited to studying and passing IELTS first.

I have a lot of respect for you Suzanne and I did not mean to insinuate that you were flat out wrong, I just wanted to share the perspective that I have gained here.

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Specializes in med-surg, cardio-thoracic icu's.

I definitely agree with bettyboop.... must take the english exam first... what if in the middle of your plans unexpected things happened.... at least u can select other countries that u want and not waiting to be selected. In addition, what if u already chose one (for example the hosp. in US) but there is no vacant position available.

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Quick question, which is better, process my NCLEX application by myself or apply at some center which will process my application for me?

I'm really torn.

And I don't know which state to pick. Some of my relatives reside at California and Nevada. I can't make up my mind.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Quick question, which is better, process my NCLEX application by myself or apply at some center which will process my application for me?

I'm really torn.

And I don't know which state to pick. Some of my relatives reside at California and Nevada. I can't make up my mind.

Can easily be done by yourself as long as you take the time to read the application form. Be aware if you choose CA that they will not issue a license without a SSN and they give you 3 years to provide it and with retrogression currently you are looking at a lot longer than 3 years to get a visa

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Can easily be done by yourself as long as you take the time to read the application form. Be aware if you choose CA that they will not issue a license without a SSN and they give you 3 years to provide it and with retrogression currently you are looking at a lot longer than 3 years to get a visa

Thank you! :) Do you think it's better if I choose Arizona instead? And btw, it's been a year since I graduated and passed the local board examination. I have no experience in this field, yet. It's a tough year for me, nurses in the Philippines are having a hard time finding a job. Most of our colleagues end up underemployed.

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Specializes in ER / RENAL / ICU.

I have known a lot of students who kept retaking the IELTS exam because of poor writing skills.

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one question about the IELTS, there are 2 kinds of exam the GT and AT, what do we need to take?

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Quick question, which is better, process my NCLEX application by myself or apply at some center which will process my application for me?

I'm really torn.

And I don't know which state to pick. Some of my relatives reside at California and Nevada. I can't make up my mind.

I recommend Vermont BRN. They respond very quickly, you can even email them and they'll reply to your concerns. And I believe the process is still easy even if they are noew requiring a CES report from CGFNS. Its fairly easy to process everything urself. The instructions are easy to understand if you give it your time, print them if u wish, and accomplish everything asap, no matter what state BON you choose. You are doing the right thing. NCLEX won't open opportunities but we need it for our future, seriously.

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You need to take the AT if your a nurse or belong to any related medical professions. But if you're applying for an immigrant you will take the GT. :cool:

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i'm a nurse applying for an immigrant, which one should i take?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
i'm a nurse applying for an immigrant, which one should i take?

As a nurse you should take academic level

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