Is CGFNS exam still required despite being Foreign RN living in US?

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I'm a foreign RN (graduated in the Philippines) and now a permanent resident currently living in Wisconsin. I've enrolled for a CP (Certification Program) under CGFNS and I've been scheduled for a CGFNS exam on November. From what I understand, CP means taking the CGFNS exam and an English proficiently test (IELTS/TOEFL) in order to obtain a CGFNS certificate.

Is there any way I can bypass the English exam since I'm already living here in Wisconsin? I've been trying to get in touch with the DSPS but I've been just passed around and ended up leaving useless voice mails. Who's going to decide about the bypassing of English test, the BON or the CGFNS (since they're the one issuing the certificate in the first place)?

Also, to utilize my waiting time for all of these nursing stuff, I've applied to DSPS for a CNA certification. I've contacted the Pearson Vue about the eligibility route which means DSPS just has to check and verify my RN license so I can take the CNA certification exam.

Please leave a comment down below about anything you know about this issue.

Thank you so much.

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If you were educated in the Philippines, you have to take IELTS.

Quoted from the CGFNS website:

To be exempt from the English proficiency requirement, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • country of nursing education was in Australia, Barbados, Canada (all provinces; the only approved schools in Quebec are: McGill University and Dawson College in Montreal, Vanier College in St Laurent, John Abbot College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, and Heritage College in Gatineau), Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom or the United States.
  • textbook and instruction language was in English.

So if you graduated from the UK, for example, you would be exempt.

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I'm a foreign RN (graduated in the Philippines) and now a permanent resident currently living in Wisconsin. I've enrolled for a CP (Certification Program) under CGFNS and I've been scheduled for a CGFNS exam on November. From what I understand, CP means taking the CGFNS exam and an English proficiently test (IELTS/TOEFL) in order to obtain a CGFNS certificate.

Is there any way I can bypass the English exam since I'm already living here in Wisconsin? I've been trying to get in touch with the DSPS but I've been just passed around and ended up leaving useless voice mails. Who's going to decide about the bypassing of English test, the BON or the CGFNS (since they're the one issuing the certificate in the first place)?

Also, to utilize my waiting time for all of these nursing stuff, I've applied to DSPS for a CNA certification. I've contacted the Pearson Vue about the eligibility route which means DSPS just has to check and verify my RN license so I can take the CNA certification exam.

Please leave a comment down below about anything you know about this issue.

Thank you so much.

Hi,

There's no way you can bypass the English test..I am also a RN in the Philippines and am living in Wisconsin..I passed my LPN, but before that, I had to take the English test (took TOEFL but you can take the IELTS too- easier). Now, just waiting for my CGFNS exam result to take the NCLEX-RN.. I also researched about bypassing the English test, but I assure you there is no way to do that here in Wisconsin.. Wishing you success..I live here in Oshkosh, Wisconsin..

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Hi, I took the CGFNS exam in November but I failed. I scored 387. A little bit over that too reach 411 for passing but unfortunately did not. I live in Madison. I took the exam in Milwaukee. Btw, Can we contact eachother through email? I'd like to ask you some questions regarding this thought. Mine is [email protected]. Thanks!

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Hello,

I passed my CGFNS exam w/ 441 score on November too.. I also passed my TOEFL, so they sent me the CP certificate.. Now, waiting to take my NCLEX-RN=) sure I can give you my e-mail add..it's [email protected].. you can ask me anything..

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Hi! I am currently living in milwaukee, wisconsin and still waiting for my application for my cgfns. I would like to ask if what should i expect in the cgfns exam? Are the questions more like nlcex questions? Or much harder? Thank you. I am also an RN from the Philippines.

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Specializes in ER.

hello!

can i ask about your recent CGFNS exam experience? were the questions similar to that practice questions from Saunders? I have my incoming exam this July 2013

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Hi! I am currently living in milwaukee wisconsin and still waiting for my application for my cgfns. I would like to ask if what should i expect in the cgfns exam? Are the questions more like nlcex questions? Or much harder? Thank you. I am also an RN from the Philippines.[/quote']

Hello. Passed my CGFNS exam last feb and scored 497. I would say that the exam is more on knowledge and content area, fundamentals too. I took the NCLEX 2 days ago and the test format is nowhere near the same. CGFNS is a lot easier. You have to score 411 to pass. I used Saunders Q and A as I reviewed. I admit, the first time I took it, I was never religious in studying. The second time I did and fortunately passed, I used Saunders all the way. Esp with disease processes for content. I had a number of drugs too which were new. Good luck!!!

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hello!

can i ask about your recent CGFNS exam experience? were the questions similar to that practice questions from Saunders? I have my incoming exam this July 2013

Yea the questions are a bit similar in terms of presentation. It was more on fundamentals and basic knowledge and recall. It wasn't hard enough that it had me thinking over my feet, but i would say review all areas, some you might recall but not as vivid as trying togo through every content area and that's where Saunders had helped me. God bless and good luck!

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Specializes in ER.
Yea the questions are a bit similar in terms of presentation. It was more on fundamentals and basic knowledge and recall. It wasn't hard enough that it had me thinking over my feet, but i would say review all areas, some you might recall but not as vivid as trying togo through every content area and that's where Saunders had helped me. God bless and good luck!

@jumerjumper - Thanks and congrats to you! Just now I read your reply.. Thank Goodness I too, passed the exam. yey!:yes:

i remember there were 30 questions that I honestly didn't know the answers and upto now I'm trying to find, but without luck. Well I better move on and leave it for a while. My question is how long now before they will mail the CP certificate? I passed my IELSTS dec '12, and right now in my status it says POST CP REVIEW.

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Hi! Do I need to take ielts even if my petition type is spousal visa. I am an RN in Philippines too. I am reviewing now for ielts general module. I do not know what is kentucky's band score though. Ill be living in kentucky 6-7 months from now and will take cgfns if the state requires me to take it. Do you guys have any idea? If this question of mine will be answered I will be grateful coz this bothers me everytime. Thank you so much and God bless us all!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi! Do I need to take ielts even if my petition type is spousal visa. I am an RN in Philippines too. I am reviewing now for ielts general module. I do not know what is kentucky's band score though. Ill be living in kentucky 6-7 months from now and will take cgfns if the state requires me to take it. Do you guys have any idea? If this question of mine will be answered I will be grateful coz this bothers me everytime. Thank you so much and God bless us all!

English if required by the state has to be met regardless on how you received your immigration visa

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