language tests for people overseas coming to U.S.

suzanne4, RN · Dec 15, 2005

There are a choice of two exams, either the TOEFL series or the IELTS series. TOEFL is US based, and the other is British.

I personally prefer the IELTS as you get to speak to a human for the speaking section, for the TSE, you speak to a machine and many have problems wiht passing because of that.

carolinapp · Dec 17, 2005

I am actually passing for this process of English tests. I have already done the TSE and OPI for the Board of Maryland. For experience I can tell you that the both tests are very tough, even tought I prefer the OPI because you can expresse yourself better, not only like a memorization but also you can interact with the interview. I almost passed in the OPI but just because of 9 pts I have failed. I think that these test centers want to make a lot of money with us and still procrastinating our process until some day you go behind to them and to say the truth for them. I am thinking to send a letter for the senator of MD, because I do not think that it is fair the way that they evaluate us. I would like to know if these English Test Centers have some Board and laws that they need to follow up and also the CGFNS. I have been passing for this whole process for more than one year, although they have been saying that they have a shortage of Nurses in U.S. I am beginning to loose my patience and I am thinking very serious to return to my country, because there I know that they will recognized my value as a dedicated Nurse for the society.Are no until where these Boards and evaluaters are thrustly.It's an absurd!!!!

suzanne4, RN · Dec 17, 2005

Sorry but these exams are required by US immigration. I still prefer the IELTS series over anything else. Actually for US immigration, you have a choice of the TOEFL series or the IELTS. Massachusetts and Maryland require the TSE and do not accept the IELTS. There are only a few states that have language requirements for licensure.

There are a set of requirements that must be met in order to pass the exam, and there are review centers for that, just as there is for the NCLEX and CGFNS exams.

Geena, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2005

I wrote TOEFL, which unfortunately lapsed. For the VisaScreen I wrote IELTS, academic band, which I found quite tough, especially in the essay section.Time pressure is horrid! I never did the TSE so I have no point of comparison in the test of spoken english. The speaking part in the IELTS was very pleasant; I was comfortable with the examiner and the subjects were just from ordinary life. Nothing out of the other spheres, which I was most afraid of!

carolinapp · Dec 28, 2005

Suzanne,

Can you tell me which states do not require English test before to take the NCLEX? I was wondering if I need to do this oral English test before to take the NCLEX or if I have the choice to do after I pass in the NCLEX. Because I am very tired of these English tests and I would like to be able to do the NCLEX and after that I could try again the English test again if it is really a requirement to work as a Nurse in U.S.

Thanks a lot for your advices!!!

Carol

kersti · Dec 28, 2005

I have also taken the IELTS test and thought it was really tough. The speaking part I found to be the easiest because the topics were nothing out of the ordinary and the interviewer was really nice. The writing and listening parts were much more difficult and definetely need lots of practicing beforehand. Good luck with whatever you choose. :mad:

suzanne4, RN · Dec 30, 2005

Suzanne,
Can you tell me which states do not require English test before to take the NCLEX? I was wondering if I need to do this oral English test before to take the NCLEX or if I have the choice to do after I pass in the NCLEX. Because I am very tired of these English tests and I would like to be able to do the NCLEX and after that I could try again the English test again if it is really a requirement to work as a Nurse in U.S.
Thanks a lot for your advices!!!
Carol

Most states do not actually have a language requirement, immigration has the requirement for all that are applying for their own green card. You can take the exams either before or after NCLEX for most states.

carolinapp · Dec 30, 2005

Suzanne,

Can you be more specificly? Because in Maryland the requirement is that for foreign Nurses can take the Nclex just after pass in the Oral English Test. After that I am going to receive an authorization letter, which is required to show in the day of the NCLEX exam. If you could tell me some state that you know which allows to take the NCLEX before to take the English test I will appreciate.

Thanks,

Happy New Year!!!!

Carol :idea:

suzanne4, RN · Dec 30, 2005

Almost every single state except for Maryland and Massachusetts. You got lucky and picked one of the two that has the requirement. All of the others do not. You can take your pick.

Must have done away with the requirement, as immigration requires it for the green card.

paolountalan26 · Sep 12, 2010

Hi guys, i need to ask something. Does MD BON still accepts TEOFL exam for endorsement. A friend of mine called the BON last week after he received his TOEFL scores and the BON told him that they're not accepting TOEFL anymore and that he needs to take another english exam such as OPI. In their website it says there that "a score of 26 is passing in the TOEFL IBT;" Does it mean that i can only have a score of 26 on the speaking part? I'm a little confused. I'm also planning to apply for MD endorsement and dont know which English exam to take. Hope someone could help me.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2010

Hi guys, i need to ask something. Does MD BON still accepts TEOFL exam for endorsement. A friend of mine called the BON last week after he received his TOEFL scores and the BON told him that they're not accepting TOEFL anymore and that he needs to take another english exam such as OPI. In their website it says there that "a score of 26 is passing in the TOEFL IBT;" Does it mean that i can only have a score of 26 on the speaking part? I'm a little confused. I'm also planning to apply for MD endorsement and dont know which English exam to take. Hope someone could help me.

Email the Maryland BON and find out. Or you can read up on their requirements what's required for international applicants. Good luck