License Process for foreign nurse

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Nov 28, 2011

Just wondering if you called Virginia BON because their website does not specifically identify what their requirements are for you as a foreign trained nurse but they are asking you to call them at (804) 367-4555 for assistance. If you intend to practice in Virginia, I would ask the board what the requirements are for endorsement if you do plan on getting a license in another state first (one that does not require TOEFL of CGFNS). Chances are, Virginia will still ask you to comply with their requirements (which can include TOEFL and CGFNS) even if you are endorsing a license from another state because of your training in a foreign country. So in the end, you really didn't save time and effort by attempting to skip Virginia's requirements. If you are willing to move, states like California does not require TOEFL or CGFNS but has a very rigorous process of transcript verification that can take a long time.

sunnywinter · Nov 28, 2011

Thank you so much for your help. Virginia Board of Nursing says that they require TOEFL only but not CGFNS. So, can I take TOEFL exam after submitting all the forms to CGFNS or I must take prior to this. Where can I get learning materials for TOEFL. Please help.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Nov 28, 2011

Thank you so much for your help. Virginia Board of Nursing says that they require TOEFL only but not CGFNS. So, can I take TOEFL exam after submitting all the forms to CGFNS or I must take prior to this. Where can I get learning materials for TOEFL. Please help.

I'm confused...if they said you don't need CGFNS, why would you have to submit any forms to CGFNS?

There's no review materials for TOEFL that I know of though I personally didn't bother seeking review materials for this test. I took the TOEFL by scheduling my test date and showing up for the test and hoping that my English is good enough to pass and I did well on the test. You can schedule the test by going online on the TOEFL website. The test evaluates your ability to read, listen to, speak, and write in the English language (with the caveat that English is your second language as it is not a test for native English speakers). The test is mutliple choice except for the writing section where you actually compose an essay (on a random topic or a matter of personal opinion, if I remember it right). If you feel you need some help in English, you may want to look into ESL classes that are usually offered in your community for a low fee. Otherwise, just take the plunge and write the exam.

http://www.ets.org/toefl

Mrs_Orangutan · Nov 30, 2011

Please correct if I'm wrong but California does require TOEFL.

You may use google, youtube or your local library or book store to obtain study material for TOEFL.

Good luck!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Nov 30, 2011

Please correct if I'm wrong but California does require TOEFL.

I have a California RN license and I have a BSN from the Philippines. I wasn't required to submit proof of passing the TOEFL. I checked the CA BRN website just now and it didn't say they require it for International applicants but things change so best to check directly with the BRN.

I took the TOEFL as part of requirements to be admitted to graduate school here in the US (I ended up doing an MSN here). I took another English test prior to that (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery or MELAB) as a requirement for Visa Screen when I was applying for a Green Card in 1998.

Mrs_Orangutan · Nov 30, 2011

Oh maybe you studied in English in the Philippines?

I did my Bachelors in a foreign language so that is why CABON required TOEFL from me.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 30, 2011

I thought it was just if applying for a interim permit that you had to pass English exam

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Nov 30, 2011

Oh maybe you studied in English in the Philippines?

Well, not to be off topic but the English language issue as it pertains to the Philippines is a subject of debate. English is used as the language of instruction at the college level in universities in the Philippines. Textbooks are in English, even the ones that are published by Filipino authors with the exception of textbooks on courses (or subjects) that teach Pilipino (the national language) and Philippine History. However, English is still a second laguage for Filipinos and the people of that country have varying levels of English proficiency. Most state BON's require nurses who train in the Philippines to obtain a passing score in standardized English tests. I'm fine with it and as you might have already noticed, I like to take tests anyway.

Mrs_Orangutan · Nov 30, 2011

Thanks for educating me about the nursing education in the Philippines as I was not very familiar with it before. I personally think having everything (textbooks, lectures) in English of course prepares students better to work abroad. Maybe I should've chosen English degree instead of having it in my native. I would definitely be more fluent in English. Well it's never too late to practice more..

mikopot · Jan 11, 2012

Hi where in va are you located at? I'm from va too I finished my bsn in the philippines.trying to take nclex here I'm still in process of application my Cgfns took a almost A year to be processed and now I still need to pass the toefl test I took it twice their total passing score requires 83 I just got 72 and for the speaking section I got 22 the required score is 26 so I'm losing hope how could I pass the toefl I'm trying to find a way where i could take nclex without the toefl..

Jayzen · Mar 18, 2013

Hi where in va are you located at? I'm from va too I finished my bsn in the philippines.trying to take nclex here I'm still in process of application my Cgfns took a almost A year to be processed and now I still need to pass the toefl test I took it twice their total passing score requires 83 I just got 72 and for the speaking section I got 22 the required score is 26 so I'm losing hope how could I pass the toefl I'm trying to find a way where i could take nclex without the toefl..

Im from Va too.. Im about to process my toefl too since sadly they require me to have it...Im not sure where yet where to start. If you dont mind, I wanna get a hold of you and maybe we can share some ideas and maybe help each other to pass toefl. I will be looking forward to hear from you :)