US Citizen, but required to take CGFNS to endorse.

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Hello, allnurses.com,

Here's the gist of my predicament. I am an American citizen and I hold a California RN License (meaning I passed the NCLEX-RN). However, I have a Bachelor's Degree of Nursing from the Philippines.

I haven't taken the local (Philippines) nursing exam because American citizens aren't allowed to take it. I tried to endorse my California license to Hawaii, but California's BON said that my nursing program failed the credentials verification. That means, I have to take the CGFNS now.

I tried searching the official CGFNS site, but I couldn't find anything about citizenship's impact on the requirements. I searched around outside the site and finally found this link:

http://www.ezstaffing.com/nurse_intl_cgfns.html

Notice the question and answer of #12:

"Applicants applying to the Certification Program must hold a registration/license in their country before becoming eligible to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. The only time that this requirement is waived is when applicants are not permitted to sit for the licensing exam in their country of nursing education because they are not citizens."

I'm here now to ask all of you if that link I found is legit. Do I still need to have a local Philippine RN license to take the CGFNS despite me being an American citizen with a CA RN license?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As you have highlighted it is waivered generally if you cannot sit the exam in the country you trained in. Because you trained outside the US you generally will always be classed as foreign trained and be expected to meet state requirements even thought you are a USC

Should add have you read the CGFNS handbook?

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Yes, I actually found that line about a couple of hours ago in the handbook. However, I wanted to make it 100% sure by asking anyone here in the International Board who might've experienced the same thing or has more knowledge about it.

It's still a relief on my part to have someone confirm it for me. Thank you very much, Silverdragon102.

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Specializes in ICU.

Call CGFNS if you want to be 100% sure.

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Hello, i wish you could help me with my problem. i am a US citizen, and i graduated last march. i am planning to take my nclex exam here in hawaii. do i have to have Credentials Evaluation Report from CGFNS before i can register to take the nclex rn? my sister took her nclex exam on 2004 without the CES report.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hello, i wish you could help me with my problem. i am a US citizen, and i graduated last march. i am planning to take my nclex exam here in hawaii. do i have to have Credentials Evaluation Report from CGFNS before i can register to take the nclex rn? my sister took her nclex exam on 2004 without the CES report.

Depends whether you trained inside or outside the US

If you trained outside the us then you are generally expected to meet requirements for foreign trained which may involve CES from CGFNS

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I forgot to tell that I graduated a 4year BSN course in the Philippines.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I forgot to tell that I graduated a 4year BSN course in the Philippines.

Then you have to meet state requirement for foreign trained nurse, eligibility to sit NCLEX will not be given until requirements are met

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