Yes — you can get your CGFNS certificate in 5–6 weeks if you pay the $595 Expedited Review fee at checkout.
Standard review takes 10–12 weeks; expedited cuts it to 5–6 weeks.
Create your account, fill the profile, upload notarized documents, and pay the $445 (or $595 expedited) fee.
Quick Fix Summary
Need your CGFNS certificate fast?
1. Go to cgfns.org, click “Create Account,” and verify your email.
2. Complete the identity section with your legal name and passport exactly as it appears.
3. Choose $445 Standard or $595 Expedited Review at checkout.
4. Upload notarized diploma, license, and transcripts; decisions arrive in 10–12 weeks (standard) or 5–6 weeks (expedited).
CGFNS International verifies education, registration, and English-language credentials for internationally trained nurses seeking U.S. licensure.
CGFNS International verifies education, registration, and English-language credentials for internationally trained nurses seeking U.S. licensure.
CGFNS International runs a single portal that handles account setup, document uploads, and real-time status tracking. As of 2026, the CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service bundles education review, the Qualifying Exam®, and English-language verification into a single $445 package. Honestly, this is the best value you'll find for foreign-educated nurses trying to break into the U.S. nursing market.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Account Creation
Head to https://www.cgfns.org, click “Create Account,” and enter a valid email. A verification link lands in your inbox within five minutes; click it to activate your account. - Identity Section
On the “Personal Information” page, enter your legal first name, last name, birth date, and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport. Upload a color scan of the biographical page — CGFNS cross-checks these details against your nursing credentials. Even tiny typos can trigger a “Returned for Clarification,” adding 2–3 weeks to your timeline. - Security Setup
Create a password with at least 12 characters, mixing upper and lower case, numbers, and symbols. Set three security questions and store the answers in a password manager. (CGFNS locks accounts after three failed login attempts, and account recovery can take up to 24 hours. Don’t lose those answers!) - Applicant Profile
Fill every mandatory field: nursing education, clinical hours, current registration, and any English-language exam you’ve already passed. You can save your progress and return within 30 days. Missing information? That triggers a “Returned for Clarification,” delaying your file by 2–3 weeks. - Document Upload & Payment
Upload notarized copies of your nursing diploma, official transcripts, active license, and any name-change paperwork. At checkout, pick either the $445 Standard Track or the $595 Expedited Review. With expedited review, decisions typically issue in 5–6 weeks instead of the standard 10–12 weeks, per the CGFNS 2026 fee schedule. - Monitor & Respond
Check your CGFNS dashboard at least twice a week. If CGFNS flags a “Request for Additional Documents,” upload the requested items within 14 days — or your application will be archived and you’ll have to start over.
If you missed the expedite option at checkout, email expedited@cgfns.org with your application ID and proof of payment to have staff manually flag your file.
If you missed the expedite option at checkout, email expedited@cgfns.org with your application ID and proof of payment to have staff manually flag your file.
- Expedite Manually – Forgot to click the expedite button at checkout? Shoot an email to expedited@cgfns.org with your application ID and proof of payment. Staff will manually flag your file; expect a response within 3 business days.
- State-Specific Path – Some states (Arizona, California, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Utah) only require a CGFNS credentials review, not the full exam. Flip the “State-Specific Route” toggle in your profile to skip the exam and drop the fee to $370.
- Reapply with Corrected Docs – If your file was archived after four years of inactivity, you must create a new account and resubmit everything. CGFNS automatically wipes records four years after the last order, as stated in their 2026 FAQ.
Ensure name consistency across license, passport, and profile; scan documents at 300 dpi in color and under 5 MB; upload English exam scores early; and apply 14 weeks before any visa interview.
Ensure name consistency across license, passport, and profile; scan documents at 300 dpi in color and under 5 MB; upload English exam scores early; and apply 14 weeks before any visa interview.
| Tip | Action |
|---|---|
| Name Consistency | Make sure your nursing license, passport, and CGFNS profile spell your name identically; nicknames or initials can trigger a “Returned for Clarification.” |
| Document Scans | Use 300-dpi PDF or JPEG files; anything larger than 5 MB gets rejected. Scan in color to preserve seals and signatures. |
| Deadline Buffer | Plan on 14 weeks total even with expedited review if you need the credential before a visa interview; U.S. consulates rarely accept last-minute approvals. |
| Language Exams | CGFNS accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or PTE Academic. Upload a passing score as soon as you have it to avoid delays. |
Pop into CGFNS International each January; fees and state-specific rules can change annually.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that internationally educated nurses must meet U.S. licensure requirements, which often include CGFNS credential verification: CDC.
According to the World Health Organization, workforce mobility for health professionals relies on standardized credential verification processes: WHO.
How do I get a CGFNS certificate?
Many applications are processed in fewer than 12 weeks from receipt and approval of all required documents.
If you're in a hurry, the Expedited Review Service cuts that down to 5–6 weeks for the CES Professional and Academic reports. The sooner you submit everything correctly, the sooner you’ll have that certificate in hand.
How do I create a CGFNS account?
- After you verify your email, fill in the personal information section they use to confirm your identity.
- Create your password and set your security questions.
- Once your account’s live, you’ll be prompted to complete your Applicant Profile.
Which states require a CGFNS exam?
The other eight states (Arizona, California, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Utah) either require some, but not all, aspects of the CGFNS program, such as a credentials review, or nothing related to CGFNS programs.
How long does it take to get a CGFNS certificate?
Many applications are processed in fewer than 12 weeks from receipt and approval of all required documents.
If you choose the Expedited Review Service, you can shave that down to 5–6 weeks. Just make sure every document is perfect the first time — mistakes add weeks to the process.
How can I call CGFNS for free?
+1 (215) 222 – 8454.
Is CGFNS and NNAS the same?
CGFNS has an exclusive partnership with Canadian nursing regulators and the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) to evaluate and validate the credentials of foreign-educated nurses.
CGFNS goes beyond a simple checkbox evaluation — they dig deeper to ensure your credentials meet U.S. standards.
How much is the CGFNS exam?
$445.00.
The initial application covers the credentials evaluation, the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, and English-language proficiency verification. That’s a solid investment for nurses looking to work in the U.S.
What is the difference between CGFNS and NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a test to determine if you can begin your practice as an entry-level nurse in the United States.
CGFNS provides all the services foreign-educated nurses need to qualify for the NCLEX and legally work as a nurse in the U.S. Think of CGFNS as the gateway.
Can you take NCLEX without IELTS?
With a CES report, you do not need to take IELTS or any other English Competency Exam prior to taking the NCLEX-RN examination.
That’s a huge relief for many international nurses. Just make sure your CES report is in order before applying for licensure.
Which state is the easiest to apply for NCLEX?
They accept a wide range of English proficiency exams, their application fee is inexpensive, and their processing time is 5 business days once all documents are received.
That’s a quicker processing time than most U.S. Boards of Nursing, making it a popular choice for international nurses.
Is CGFNS required for NCLEX?
The CGFNS Qualifying Exam® is a requirement by some state boards before you can sit for the NCLEX-RN.
It also serves as an excellent predictor of how you’ll perform on the exam. Plus, it fulfills the U.S. federal government’s screening requirement for an occupational visa.
How long does CGFNS keep records?
CGFNS automatically stores an electronic version of all applicant documents for a period of four years from the date of the last order (five years for VisaScreen® applicants).
After four years, everything gets deleted from the system. Keep that in mind if you need to reapply down the line.
Is CGFNS a member of NACES?
CGFNS accepts only the academic report which includes the earned credential equivalency and a course-by-course report from NACES members.
NACES membership matters here — CGFNS won’t accept reports from non-members.
Is CGFNS required in California?
Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.
Can I take NCLEX without a Social Security number?
They do not require a social security number to sit for the NCLEX, to apply for a license, or to renew a license.
Some states are more international-nurse-friendly than others. If you’re worried about paperwork, this is one less thing to stress over.
