The difference between the NCLEX and CGFNS exams

Each year, thousands of nurses move to the United States for its excellent quality of life and abundant career opportunities. However, high working standards bring strict entry requirements. This is tested through the NCLEX and CGFNS exams which assess nurses’ ability to carry out their role. Both of these tests are part of the qualifying criteria that helps nurses gain their nursing licensure in the U.S.

This article will explain the difference between the NCLEX and the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, what happens after each of these exams, how you can adequately prepare for them and how Espirita can help you apply for them.

Here, you will find sections on:

• What is the NCLEX exam?
• What is the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®?
• What are the main differences between the NCLEX and CGFNS exams?
• What happens after the NCLEX exam?
• What happens after the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®?
• How Espirita can help you prepare for the CGFNS or NCLEX
• Find your perfect nursing role in the U.S. with Espirita

What is the NCLEX exam?

The National Council Licensure Examination, more commonly known as the NCLEX, is a standardised exam nurses must pass to become licensed to practice in the United States and Canada. The NCLEX upholds the professional standards of nursing, including practice, patient safety and improved patient outcomes. It is a computerised exam, administered by Pearson Vue, and is completed at testing centres across the world.

The NCLEX test format

The exam uses real-world case studies to measure a nurse’s ability to think critically and make the right decisions for their patients. There are two types of NCLEX exams: the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses.

Your test will include between 75 and 145 questions (with 15 questions being unscored), giving you up to five hours to complete it. The structure of the exam will vary depending on whether you take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.

NCLEX exam eligibility

Eligibility to practice as a nurse in the U.S. varies by state. Internationally educated nurses may need to meet additional criteria before taking the NCLEX exam. As with any test or assessment, it is important to familiarise yourself with the exam and to go over practice questions to prepare.

The cost of the registration to take the NCLEX is $200 in the U.S., with an additional fee of $150 for scheduling international exams. This can be paid when booking the exam or at the test centre via debit or credit card. To complete registration, you must have valid identification, which you will need to bring with you when you take the exam.

What is the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®?

The CGFNS or Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools exam helps to assess the eligibility of nurses to take the NCLEX-RN. Some State Boards of Nursing in the USA require you to pass the CGFNS Qualifying Exam® to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

The CGFNS Qualifying Exam® may also be used in your VisaScreen® verification to aid your visa application to the U.S.

CGFNS exam format

Knowing the format of the exam can help you prepare better and understanding the topics will make the process of passing a bit easier.

Format:

• The exam is computerised and taken at a Kryerion testing centres.
• The exam consists of 260 multiple-choice items (150 scored questions alongside 15 unscored pretest questions).
• The exam needs to be completed within four and a half hours.

The questions are divided into different categories to test nurses’ knowledge and ability across all areas.

CGFNS eligibility

The application fee for the certification programme is $495 USD and the successful completion of the Certification Program results in a CGFNS Certificate that is valid for life. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact the relevant nursing body you’re applying to register with for advice.

What are the main differences between the NCLEX and CGFNS exams?

The CGFNS Qualifying Exam® vs NCLEX are distinct, yet both assist international nurses in obtaining their licensure in the United States. All nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN to get their licence with their preferred state board of nursing. And some states need nurses to pass their CGFNS qualifying exam to be eligible to take the NCLEX exam.

The CGFNS Qualifying Exam® is aimed at first-level, general nurses who have completed a registered nursing programme outside of the U.S. The CGFNS certification programme not only assesses nurses’ abilities through the qualifying exam, but they also test their English language proficiency and evaluate their credentials.

Whereas the NCLEX is just an exam that nurses must take to obtain licensure in the U.S. All internationally educated nurses (and all domestically taught nursing graduates) must pass the NCLEX to practice as a registered nurse.

What happens after the NCLEX exam?

After you take your NCLEX exam, you will need to wait up to six weeks to receive your results from the nursing regulatory body (NRB). Once you have passed the NCLEX exam, your certification will last for life and will never expire. Meaning that you won’t be held back if your nursing registration takes longer than you planned. You can read more about what to do next after passing the NCLEX exam in our guide.

When you have passed your NCLEX exam, you must apply for licensure with the board of nursing in the state you wish to work in. You should do this through the state board of nursing’s website or portal. It’s important to note that state board of nursing licences do expire and must be renewed periodically, typically every two to five years. This renewal process often involves meeting continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee.

If you fail the NCLEX, it’s important to note that you can retake it up to eight times a year. Although, you must wait 45 days to receive another appointment to schedule it after your last attempt. For detailed steps and guidance on what to do next, check out our comprehensive guide on retaking the NCLEX exam.

What happens after the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®?

Passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam® is a crucial step in the application process for nurses who are moving to the U.S. As part of the CGFNS Certification Program, you will need to wait 16 weeks for your documentation and your exam score to be reviewed. Once this has been assessed and you have gained certification, this does not have an expiry date and can be used at any time during your application to register as a nurse in the U.S.

You must send your certificate to the relevant state board you want to register with to take the NCLEX.

However, if you fail your CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, you will need to wait for the next available test date. CGFNS exams are offered four times a year during five-day test windows and nurses can take the exam as many times as they need. Each time you take the test, you will need to reapply, which includes submitting a new application and paying the registration fee.

Alternatives to the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®

Because the CGFNS Qualifying Exam® isn’t required by most states for nurses applying for licensure, there are other routes they must take as part of the licence application process. Many states require nurses to get a CGFNS Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report instead. This can be done through CGFNS or through another board approved service provider.

Look at the U.S. states that don’t require CGFNS certification as part of the licence application process to see what the criteria for each state is. Alternatively, contact the state board of nursing you’re applying to for detailed information on their licensure requirements.

Additionally, if you need to provide a CGFNS CES report instead of completing the CGFNS certification programme as part of your licensure process, you will still need to prove that you have passed an English proficiency test if your nursing course wasn’t taught in English.

How Espirita can help you prepare for your CGFNS or NCLEX exams

If you’re wanting to move to the U.S. and are nervous about going through the licensure process, Espirita has a team of relocation experts who will help you through every stage. Contact us today, and one of our team members will get in touch and provide information, for example, where to find practice exam providers.

Find your perfect nursing role in the U.S. with Espirita

Espirita is your one stop shop for everything nursing-related when it comes to moving to the U.S. Our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way. From applying to your next role, all the way through to your first day on the job. Register with us to receive exclusive relocation insights and job opportunities.