Useful Links

CGFNS: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools

CGFNS: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is an immigration-neutral, nonprofit organization and an authority on credentials evaluation pertaining to the education, registration, and licensure of nurses and other healthcare professionals. In order to transfer most nursing education and nursing license credentials from other countries, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requires a credential evaluation report from CGFNS. Visit: http://www.cgfns.org/.

NCSBN: National Council for State Boards of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose membership comprises the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five United States territories—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Visit: https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm.

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

This is official site for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.  This site contains information for nurses in Massachusetts on topics including: Licensing, Nursing Education Nursing Practice, Complaint Resolution, Nursing Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP), Alerts, and Newsletters.  There are additionally links to applications and forms as well as detailed information regarding the statutes, rules and regulations affecting nursing in Massachusetts. Visit: https://www.mass.gov/dph/boards/rn.

PCS: Professional Credential Services Inc.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing has contracted with PCS, Nashville, TN, for the provision of credentials evaluation services. These services will include all activities related to the dissemination of forms and the evaluation of any application for: Board authorization to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Board certification of graduation from an approved nursing education program located outside the United States in conjunction with the graduate’s application for initial nurse licensure by examination (NCLEX™), Initial nurse licensure by examination (NCLEX™), and Initial nurse licensure by reciprocity. Visit: https://www.pcshq.com.

TOEFL/IELTS

TOEFL: Test of English as a Second Language

Nurses educated outside the United States in a language other than English are required by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the Massachusetts licensure process. Currently the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing accepts Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores to demonstrate this proficiency.

TOEFL: This is the official website for the TOEFL test. Currently the TOEFL iBT is the most commonly offered TOEFL test. The TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Visit: http://www.ets.org/toefl.

The Language Institute provides a TOEFL Preparation course (TFL-101E) that features up-to-date, realistic practice tests and cooperative learning strategies designed to familiarize students with the test format and develop test-taking strategies that improve their scores. A strong academic English background is recommended. The course curriculum is based on the TOEFL iBT® (internet-based test). See

 

IELTS: This is the official IELTS website. IELTS tests all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. IELTS is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules. The Massachusetts Board of Nursing will accept either test format. Visit: https://ielts.org.

NCLEX

Under the guidance of its membership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops and administers the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This examination is used by all U.S. state and territorial Boards of Nursing to test entry-level nursing competence of candidates for licensure as Registered Nurses. The NCLEX examination is provided exclusively as computerized adaptive tests.

Pearson Vue: This is the organization authorized to offer the NCLEX exam. Information regarding registering for the NCLEX exam and the NCLEX candidate bulletin can be found on their website. Visit: https://www.vue.com/nclex.