Idaho Board of Nursing Licensure Guide for International Nurses

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Author: Shincy George | Nursing Manthra

Are you an internationally educated nurse aiming to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Idaho, USA?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the Idaho Board of Nursing licensure process.

✅ Step 1: Credential Evaluation through CGFNS CES

The Idaho Board of Nursing requires all internationally educated nurses to have their educational and licensure credentials evaluated by:

👉 CGFNS – Credentials Evaluation Service (CES)
You must apply for the CES Professional Report. Application fee around 470 USD.

Required documents for CES:

Nursing diploma/degree
Official nursing school transcripts
Proof of licensure (from your home country)
English translation (if applicable)

📝 Important: Select “Idaho Board of Nursing” as the recipient of the CES report in the CGFNS portal.

🔗 CGFNS website: www.cgfns.org

✅ Step 2: English Language Proficiency (if required)

If your nursing program was not taught in English, you will be required to provide one of the following test scores:

IELTS Academic (minimum score: overall 6.5, no section below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 84)
OET (minimum score: B in all modules)

Note: If CGFNS verifies that your nursing education was conducted in English, this step may be waived.

✅ Step 3: Apply to the Idaho Board of Nursing

Once your CES report is submitted to the board, you can proceed to apply for licensure.

📝 Apply through the Idaho Board of Nursing online portal: Fee: 99 USD.

🔗 Application portal: https://ibn.idaho.gov

You will need to:

Create an account
Complete the Application for Licensure by Examination
Upload supporting documents (passport, CGFNS receipt, etc.)
Pay the application fee (approx. $ 99)
Submit your Social Security Number (SSN) – if you don’t have one, contact the Board
Application validity -1 year
Application submission review check within 1 week

✅ Step 4: Criminal Background Check (Fingerprinting)

After applying, you must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

📌 Steps:

Request a fingerprint card from the Idaho Board of Nursing
Complete fingerprinting at a local police station
Send the fingerprint card to the designated address listed by the board
Pay the processing fee (approx. $50)

✅ Step 5: Register for the NCLEX-RN/LPN Exam

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE.

🧪 Register for the NCLEX at:
🔗 https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

NCSBN booking fee-220USD

📝 NCLEX Exam Fee: $178 USD
💡 Tip: Schedule the test at a convenient international testing center (if outside the U.S.)

✅ Step 6: Pass the NCLEX Exam

You must pass the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses) or NCLEX-PN (for practical nurses). Results will be sent to the Idaho Board of Nursing. you will get exam result within 5 working days from BON.

✅ Step 7: License Issuance

After passing the NCLEX and background check, the Idaho Board of Nursing will issue your RN or LPN license.

🎉 You will be able to verify your license via the NURSYS portal:
🔗 www.nursys.com

📌 Summary Checklist for IENs – Idaho RN/LPN License

Step	Action
1	Apply for CGFNS CES Professional Report
2	Submit English language scores (if needed)
3	Apply to Idaho BON via online portal
4	Complete fingerprint-based background check
5	Register for NCLEX with Pearson VUE
6	Pass NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
7	Receive your Idaho RN/LPN license