Author: Shincy George | NursingManthra
Are you an internationally educated nurse aspiring to work in Indiana, USA? The Indiana Board of Nursing follows clear and structured steps to ensure that foreign-trained nurses meet U.S. standards for nursing licensure. In this blog post, we will walk you through the 2025 step-by-step licensure process for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) applying from outside the United States.
✅ Why Choose Indiana?
Indiana offers:
- A growing demand for nurses
- Affordable living
- Competitive salary opportunities
- A nurse-friendly healthcare system
Let’s explore how to apply for licensure in Indiana if you completed your nursing education outside the U.S..
📌 Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Indiana Nursing License as an IEN (Internationally Educated Nurse)
✅ Step 1: Obtain a CGFNS CES Report
The Indiana State Board of Nursing requires you to submit a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report through CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools).
📄 Required Documents:
- Nursing degree/diploma
- Academic transcripts
- License verification from your country
- English translation of documents (if applicable)
🎯 Important: When applying for CGFNS CES, select Indiana Board of Nursing as the recipient.
🔗 Apply here: www.cgfns.org
✅ Step 2: Pass an English Language Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
If your nursing program was not taught in English, Indiana requires proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score 84
- IELTS Academic: overall band score 6.5 (no section below 6.0)
- OET: minimum Grade B in all modules
This requirement may be waived if CGFNS verifies that your education was in English.
✅ Step 3: Apply to the Indiana State Board of Nursing
After CGFNS submits your CES report to the board, you must complete the licensure application.
📥 How to Apply:
- Visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) website
- Create a login and complete the RN or LPN application
- Pay the non-refundable application fee (approx. $50–$70)
- Upload ID proof and supporting documents
- Submit your Social Security Number (SSN) If you do not have an SSN, request a waiver using the SSN Affidavit form available on the IPLA website.
🔗 IPLA portal: https://www.in.gov/pla
✅ Step 4: Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC)
Once your application is accepted, you will be instructed to complete a state and federal criminal background check using IdentoGO.
Steps:
- Schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO
- Use the Board-specific service code provided in your confirmation email
- Attend your fingerprinting appointment
- Pay the fingerprinting fee
🔗 IdentoGO: https://www.identogo.com
✅ Step 5: Register for the NCLEX Examination
After the board reviews your CES and background check, they will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT).
You must:
- Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
- Pay the NCLEX exam fee: $178
- NCSBN fee-200USD
- Schedule the exam at a convenient international or U.S. testing center
🔗 NCLEX registration: www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
✅ Step 6: Pass the NCLEX and Receive Your License
Once you pass the NCLEX exam, your results will be sent to the Indiana Board of Nursing, and you will be issued your nursing license.
You can verify your license online using NURSYS:
🔗 www.nursys.com
📊 Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Apply for CGFNS CES Report |
| Step 2 | Take English test (if needed) |
| Step 3 | Submit Indiana BON application |
| Step 4 | Complete criminal background check |
| Step 5 | Register for and take the NCLEX |
| Step 6 | Receive your RN/LPN license |
📝 Documents Checklist
✅ Passport copy
✅ CGFNS CES report
✅ Transcripts and degree certificate
✅ Nursing license from home country
✅ English proficiency score (if applicable)
✅ Completed BON application form
✅ Fingerprinting appointment confirmation
✅ NCLEX registration proof
📞 Indiana State Board of Nursing Contact Info
- 🌐 Website: https://www.in.gov/pla
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- ☎️ Phone: +1 (317) 234-2043
- Address: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, 402 W. Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
The path to becoming a nurse in the U.S. may seem complicated, but with proper planning and guidance, it is 100% achievable. The Indiana Board of Nursing provides a fair and structured system for internationally educated nurses to get licensed.
At NursingManthra, we assist nurses through every step—from CGFNS to NCLEX and licensure documentation.
📲 Visit www.nursingmanthra.com or contact us via WhatsApp for one-on-one assistance.
Stay motivated. Stay prepared. Your nursing journey starts here!
