🩺 Connecticut RN Licensure (NCLEX) Process for Internationally Educated Nurses – Full Guide

Author: Shincy George | Nursing Manthra

If you’re a nurse educated outside the United States or its territories and aiming to become a Registered Nurse in the U.S., Connecticut is a favorable state for licensure. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing provides a clear pathway for internationally educated nurses (IENs) through the NCLEX-RN exam and credential evaluation process.

In this blog, I, Shincy George from Nursing Manthra, will explain each step to help you apply for RN licensure in Connecticut in 2025.

✅ Who Should Apply?

You’re eligible for RN licensure in Connecticut if you:

• Graduated from a foreign nursing school equivalent to U.S. RN education.
• Hold a valid RN license in your country.
• Can demonstrate English proficiency (if applicable).
• Are ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

📋 Step-by-Step Process for Connecticut RN License by Examination (IEN)

1️⃣ Submit Application to Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)

• Go to: CT eLicense Portal

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/registered-nurse/rn-licensure-by-examination

• Select “Registered Nurse – Examination”
• Complete the application form online.
• Pay the required fee ($180 USD, non-refundable).

2️⃣ Request Credential Evaluation Report (via CGFNS)

Connecticut requires an Educational Credentials Evaluation Report from:
✅ CGFNS International – CES Professional Report
🔗 www.cgfns.org

Steps:

• Create a CGFNS account.
• Choose CES Professional Report (Course-by-Course).
• Submit your nursing school transcripts, license verification, and other documents.
• CGFNS sends your report directly to Connecticut DPH.

📌 Note: Connecticut does not accept other credentialing services like Josef Silny or WES.

3️⃣ English Language Proficiency

You must prove your English language ability unless you were educated in:

• U.S.
• Canada (except Quebec)
• U.K.
• Ireland
• Australia
• New Zealand

✅ Accepted Tests:

📎 Send results directly to CGFNS so they include it in the CES report.

4️⃣ Register for the NCLEX-RN

After your application is reviewed and approved by DPH:

• You’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT).
• Then, register at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
• Pay the exam fee ($200 USD).
• Schedule your NCLEX test.

📝 Important: Do not register for NCLEX until Connecticut DPH has received and approved your CES report.

5️⃣ Criminal Background Check (CT State + FBI)

All applicants must:

• Undergo a fingerprint-based background check.
• Instructions will be sent after application submission.
• Background check must be completed and cleared before license issuance.

🔗 More info: CT DPH Criminal Background Check

📌 Quick Checklist for IENs – CT RN License

💬 Key Tips from Shincy George, Nursing Manthra

• Connecticut is one of the few states that allows applicants to begin without an SSN—a great option for IENs awaiting work visas.
• Make sure your CGFNS CES report is complete, including English scores.
• Your NCLEX Authorization to Test (ATT) will only be issued after all documents are reviewed.
• We at Nursing Manthra can help you with CGFNS submission, document preparation, and NCLEX coaching.

📲 Need assistance? Contact us at www.nursingmanthra.com