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 |
📞 Contact Info – Idaho Board of Nursing
- 🌐 Website: https://ibn.idaho.gov
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- ☎️ Phone: +1 (208) 577-2476
- Address: 11351 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg 6, Boise, ID 83714, USA
💬 Final Tips from Shincy George
Getting licensed in Idaho as an internationally educated nurse is 100% possible with the right steps and guidance.
At NursingManthra, we support nurses through:
- CGFNS application assistance
- NCLEX study guidance
- Licensing document preparation
- Complete License application process
Visit www.nursingmanthra.com or WhatsApp us for personalized help-_971502515717
