Author: Shincy George | NursingManthra
Are you a nurse trained outside the U.S. and planning to work in Iowa as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? This blog gives you a step-by-step breakdown of the official licensure by examination process for foreign-educated nurses, as outlined by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON).
✅ Eligibility Checklist for Foreign-Educated Nurses
To apply for licensure by examination in Iowa, you must meet the following criteria:
- ✅ Hold licensure/registration as a nurse in your country of education, current residence, or country of origin
- ✅ Legal presence in the U.S. (such as a Social Security Number, visa, or green card)
- ✅ Submit one of the following directly from CGFNS:
- CES Professional Report
- CGFNS Certification Program certificate
- VisaScreen certificate or verification letter
- ✅ Complete an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS), unless exempted
- ✅ Submit a completed online or paper application with required fee ($143)
- ✅ Provide two completed fingerprint cards and a signed criminal history waiver form
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
✅ Step 1: Credential Evaluation via CGFNS
You must request one of the following to be submitted directly from CGFNS to IBON:
- Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Report
- Certification Program (CP) certificate
- VisaScreen certificate or verification letter
🛑 Do not request your school to send transcripts to the Board—CGFNS handles that.
✅ Step 2: English Language Proficiency:
You must submit scores from:
- TOEFL (iBT)
- IELTS (Academic)
You are exempt if all the following apply:
- English is your native language
- You studied in Australia, UK, Canada (except Quebec), South Africa, Ireland, NZ, etc.
- Language of instruction and textbooks was English
✅ Step 3: Apply for Licensure by Examination
- Apply online at nursing.iowa.gov (with SSN)
- Or request a paper application by emailing:
[email protected]
Your application must include:
- Mailing address and physical residential address
- Fee of $143 (non-refundable; U.S. dollars only)
🕒 Applications must be completed within 12 months or they will be archived.
✅ Step 4: Submit Fingerprint Cards and Waiver
After submitting your application:
- Request a fingerprinting packet from IBON
- Submit:
- Two completed IBON-issued fingerprint cards
- Signed criminal background waiver form
- Any court records if you have a criminal history
📝 Deferred judgments, expunged, or sealed records must be reported. OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) convictions must also be disclosed.
✅ Step 5: Register for the NCLEX
- Register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
- Pay the $200 exam fee
- Use the exact same name, email, and address on both your NCLEX and IBON applications
✅ Step 6: Authorization to Test (ATT) & Exam
Once IBON receives all documentation and approves your application:
- You will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Schedule your NCLEX exam
- You must pass the NCLEX to qualify for licensure
🛑 If your ATT expires, both the NCLEX and Board applications must be re-submitted.
✅ Step 7: Issuance of License & Verification
- If you pass, your Iowa RN or LPN license certificate will be mailed to you
- You can verify your license status via NURSYS QuickConfirm
🔗 www.nursys.com
📌 Summary Table
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Apply for CGFNS CES or VisaScreen |
| Step 2 | Take TOEFL/IELTS if required |
| Step 3 | Apply to IBON and pay $143 |
| Step 4 | Submit fingerprint cards + waiver |
| Step 5 | Register for NCLEX at Pearson VUE |
| Step 6 | Take & pass the NCLEX exam |
| Step 7 | Receive your Iowa license & verify on NURSYS |
📋 Required Documents Checklist
- ✅ Passport copy
- ✅ CGFNS CES/VisaScreen certificate
- ✅ Nursing diploma & transcripts (via CGFNS)
- ✅ English test score (unless exempt)
- ✅ Fingerprint cards & waiver form
- ✅ Criminal record disclosure (if applicable)
- ✅ NCLEX registration
- ✅ Social Security Number or legal U.S. presence documents
📞 Contact Information – Iowa Board of Nursing
- 📧 Email:
[email protected] - ☎ Phone: +1 515-281-5535
- 🏢 Address:
Iowa Board of Nursing
6200 Park Ave, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50321 - 🌐 Website: nursing.iowa.gov
💬 Final Thoughts from Shincy George
The Iowa Board of Nursing provides a transparent and efficient process for internationally educated nurses. With the right steps and complete documentation, you can make your American nursing dream a reality.
💡 At NursingManthra, we offer:
- CGFNS guidance
- NCLEX preparation support
- Licensing documentation assistance
📲 Reach out to us at www.nursingmanthra.com or WhatsApp for personalized help.
