🩺 Lowa Board of Nursing (USA) Licensure Application Process for Internationally Educated Nurses – 2025 Guide

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

🔗 www.cgfns.org

🛑 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:

1. Request a fingerprinting packet from IBON
2. 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

📋 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.