Lowa Board of Nursing (USA) Licensure Application Process for Internationally Educated Nurses:

Author: Shincy George | NursingManthra Last updated on: 11/03/2026

The Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) regulates nursing practice in the state of Iowa, United States. Internationally educated nurses who want to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Iowa must complete a specific licensure process.

The Iowa nursing license process for international nurses includes credential evaluation through CGFNS, English language proficiency testing, background checks, and passing the NCLEX examination.

Iowa is considered one of the accessible states for internationally educated nurses because the application process is straightforward and clearly defined by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

In this guide by Nursing Manthra, we explain the complete step-by-step Iowa RN licensure process, required documents, application fees, and important tips for foreign-educated nurses planning to start their nursing career in the United States.

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

Processing Time for Iowa Nursing License

The processing time for an Iowa RN license for internationally educated nurses depends on document submission and credential evaluation. On average:

• CGFNS CES evaluation: 6–8 weeks
• Application review by Iowa Board of Nursing: 2–4 weeks
• Authorization to Test (ATT): 1–2 weeks
• License issuance after passing NCLEX: within a few days

Submitting complete documents helps avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

💬 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.