Last updated on 10/03/2026:

Texas is one of the most popular states in the United States for internationally educated nurses. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) regulates the licensure process and requires applicants to complete credential evaluation, English proficiency verification, and the NCLEX-RN examination.

To become a registered nurse in Texas, USA, you must get license from Texas board of Nursing.

Texas Board of Nursing Website-https://www.bon.texas.gov/

Texas BON Email id-[email protected]

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TEXAS RN LICENSURE PROCESS:

⭐ Section 1 – Overview of Texas BON Nursing License

Texas Nursing License for International Nurses

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) regulates nursing licensure in Texas.

Internationally educated nurses must meet the Board’s requirements before they are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

The entire application process is completed through the Texas Nurse Portal.

⭐ Section 2 – Texas BON Portal Application

Step 1 – Apply Through the Texas Nurse Portal

International applicants must complete the NCLEX Application – International Graduates in the Texas Nurse Portal.

Portal link:

https://www.bon.texas.gov/texasnurseportal/index.html

⭐ Section 3 – Criminal Background Check

Step 2 – Fingerprint Background Check

All applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.

Fingerprint submission is completed through approved fingerprint service providers.

⭐ Section 4 – Nursing Jurisprudence Exam

Step 3 – Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam

Applicants must pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (NJE).

This exam tests knowledge about:

• Texas Nursing Practice Act
• Nursing laws and regulations
• Scope of nursing practice in Texas

⭐ Section 5 – English Proficiency Requirement

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Step 4 – English Proficiency Requirement

If the nursing program was not conducted in English, applicants must submit proof of English proficiency.

Accepted exams include:

Exam	Minimum Score
TOEFL (paper)	560
TOEFL (computer)	220
TOEFL iBT	83
IELTS	Overall 6.5 (minimum 6.0 each section)
PTE Academic	Overall 55 (minimum 50 each section)
MET	Score 55 overall
OET Nursing	Minimum 300 in each sub-test

⚠ Remote-proctored OET exams are not accepted.

⭐ Section 6 – Credential Evaluation (VERY IMPORTANT):

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Step 5 – Credential Evaluation Service (CES)

International applicants must submit a CES Full Education Professional Report.

This report must be completed by an approved credential evaluation agency.

Important rules:

• CES report must be dated within one year
• The report must be sent directly to Texas BON

⭐ Section 7 – Verification of Licensure

Step 6 – Verification of Licensure (VR)

Applicants must submit verification of licensure from all countries or states where they have held a nursing license.

Requirements:

• Must be sent directly by the licensing authority
• Must contain the official seal
• Valid for one year

The CES report may already include your original country verification.

⭐ Section 8 – Work Experience Requirement (Important Update)

Step 7 – Recent Nursing Practice Requirement

International applicants must:

✔ have worked as a nurse within the last 4 years

OR

✔ have graduated from nursing school within the last 4 years

If the applicant is outside this 4-year eligibility period, they must complete a new nursing education program before applying again.

⚠ A refresher course is NOT accepted as re-education.

⭐ Section 9 – NCLEX Registration

Step 8 – Register for the NCLEX-RN

Applicants must register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX exam.

NCLEX registration fee: $200

Pearson VUE registration must be completed before the Authorization to Test (ATT) can be issued.

⭐ Section 10 – NCLEX Retest Process

Retaking the NCLEX with Texas

Applicants who fail the NCLEX must:

1. Submit NCLEX RETEST Application – International Graduates
2. Register again with Pearson VUE
3. Pay the $200 exam fee

Texas BON will review the application within 15 business days.

⭐ Section 11 – Proof of Nursing Practice

Texas BON may request proof of practice.

This may include:

A Statement of Practice from the healthcare facility where the nurse worked.

The document must include:

• employment dates
• nursing duties performed
• facility letterhead

Quick Application steps:

step 1: Complete credential evaluation service (CES)-CGFNS

-Complete CGFNS Verification from your nursing college and licensing councils .

Step 2: Finger printing through Identgo

Do finger printing in FD-258 card.

Step 3: Application submission through Texas board of nursing nurse portal

Do application submission in texas nurses portal

step 4: NJE -Pass Nurse jurisprudence exam:

Texas bon -nurse jurisprudence exam information

Exam Format

• Passing Score: 75% (38 of 50 questions).
• Time Limit: 120 minutes.
• Resume: If you get out of the exam before completion, you may resume your exam 2 more times WITHIN 24 hours. If you do not return within 24 hours, or exit more than twice before completion, you will fail the exam.

Step 5-Pearsonvue Registration-NCSBN

Need to register in NCSBN .It cost around 200USD.

Step 7-Obtain ATT and schedule NCLEX Examination.

Within 90 days will get ATT for scheduling exam.

Step 8: Apply for nurse Licensure

Texas NCLEX process Fees:

4️⃣ Quick Process Table :

Step	Process
Step 1	Apply in Texas Nurse Portal
Step 2	Fingerprint background check
Step 3	Nursing Jurisprudence Exam
Step 4	English proficiency exam
Step 5	CES credential evaluation
Step 6	Verification of licensure
Step 7	NCLEX registration
Step 8	Receive ATT and take exam

FAQ Section :

Does Texas require CGFNS?

Texas BON requires a CES evaluation report, not CGFNS CVS.

How long does Texas BON processing take?

Processing usually takes 4–12 weeks depending on document verification.

Is IELTS required for Texas RN license?

Yes, if your nursing program was not conducted in English.

How much does the Texas NCLEX exam cost?

The NCLEX exam fee is $200 paid to Pearson VUE.

🌟 Motivation from Nursing Manthra

Hi nurse! If you’re dreaming of a successful nursing career in the USA, Nursing Manthra is always here with you.

From CGFNS to the final licensing step, we take care of all your documentation. We also provide study materials that help you pass the English exam and NCLEX on your first attempt.

Once you hold a USA RN license, you get:

• Exemption from nursing license exams in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi, Qatar)
• Easier job migration pathways
• Long-term career security

🎓 Start the licensing process right after graduation – even if you’re not moving to the U.S. immediately, having an active license helps you stay ready for global opportunities.

📞 Need Help with the Process?

Nursing Manthra supports internationally educated nurses like you with:

✔ CGFNS Application
✔ NCLEX Exam Preparation
✔ U.S. Address & Application Support
✔ License Transfer & Renewal Guidance

👉 Contact us via WhatsApp +971502515717– Nursing Manthra will guide you every step of the way.

About the Author:

Mrs. Shincy George, RN,MSN(CARDIOTHROACIC NURSING), SCFHS-RN, DHA RN, MOH UAE RN, NCLEX RN (USA)
Founder – Nursing Manthra Academy
Helping internationally educated nurses -ASSISTING licensing pathways in Canada, USA, UAE and middle east, UK and other countries.