🌎 West Virginia RN License Process for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) – 2025 Complete Guide

Author: Shincy George | Nursing Manthra

Are you an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to work in the United States? This blog explains the step-by-step West Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) license process, specially tailored for nurses who graduated outside the U.S., including India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and more.

📝 Important Highlights

✅ Social Security Number (SSN) is Mandatory
✅ Application Fee: $70 USD (Non-refundable)
✅ CGFNS Certification is Required
✅ U.S. Address and SSN must be provided during board application
✅ NCLEX Scores from other U.S. states or Canada are accepted

✅ Step-by-Step Guide: RN Licensure in West Virginia for IENs

Website-https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/pages/default.aspx

1️⃣ Complete CGFNS Certification

• Start with CGFNS Certification, not just CES report.
• You must take and pass the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.
• Once passed, request CGFNS to send your official certification report to the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses.
  🌐 www.cgfns.org

2️⃣ Complete Background Check (Fingerprinting)

• Both state and federal criminal background checks must be completed through fingerprinting.
• Background check is required before board approval.

3️⃣ Apply for Board Licensure (Online)

• Log in to the West Virginia Nurse Portal.
• Submit the RN Internationally Educated Application.
• Application fee: $70 USD (non-refundable).
• Provide:
  • U.S. mailing address
  • Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
  • CGFNS Certification
  • Criminal background check results
  • Narratives for any “Yes” answers in legal or disciplinary sections
• The application is valid for 6 months.

⚠️ Without SSN and U.S. address, the application cannot be submitted.

4️⃣ NCLEX-RN Registration

Once your board application is approved:

• Register at NCSBN NCLEX Registration
• Pay the exam fee to Pearson VUE
• You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT)
• Schedule and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam

📌 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin: Download Here

5️⃣ What Happens After NCLEX?

• If you pass, you will be issued your West Virginia RN license.
• If you fail:
  • If your graduation was more than 5 years ago, you must take the CGFNS Certification Exam again.
  • Send the CGFNS Certification Exam result to the WV Board for re-eligibility.
  • You can retake NCLEX only after fulfilling this step.

6️⃣ Accepted NCLEX Scores from Other Jurisdictions

• NCLEX-RN scores taken in other U.S. states or Canada are transferable.
• Submit the score transfer directly to the West Virginia RN Board from the original testing authority.

7️⃣ Temporary Permit – Not Available for IENs

• Temporary permits are not issued to:
  • Graduates from foreign nursing programs
  • Repeat exam applicants
  • Veterans
• Temporary permits are issued only once to U.S. graduates for up to 90 days and become invalid upon exam failure.

🧾 Documents Required

• CGFNS Certification Exam result
• Completed RN International Application
• Valid Social Security Number
• U.S. address
• Criminal background check (state & federal)
• NCLEX registration and ATT
• Court-certified documents (if applicable)
• Remedial training certificate (for repeat test-takers)

📬 Contact Details: West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses

📍 Address:
5001 MacCorkle Ave SW,
South Charleston, WV 25309
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (304) 744-0900
🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM EST
🌐 Website: wvrnboard.wv.gov

🔁 Summary Checklist

💡 Final Tips from Nursing Manthra

• Prepare your CGFNS and background check early—it takes time.
• Make sure you have a valid SSN and U.S. mailing address ready.
• After NCLEX, allow several weeks for license issuance.
• If you’ve taken NCLEX in another U.S. state or Canada, ask for score transfer.

If you need any assistance with the NCLEX application process for the West Virginia Board of Nursing, license transfer from Canada or other U.S. states, CGFNS application, or NCLEX study materials, feel free to contact Nursing Manthra via WhatsApp. We’re here to help and happy to support you every step of the way.