If you’re a nurse or medical professional with a diploma from an educational institution or school outside the United States, obtaining the proper licensing for international nurses can be challenging. The process varies by state, and not all foreign degrees are equivalent to US classifications. In Illinois, applicants face numerous requirements and must work through third-party vendors to acquire their license.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees the licensing procedures for international degree holders. The Division of Professional Regulation, a subsection of the agency, manages the licensing process for nurses and medical professionals. The Department lists requirements that applicants must meet before they can be awarded a license.
What do International Nursing Applicants Need to Become a Licensed Illinois Nurse?
Applicants must submit their credentials to the State. Along with a standard application form, they must provide the following:
Proof of Licensure from the Country you Received your Nursing Education
All nursing applicants must graduate from an accredited nursing education program in their country.
Proof of Education Equivalency by a Credential Evaluation Service
After completing a nursing program, applicants must have their education evaluated by a credentialing service (CES). The CES will issue a report that confirms whether the applicant’s education is equivalent to the education typically attained in a US state or territory. The Department reviews documents such as official transcripts from the nursing education program.
The Department only recognizes certain vendors for credentialing, and the report must come from one of the following services:
- Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
- Education Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultant (JS&A)
Applicants can choose a CES provider to obtain an equivalency report. For example, CGFNS issues a “VisaScreen” certificate, and JS&A provides a “Visa4Nurses” certificate accepted by the Department. The process becomes more complicated when the nursing program is conducted in a language other than English.
TOEFL or IELTS scores.
If the nursing program was not in English, applicants must submit an English proficiency test, along with the CES report. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Alternatively, applicants can take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, focusing on reading, writing, and listening skills.
What’s a passing score?
The Illinois Administrative Code mandates passing scores for both tests. For TOEFL, the minimum score is:
- 560 (paper-based test)
- 220 (computer-based test)
- 83 (internet-based test)
For IELTS Academic Module, the minimum score is 6.5 (overall) and 7.0 (spoken band).
Nursing students educated in English may have the TOEFL or IELTS requirement waived if the CES report verifies their education was conducted in English.
The NCLEX
Applicants must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed nurse in Illinois. The NCLEX includes primarily multiple-choice questions. Passing the NCLEX is an essential but challenging step. In 2023, first-time internationally educated test-takers had a 52.49% pass rate, while repeat takers had a 29.17% pass rate. Preparing thoroughly for the NCLEX is crucial, as Illinois imposes time limits on when candidates must pass the test after graduation.
Fingerprinting and Background Checks
Applicants must consent to a background check and submit fingerprints through a vendor licensed by IDFPR. Fingerprinting must occur within 60 days of submitting the nursing application.
Social Security Affidavit
Applicants from countries outside the US must sign an affidavit stating they cannot obtain a US Social Security number.
Getting Help through the Process
Though the licensing process may seem difficult, you can succeed with patience and perseverance. Working with an attorney can help streamline the process and get you licensed faster. If you completed your education internationally and are seeking an Illinois license, contact our experienced professional license attorneys at (312) 779-1818 or fill out our online contact form today to guide you through the process.
Note: This blog post provides information for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice, please consult with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
