English Language Proficiency Exam
CGFNS accepts scores from various test services, such as; TOEFL, IELTS and TOEIC are currently used to meet the English language proficiency requirement of the Certification Program. Mostly Pakistani applicant attempt for Toefl or IELTS exams. Moreover, candidates find Toefl a bit easier than IELTS.
"The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is accepting test scores from both the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) effective on March 3, 2003, for foreign healthcare workers applying for the CGFNS Certification Program and/or the VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment program.
CGFNS has concluded that both the TOEIC and IELTS examinations meet statutory, as well as CGFNS' high standards, for English language proficiency assessments set forth in section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA)."
Applicants must successfully complete any of the test and the CGFNS Qualifying Exam within a two-year period in order for test scores to be considered valid. Test may be taken prior to or following the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.
Minimum passing scores required for different tests
- Option #1: TOEFL: 540 (or 207 computerized) TWE: 4.0 TSE: 50
- Option #2: IELTS (Academic Module ONLY): 6.5 IELTS Spoken Band: 7.0
- Option #3: TOEIC: 725 TWE: 4.0 TSE: 50
Certain applicants may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Native language is English
- Country of nursing education was Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom.