Useful Links
- CGFNS: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is an immigration-neutral, nonprofit organization and an authority on credentials evaluation pertaining to the education, registration, and licensure of nurses and other healthcare professionals. In order to transfer most nursing education and nursing license credentials from other countries, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requires a credential evaluation report from CGFNS.
- NCSBN: National Council for State Boards of Nursing
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose membership comprises the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five United States territories—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
This is official site for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. This site contains information for nurses in Massachusetts on topics including: Licensing, Nursing Education Nursing Practice, Complaint Resolution, Nursing Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP), Alerts, and Newsletters. There are additionally links to applications and forms as well as detailed information regarding the statutes, rules and regulations affecting nursing in Massachusetts.
- PCS: Professional Credential Services Inc.
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing has contracted with PCS, Nashville, TN, for the provision of credentials evaluation services. These services will include all activities related to the dissemination of forms and the evaluation of any application for: Board authorization to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Board certification of graduation from an approved nursing education program located outside the United States in conjunction with the graduate’s application for initial nurse licensure by examination (NCLEX™), Initial nurse licensure by examination (NCLEX™), and Initial nurse licensure by reciprocity.
TOEFL and ESL
TOEFL: Test of English as a Second Language
Nurses educated outside the United States in a language other than English are required by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the Massachusetts licensure process. Currently the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing accepts Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate this proficiency.
- TOEFL: This is the official website for the TOEFL test. Currently the TOEFL-iBT is the most commonly offered TOEFL test. The TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This site provides information about the test, as well as, preparation information and links to register for the test.
- ESL-Lab: This free internet resource is designed to assist English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in improving their English skills. There are a variety of quizzes, listening quizzes, vocabulary lessons, and video clips designed to help every level of ESL learner.
- ESL Café: This free internet resource is designed to assist English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in improving their English skills. The ‘Stuff for Students’ section covers a variety of ESL topics including: idioms, phrasal verbs, pronunciation power, quizzes and slang.
NCLEX
Under the guidance of its membership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops and administers two national nurse licensure examinations; the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). These two examinations are used by all U.S. state and territorial Boards of Nursing to test entry-level nursing competence of candidates for licensure as Registered Nurses and as Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses. The NCLEX examinations are provided exclusively as computerized adaptive tests.
- Pearson Vue: This is the organization authorized to offer the NCLEX exam. Information regarding registering for the NCLEX exam and the NCLEX candidate bulletin can be found here.
