CGFNS Redesigns Website

The CGFNS International Web site (www.cgfns.org) has been redesigned to improve navigation and streamline the information located on the site. The redesigned Web site launched November 1, 2006. Applicants are still able to apply online, check their status online, and download applications from the Web site. New logos have been created for all CGFNS programs. Under each program is a link to a Requirements document that has been developed for each program in pdf format. "Announcements" now has its own section on the Web site. General news is located under "About Us", along with important information about CGFNS International.

A new "Tools and Information" section has been added to the Web site. This section contains various subsections for the various audiences who visit the CGFNS International Web site, including applicants, state boards of nursing, recruiters/employers/immigration attorneys, and test site administrators. Statistical data regarding the number of certificates/reports issued for each program and the top countries of education is also contained in this section. The document library contains electronic copies of various CGFNS publications. Frequently Asked Questions can also be accessed in this section.

The online store, containing various study aids and other materials for purchase, remains part of the CGFNS International Web site. The "Contact Us" email form is also linked to the homepage of the Web site. Emails are answered during CGFNS’s normal business hours.

GREAT GIFT IDEA — CGFNS International Tote Bag for $14.95

Stay organized with the new CGFNS International tote bag. Use it to organize your study materials or take it along whenever you travel. This slick looking bag is available in limited numbers so get yours before they are all gone.

Purchase Here!

Purchase Our Best Selling Product
Study Smart Collection Available for ONLY $135

The Study Smart Study Aid Collection includes the items registered nurses need to prepare for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam^SM and the NCLEX-RN^®. Order the Study Smart Collection and receive the Official Study Guide for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, 5th Edition, in addition to the four study guide supplements focusing on the major areas of nursing: Adult Health Nursing, Maternal/Infant Nursing, Nursing of Children and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. The Study Smart Collection also contains two excellent resources for test takers: How to Study and How to Take Tests.

Purchase Here!

Practice English Audio Compact Disc Combo Set
Now Available for ONLY $20.00

The CGFNS Practice English Series helps applicants practice and improve English-language skills in preparation for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. With each volume, you will receive:

• a compact disc that simulates listening comprehension questions in an examination-style format. Disc can either be used in a computer or an audio cd player.
• a practice test with sample questions, correct answers and a sample answer sheet is included on the disc.
• tips on practicing English as it is spoken in the United States.
• information about the design of the English language proficiency exams and the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.

Purchase Here!

Purchase All Study Materials Through Our Online Store

To better serve our customers, we have automated the CGFNS study aid material shopping experience. We can now provide customers with instant electronic notifications when an order has been received, when payment has been processed, and when an order has been shipped by express mail delivery service.

To make this technological advancement possible, beginning on October 5, 2006, CGFNS will no longer accept or process faxed, mailed, or in-person (walk-in) study material orders which require manual processing. All faxed and mailed orders that have been received and not yet processed will be returned to those customers.

The new CGFNS online store is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The CGFNS Online Store allows purchasers of products the convenience of paying online, using a valid credit card, and receiving their orders faster than previous ordering methods.

Click here or go to www.cgfns.org and click on Online Store to start shopping.

New Jersey Board of Nursing Changes its Requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses

Internationally educated nurses who wish to practice in the state of New Jersey should be advised that the New Jersey Board of Nursing has adopted new regulations for international nurses. The new regulations are effective May 1, 2006.

Click here to read the entire press release.

2007 Certification Program (CP) Qualifying Exam Dates

The deadline is fast approaching for internationally educated registered nurses who wish to take the March 14, 2007 Certification Program Qualifying Exam of nursing knowledge, required for licensure in the majority of U.S. states.

Click here for the 2007 Certification Program (CP) Qualifying Exam dates and locations. The exam sites that will be open for the November 8, 2006 exam are also posted here.

Order Processing Fee to be applied to select CGFNS International services beginning January 1, 2007

Beginning on January 1, 2007, an Order Processing Fee of $50 will be charged, in addition to the normal service fee. The fee will cover energy, transportation and postal increases as well as electronic management of records. This will allow for enhancements for the secure transmission of documents.

Click here to read the entire press release.

Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International) Statement Regarding VisaScreen^® Eligibility of Philippine Nurses Taking the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC’s) June 2006 Nursing Licensing Exam

The Board of Trustees of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International) met October 22-23, 2006 and considered whether Philippine nurses who have passed the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) June 2006 nursing licensing exam are eligible for VisaScreen^® Certification.

Click here to read the entire press release.

CGFNS Begins Sending All VisaScreen^® and Certification Program Certificates to Applicants Using Trackable Mail

To ensure a more timely and reliable delivery of its VisaScreen^® and Certification Program Certificates to applicants, CGFNS International has begun sending its Certificates using Trackable Mail. The new service went into effect on October 16, 2006. The new service will reduce applicant wait time for receipt of their Certificate.

VisaScreen^® and Certification Program Certificates are issued after an applicant meets all of the requirements of the program(s) applied for.

Online Application Status Checking

Did you know you can check your status online at www.cgfns.org? The CHECK YOUR STATUS link is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will be prompted to enter your user name and password. The Check Your Status feature lists the requirements of your application and the status of documents received or waiting to be received.

Here is a list of everything you can do through the CHECK YOUR STATUS ONLINE:

• check the progress of your application
• change your contact information
• submit your educational and professional information to CGFNS for certification and/or verification
• purchase CGFNS products or services
• choose the location and date of your Qualifying Examination
• view your Qualifying Exam scores online, in addition to being able to see your pass/fail status
• pay for CGFNS services with your credit card

Visits to CGFNS Headquarters Require Appointments in Advance

NOTICE: All applicants and authorized agents wishing to visit the CGFNS headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA will be seen by appointment only.

Appointments are limited to 30 minutes in length and can only be scheduled for the time between 10 AM-3:30 PM ET, Monday-Friday. The space in our reception area is limited so we are asking that visitors bring only one additional person with them to their appointment.

To make an appointment, call 215-222-8454.

Payments for CGFNS Services

It is only necessary to submit one form of payment for each service ordered within 60 days of applying. If you have paid for a service using a valid credit card, DO NOT ALSO send an international money order or certified bank check. Thank you.

Clarification on CGFNS’s "no refund" policy.

CGFNS has instituted a "no refund" policy for its Certification Program, Credentials Evaluation Service and VisaScreen^®. The "no refund" policy also applies to ancillary services (rescoring, verification of certificate letter, replacement certificate, etc.)