NCLEX-RN From Nigeria: How to Work as a Nurse in the USA

Q: Do I need CGFNS to take the NCLEX?

It depends on your chosen state board. Many require a CGFNS (TruMerit) credentials evaluation (CES) for internationally educated nurses; some have different requirements. You'll also need a CGFNS VisaScreen later for the work visa. Check your specific board.

Q: How many questions is the NCLEX-RN?

Between 85 and 150 items. It's computer-adaptive, so it stops once it can reliably judge a pass or fail — there's no fixed length. Since April 2023 it's the Next Generation NCLEX, which includes clinical-judgement case studies.

Q: How is the NCLEX different from the UK CBT?

The NCLEX-RN is a single computer-adaptive US licensing exam (85–150 items); the UK route splits competence into a multiple-choice CBT plus a practical 10-station OSCE taken in the UK. Different systems — pick the destination first, then the exam.

To work as a registered nurse in the USA from Nigeria you generally: (1) get a credentials evaluation (commonly via CGFNS), (2) apply to a US state board of nursing for authorisation to test, (3) meet that board's English requirement, (4) pass the NCLEX-RN (now available at international test centres), and (5) secure a work visa. Pay is high, but immigration timelines vary by year and state.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Step 1 — Credentials evaluation (CGFNS)

US boards need proof your Nigerian education is comparable to a US nursing programme. This usually means a credentials evaluation — frequently a CGFNS CES Professional Report (CGFNS now operates as TruMerit). CGFNS asks the NMCN to verify your registration directly, so begin early. Separately, to get a US work visa you'll later need a VisaScreen certificate, which confirms your licence, education comparability, English proficiency and that you've passed the NCLEX-RN.

Step 2 — Choose a state board

There is no single US nursing licence — you license in a specific state, and requirements differ. Some states are more international-applicant friendly (documentation, English rules, retrogression for visas). Pick your target state before paying for evaluations, because their rules drive everything downstream.

Step 3 — English language

Most boards require an English test (commonly IELTS or TOEFL) for internationally educated nurses, with state-specific minimums and exemptions. Confirm your chosen board's exact requirement.

Step 4 — The NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam. Since April 2023 it is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which adds case-study items testing clinical judgement. It is computer-adaptive, so length varies — between 85 and 150 items — and ends once the system is confident you've passed or failed. Once your board authorises you to test (an ATT), you schedule and sit it.

Where Nigerians sit it: the NCLEX is not currently offered at a test centre in Nigeria. Nigerian candidates travel to a nearby international Pearson VUE NCLEX location — common choices include Nairobi (Kenya), South Africa, or the UK. Check the live list of NCLEX international locations before planning travel, as it changes.

NCLEX format, the test plan and international locations are set by the NCSBN and updated periodically — confirm at ncsbn.org.

Step 5 — Visa & employment

Passing the NCLEX makes you licensable; you still need the right to work. Routes vary (employer sponsorship, immigrant vs non-immigrant categories) and timelines can shift with visa availability. This is the most variable part — plan for it and take professional immigration advice.

Order of operations

Pick a target US state board
Start CGFNS evaluation + NMCN verification
Sit required English test
Get board authorisation to test (ATT)
Pass the NCLEX-RN
Obtain a work visa and license in-state

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the NCLEX in Nigeria?

Not currently — there is no NCLEX test centre in Nigeria. You travel to a nearby international Pearson VUE NCLEX location, commonly Nairobi (Kenya), South Africa or the UK. The list of international locations changes, so confirm it before booking travel.

Do I need CGFNS to take the NCLEX?

It depends on your chosen state board. Many require a CGFNS (TruMerit) credentials evaluation (CES) for internationally educated nurses; some have different requirements. You'll also need a CGFNS VisaScreen later for the work visa. Check your specific board.

How many questions is the NCLEX-RN?

Between 85 and 150 items. It's computer-adaptive, so it stops once it can reliably judge a pass or fail — there's no fixed length. Since April 2023 it's the Next Generation NCLEX, which includes clinical-judgement case studies.

How is the NCLEX different from the UK CBT?

The NCLEX-RN is a single computer-adaptive US licensing exam (85–150 items); the UK route splits competence into a multiple-choice CBT plus a practical 10-station OSCE taken in the UK. Different systems — pick the destination first, then the exam.

Which US state is best for Nigerian nurses?

It varies by documentation rules, English requirements and visa/retrogression. There's no universal best — research two or three boards against your situation before committing.

How long does the US route take from Nigeria?

Often longer than the UK route, mainly due to credential evaluation and visa timelines, which can run many months to longer depending on the year and category.

NCLEX-RN from Nigeria