TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Many State Boards now require TOEFL and TSE for all foreign-trained nurses before they will authorize you to sit for NCLEX. Please check with the State Boards where you plan to apply for specific requirements.

TOEFL is also required to obtain a CGFNS certificate and eventually for your Visa Screen unless your nursing education was in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Ireland. There are no other exemptions.

There are no set dates for this exam so you can take it at any time. TOEFL is given at sites all over the world and pre-registration is recommended. The current fee is $110.

Generally, a passing score is 540 for the paper test and 207 for the computer-based test. Because language ability can change quickly, the scores are only valid for two years. If you took the test over two years ago, it will have to be retaken for your score to be sent to the Board and Visa Screen.

Contact information

ETS (Educational Testing Service)
P.O. Box 6159
Princeton, NJ 08541-6159 USA
Link: www.toefl.org