Verifying your credentials is a critical first step for any nurse who wants to practice in the United States. If you’re wondering how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of nurses, both foreign-trained and U.S.-educated, must complete this process to meet board requirements and begin practicing legally.
In 2025, the credential verification process remains a foundational requirement in securing your U.S. nursing license. Each state in the U.S. has its own Board of Nursing (BON), which governs licensure rules and ensures nurses meet safety, education, and ethical standards. This means the process for how to verify credentials for a US nursing license in 2025 may differ slightly depending on where you plan to live and work.
Fortunately, understanding how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right resources and step-by-step guidance, you can navigate the process smoothly and avoid common delays that affect thousands of applicants every year.
Credential Verification Process for Foreign-Educated Nurses in 2025
One of the most important steps in how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, especially for internationally educated nurses, is undergoing a credential verification process through an authorized evaluation agency like CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools).
If you were trained outside of the United States and want to become a licensed nurse in the U.S. in 2025, you’ll need to prove that your education, training, and licensure meet U.S. standards. This is where credential verification plays a crucial role in the larger process of how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025.
CGFNS works with U.S. boards of nursing to verify and authenticate your:
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Nursing education and transcript
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Clinical training hours
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Professional license(s) from your home country
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Identity documents and related certifications
Once all your documents are received and authenticated, CGFNS creates a credential verification report, which is then sent directly to the state board of nursing where you intend to apply. This report is essential in determining whether you’re eligible to sit for the NCLEX or receive licensure by endorsement.
Note: In 2025, most state boards of nursing require a third-party evaluation like CGFNS as part of the licensure process for foreign-educated nurses.
Whether you’re from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, or anywhere else, understanding how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025 means starting early. The process can take 8–12 weeks or more, especially if documents are delayed or require translation.
This credential verification is not optional. Without it, your licensure application will be considered incomplete, and you won’t be eligible to proceed with the NCLEX or receive a U.S. nursing license.
Why Credential Verification Matters in 2025
The nursing licensure verification process ensures that all practicing nurses in the U.S., regardless of their educational background, meet standardized clinical, ethical, and academic qualifications. In 2025, this verification remains essential whether you’re applying for licensure by examination (e.g., NCLEX) or licensure by endorsement (if already licensed in another U.S. state or country).
If you’re an internationally educated nurse, you’ll typically need to go through credential evaluation services such as CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). These organizations assess your nursing education against U.S. standards and provide official reports to the appropriate State Board of Nursing.
Either way, knowing how to verify credentials for a US nursing license in 2025 is crucial to avoid delays in employment, visa processing, or examination scheduling.
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Why Credential Verification Services Are Beneficial for US Nursing License Applicants
When learning how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, understanding the value of credential verification services is essential, especially if you’re an internationally educated nurse. These services play a key role in making your U.S. licensure journey smoother, more accurate, and fully compliant with regulatory expectations.
Organizations like CGFNS International (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) are recognized across the United States for their expertise in evaluating academic and professional nursing credentials from outside the U.S. With decades of credibility, CGFNS collaborates with many state boards of nursing to ensure that your education, license history, and clinical experience meet the standards required to practice safely in the U.S.
Here are some key benefits of using a credential verification service as part of how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025:
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Trust and Recognition: CGFNS is widely trusted by U.S. nursing regulators.
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Accurate Document Authentication: Your transcripts and licenses are verified directly from the issuing institutions.
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Streamlined Process: These services reduce delays and minimize errors in your application.
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Global Accessibility: Applicants from all over the world can start the process online.
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Direct Reporting: Your verified report is sent directly to the state board of nursing for official review.
By using a credential verification agency like CGFNS, you increase your chances of a smooth, compliant application, especially in a competitive healthcare job market. For any nurse wondering how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, starting with the right verification service is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Key Documents Required to Verify Credentials for US Nursing License in 2025
As part of the process on how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, one of the most important steps is preparing and submitting the correct documents. U.S. nursing boards rely on credential verification agencies, like CGFNS International, to thoroughly review and authenticate your education and license history. Missing or incorrect documentation is a common reason for delays, so having everything in place is crucial.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the required documents for credential verification:
1. Signed & Notarized Attestation
Applicants are required to submit a notarized attestation form to confirm the authenticity of their documents. With advancements in global accessibility, many credentialing services now allow you to notarize forms online using platforms like NotaryCam, making it easier for nurses around the world to complete this step quickly and securely.
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2. Secondary Education Information (For Practical/Vocational Nurses)
If you’re applying as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Vocational Nurse (LVN), you’ll need to provide proof of secondary education. This can be in the form of a high school diploma or an external examination certificate that shows you’ve completed the highest level of secondary schooling before entering your professional program.
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Documents must be submitted in English.
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If the original documents are in another language, you may submit a translation yourself or choose someone to translate them. If this isn’t possible, most credentialing agencies offer translation services for a small fee.
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3. Nursing Licenses, Registrations, and Diplomas
Another key part of how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025 is showing that you are licensed to practice in your home country. You’ll need to submit copies of your initial nursing license or registration, along with any relevant diplomas or certifications. These documents will be authenticated directly with the issuing authority to prevent fraud and ensure validity.
4. Professional Education Information
An academic transcript from the school or college where you completed your basic nursing education is required. The transcript should include:
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All completed coursework
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Dates of attendance and graduation
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Degree or credential awarded
If you’re applying as a Physical Therapist (PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT), you may also be required to submit a detailed course description from your academic institution. This ensures that your training aligns with U.S. standards.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify Credentials for US Nursing License in 2025
Step 1: Identify the State Where You Plan to Practice
Each U.S. state has its own licensure laws and criteria. Start by visiting the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to select the specific state board responsible for issuing your license.
Tip: The earlier you know the state’s requirements, the better you can plan for how to verify credentials for a US nursing license in 2025 based on their unique process.
Step 2: Register with the Appropriate Credentialing Agency
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For foreign-educated nurses: You’ll likely use CGFNS.org, where you’ll request the CES (Credential Evaluation Service) Report.
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For U.S.-licensed nurses moving between states: Use Nursys.com to initiate licensure verification.
This step is often the most time-consuming, so early action is key when preparing how to verify credentials for a US nursing license in 2025.
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation
This may include:
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Proof of nursing education (transcripts)
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Copy of your nursing license (if applicable)
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Proof of clinical experience
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Identification documents
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English language proficiency (for foreign-trained nurses)
Be meticulous. Missing a single document can delay your verification process by weeks or even months in 2025.
Step 4: Wait for Credential Evaluation & State Board Review
The credentialing agency will evaluate your documents and forward them to the State Board of Nursing. Processing times vary, but in 2025, many states offer digital tracking systems that allow you to follow your application status online.
Step 5: Receive Authorization to Test or Practice
Once your credentials are verified and approved, you will receive:
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Authorization to schedule your NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam
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Or a license verification/endorsement for those already licensed
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Who Needs to Complete Credential Verification for US Nursing Licensure in 2025?
Understanding who is required to complete credential verification is a critical part of navigating how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025. This step is not just limited to registered nurses—it also applies to a broader range of internationally educated healthcare professionals seeking to practice in the United States.
If you fall into any of the categories below and were educated outside the United States, you will most likely be required to undergo a formal credential evaluation before being considered eligible for a U.S. license:
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Registered Nurses (RNs)
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Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
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Physical Therapists (PTs)
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Physical Therapist Assistants
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Occupational Therapists (OTs)
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Occupational Therapy Assistants
For all these professionals, verifying academic transcripts, professional licenses, and clinical training is a non-negotiable part of how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025. U.S. boards of nursing rely on credential evaluation agencies like CGFNS to ensure that each applicant’s education and qualifications meet U.S. standards for safe and competent practice.
Whether you plan to work in a hospital, clinic, home care setting, or pursue travel nursing opportunities in the U.S., proper credential verification is the first and most essential step to securing your license.
To avoid delays, make sure you confirm the specific requirements of the state board of nursing where you intend to apply. While many states have similar processes, each may have slight variations in documentation, timelines, or accepted credentialing services.
Ultimately, if you’re asking how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, the answer starts with identifying whether your professional category requires verification (which, in most cases, it does), and then promptly initiating the process through an approved agency.
Understanding Active RN Licenses and Licensure Data in the U.S.
As you explore how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, it’s helpful to understand the scale and structure of nursing licensure in the United States. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) maintains a centralized system for nursing license data called Nursys®, which plays a key role in tracking licensure across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Nursys is the first and most comprehensive electronic licensure information system for nurses in the U.S. It collects and updates licensure records submitted by regulatory boards nationwide. As of now, 57 out of 58 U.S. member boards (covering both Registered Nurses and Practical/Vocational Nurses) contribute real-time licensure data to this platform.
This database supports transparency and verification throughout the nursing profession. For internationally educated nurses navigating how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, Nursys is especially important—it’s often where employers and state boards verify your license status, once you’ve completed your credential evaluation and passed required exams like the NCLEX.
Fun Fact: Nursys powers many of the tools used in background checks, multi-state license verifications, and nurse mobility programs—key parts of your licensing journey in 2025.
Understanding that your licensure journey is supported by a robust national system like Nursys adds credibility and assurance to the entire process. So whether you’re planning to work in a single state or apply through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), knowing how your license is tracked is essential.
Active PN Licenses: A Closer Look at U.S. Nursing Licensure Data
As part of understanding how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025, it’s helpful to know how licensing is tracked and measured—especially for Practical Nurses (PNs), who are also a vital part of the U.S. healthcare system.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), through its centralized system Nursys®, offers the first-ever comprehensive database of active Practical Nursing (PN) licenses across the United States and its territories. This system compiles real-time licensure statistics from nearly every U.S. nursing regulatory body, making it a trusted source for accurate licensing data.
Whether you’re an internationally trained nurse or looking to transfer your license across state lines, the data in Nursys ensures that your credentials, once verified and approved, are properly tracked and accessible to authorized institutions. It adds a layer of confidence and transparency to your journey as you follow the steps on how to verify credentials for US nursing license in 2025.
By understanding where your licensure information will ultimately be housed, you gain clearer insight into how U.S. nurse verification and regulation works in 2025. making the process more approachable and less intimidating.
Using an approved credential evaluation agency like CGFNS, submit your notarized forms, transcripts, license documents, and translations.
No. Credential verification typically happens before you’re approved to take the NCLEX. The state board will notify you when you’re eligible.
Yes, especially through Nursys if the states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). But always check state-specific requirements.
It can take 6–12 weeks, depending on how quickly your school and license authorities respond.
