Many nurses must take the CGFNS exam to get a US work visa for nursing jobs. It tests the immigrant’s knowledge of current practice in the US nursing industry. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools sponsors the exam.
Some nurses coming from overseas will also need assistance in improving their English skills. The Commission provides resources for the CGFNS exam plus some English references for those coming from non-English-speaking countries.
For starters, the Commission has an official study guide. As of July 2011, the Official Study Guide for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, 5th Edition is $65. Note that, at the time of this writing, the guide is temporarily out of stock. The organization is apparently working on fixing this problem. The guide is also valuable because it has several CGFNS practice tests. In addition to the substantive materials covered in the guide, you may use the tests to get familiar with the format. Some people do fail this test, so you want the utmost confidence and preparation on exam day.
As an extra benefit, the guides and other study materials offered by CGFNS will also help you get ready for the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the nurse licensing exam used by most US states.
Note that those who join the Certification Program will receive some study materials as part of their certification application fee. You may or may not need to spend extra money to get the resources necessary to prepare for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. Because you need to join the Certification Program first, do that and see what materials are provided at that time. You can then explore the possibility of getting other reference materials to study for the test.
Perhaps the most valuable resource to get ready for this test is the CGFNS Study Collection. This should cover the bulk of testable material on the exam. Study these books thoroughly to give yourself the best chance of passing this foreign nursing immigration test. As of July 2011, it is $80 when purchased separately. However, at the time of this writing, the CGFNS Study Collection is provided as part of the Certification Program. So you may not have to separately buy this important study resource.
Those who need English practice can get the CGFNS Practice English Series. This set of CD’s is valuable in preparing for the TOEFL exam. As with the CGFNS study guide, this one also has TOEFL-style practice questions for your convenience. As of July 2011, the price is $35.
This should be all you need to get ready for the CGFNS test if you can master the material in these resources. Take this exam seriously to avoid having to study again and do a retake exam.
Resources:
CGFNS Test Study Aids
