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TruMerit / CGFNSTruMerit (formerly CGFNS International)

The credential step most US state boards demand before they let you take NCLEX.

TruMerit (formerly CGFNS International) evaluates your nursing education against US RN standards. Some US states (CA, NY, IL, FL and more) require a TruMerit or state-specific evaluation before they issue your ATT to sit NCLEX. TruMerit also runs VisaScreen — required for most US occupational work visas.

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Last reviewed: ·by Pathway Editorial Team·How we research + update
Fast answer

Is TruMerit / CGFNS right for you?

Top destination
Most US state boards (CGFNS or equivalent evaluation)

Comparable / Somewhat Comparable / Not Comparable — not pass/fail

Other destinations
Multiple regulators

See per-destination minimum scores in the country selector.

Best for
Nurses focused on official routes

TruMerit (formerly CGFNS International) evaluates your nursing education against US RN standards. Some US states (CA, NY, IL, FL and more) require a TruMerit or state-specific evaluation before they i

Country acceptance

Where is TruMerit / CGFNS accepted?

Pick your destination to see the regulator, minimum score, and timing guidance.

Accepted by
Most US state boards (CGFNS or equivalent evaluation)
Minimum score
Comparable / Somewhat Comparable / Not Comparable — not pass/fail
When to take it
Open before state-board application; required by most states before they issue ATT.

Always confirm requirements with the official regulator or exam provider before booking.

Pathway

Your 4-step pathway

  1. 1

    Confirm your state board accepts CGFNS / TruMerit (most do)

  2. 2

    Open a TruMerit account; select CES Professional Report or VisaScreen

  3. 3

    Request transcripts + licence verification sent direct to TruMerit

  4. 4

    Receive evaluation; submit to your state board → ATT for NCLEX

Cost & timeline

What TruMerit / CGFNS actually costs and how long prep takes

Three things to budget before you book — fee total, prep weeks, and how to plan around your job.

Typical cost

What you'll spend, end to end

$440.00

  • TruMerit CES Professional ReportUSD 485 base
  • VisaScreen certificateUSD 740
  • English proficiency portion (if bundled)USD 40 – 100
  • Document courier + notarisationUSD 40 – 120
Typical timeline

How long prep usually takes

10 weeks

  • CES Professional Report (education-only)0 min
  • CES Professional Report (education + licence)0 min
  • VisaScreen certificate (required for most US work visas)0 min
  • CGFNS Qualifying Exam (rare; state-specific)0 min
Plan your prep

Pick a study plan that fits your life

We'll match you to a 4-, 8-, or 12-week schedule based on your start date, target score, and weekly study hours — no generic plans.

After you pass

Your state board receives the CES report. You do not mail it. Verify receipt in the board's online portal after CGFNS confirms it was sent.

Avoid these

Mistakes that cost TruMerit / CGFNS candidates time and money

Read once. The four below are the most expensive errors we see in exam-prep advisor sessions — they're easy to avoid when you know what to watch for.

1

Buying CGFNS CES before confirming your state board requires it.

2

Sending transcripts yourself — the school or board must send them directly.

3

Confusing CGFNS with the actual nursing licence — it is only credential evaluation.

4

Skipping VisaScreen assuming it is optional — it is mandatory for most US work visas.

Common questions

Top questions about TruMerit / CGFNS

Is CGFNS the same as NCLEX?
No. CGFNS evaluates your education. NCLEX is the licensing exam. Most state boards require CGFNS first, then issue an ATT for NCLEX.
Do every US state require CGFNS?
No. Most do; some accept alternatives (ERES, JCIE, state-specific). Confirm on your state board's website before paying CGFNS.
What is VisaScreen and do I need it?
VisaScreen is a separate CGFNS certificate required for most US work visas (EB-3, H-1B dependent). You do not need VisaScreen to take NCLEX, but you need it to immigrate on a work visa.
How long does CGFNS take?
Plan 8 – 14 weeks from first payment to report sent, assuming your school replies promptly. VisaScreen adds 2 – 4 months on top.
My nursing school in Nigeria is slow — what can I do?
Hand-deliver a printed CGFNS request to the registrar with a tracking reference. Call weekly. A CGFNS liaison can sometimes intervene for candidates whose schools are unresponsive.
Can I reuse my CGFNS report for multiple states?
CGFNS CES is licensed per state. Switching states is usually a partial fee, not a full re-pay.
Does CGFNS accept degrees from Francophone African countries?
Yes — CGFNS evaluates all accredited nursing programmes. Certified English translations are required for non-English documents.
Pathway-aligned prep

Prepare for TruMerit / CGFNS the right way.

Aligned with your destination pathway — not generic prep.

Live online classes

Small cohorts, weekly sessions on Zoom. Recorded for replay.

Recorded lessons

Watch anywhere, at your own pace. Bookmark + revisit.

Practice tests

Mock exams every week with instant feedback + answer reasoning.

Tutor support

Direct WhatsApp + weekly Q&A clinic with experienced nurses.

Progress tracking

Live dashboard showing your readiness score per topic.

Pathway alignment

Prep matched to your destination — NMC, NCLEX, AHPRA, SCFHS.

Sam · Pathway tutor
Sam · Pathway tutor
TruMerit / CGFNS · 200+ students

Ready to start?

Pick Online. We'll match you with the next cohort and your personal study plan within 24 hours.

We do not sell exam vouchers. You book and pay official exam bodies directly. We provide preparation and guidance only — no guarantees.

Not sure if TruMerit / CGFNS is the right exam for your nursing pathway?

Tell us your destination and current step. We'll match you to the right exam, the regulator-correct sequence, and a 4-step plan — in 2 minutes, free.