NCLEX Processing for African Nurses: How to Apply and What You Need to Know
The demand for internationally educated nurses in the United States continues to rise, and many nurses from African countries are increasingly looking to pursue opportunities abroad — particularly in the US. One essential step toward becoming a US Registered Nurse (USRN) is passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
However, the pathway for nurses educated in African countries involves careful planning, thorough document preparation, and a clear understanding of state-specific requirements. Below is a detailed guide to help African nurses navigate this process.
Can African nurses take the NCLEX?
Yes. Nurses from African countries are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, provided they meet educational and credentialing requirements as set by the US state board of nursing to which they apply.
Step 1: Choose the right state board of nursing
A crucial first step is deciding which US state board of nursing to apply to. Each state has its own licensure requirements, fees, and document standards.
Some states are considered more “international-friendly,” for example:
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
New Mexico
Texas (if Social Security Number is available or planned)
Illinois (with certain limitations)
Choosing the correct state is essential to avoid delays and extra costs.
Step 2: Credential evaluation
Most US state boards require internationally educated nurses to have their educational credentials evaluated by an independent agency to determine US equivalency.
Common credential evaluation services include:
CGFNS International (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) — widely required and accepted
CES (Credential Evaluation Service) report — a comprehensive educational equivalency assessment
The evaluation process generally verifies:
Nursing education curriculum (must be comparable to US nursing programs)
Clinical training hours and content
License verification from your home country
Step 3: English language proficiency
Some states require proof of English proficiency, typically through exams such as:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEIC or PTE Academic in certain cases
This requirement may be waived if your nursing education was conducted entirely in English and in a country where English is the primary language of instruction.
Step 4: Submit application and required documents
Once credential evaluation and language tests are complete, you will:
Submit an application to your chosen state board
Provide fingerprinting and background checks (state-specific)
Submit passport-size photos and notarized documents as required
Pay state-specific application and exam fees
Step 5: Receive eligibility and register for NCLEX
When your application is approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). You can then register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, select a test date, and schedule your exam.
It is important to note that African nurses can take the NCLEX at international test centres — for example, in South Africa, the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia), India, and various locations in Europe and Asia.
Special considerations for African nurses
Differences in education systems
Many African nursing curricula differ from US standards, especially in terms of course content and clinical exposure. Credential evaluation agencies may request additional course descriptions or syllabi to verify equivalency.
Local licensing verification
African nurses must provide verification of their current nursing license from the relevant national or regional nursing council (for example, the Nursing Council of Kenya, South African Nursing Council, Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery Council). This often involves official sealed letters and additional fees.
Choosing states without SSN requirement
Nurses without a US Social Security Number should consider applying to states that do not require SSN to receive eligibility or a license. This strategy prevents delays and allows faster entry into the system.
Get expert support
The NCLEX application process is complex and varies by state. For many African nurses, working with an expert licensing partner (such as NEAC) can:
Help choose the best state for your profile
Simplify document collection and credentialing
Avoid costly mistakes and application rejections
Reduce processing time significantly
While the pathway to becoming a USRN for African nurses involves multiple steps, it is entirely achievable with proper planning and guidance. By understanding each stage — from choosing the right state to passing the NCLEX — African nurses can open doors to global opportunities, higher earnings, and professional growth.