Degree Required:
In the U.S.both an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (typically 2 years) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (typically 4 years) are recognized educational pathways to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a Registered Nurse. Your nursing education must meet certain criteria in terms of curriculum and clinical hours.

Step 1: Meet Initial Eligibility and Credentialing Requirements (Primarily CGFNS):This involves:
Complete Senior Secondary Education: Ensure you have completed a senior secondary school education separate from your nursing education.
Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program: You must have graduated from a government-approved nursing program in Pakistan that meets the educational equivalency standards of the U.S.
Obtain Current Pakistani RN License: Hold a current, active, and unencumbered Registered Nurse license from the Pakistan Nursing Council.
CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report: This is almost always the first and most critical step for foreign-educated nurses.
Apply to CGFNS: Submit an application to CGFNS International, Inc. for their Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report.
Document Submission: Arrange for your official transcripts from your nursing school and verification of your nursing license from the Pakistan Nursing Council to be sent directly to CGFNS. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified English translations.
English Language Proficiency: CGFNS will typically require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, OET)
Receive CES Report: Once CGFNS completes its evaluation, they will send a comprehensive report directly to the Florida Board of Nursing.

This is the application for your full RN license, which then makes you eligible for the GN permit.

Application Submission: Submit an online application for “Licensure by Examination” to the Florida Board of Nursing through their official website (Florida HealthSource).
Fees: Pay all required application fees.
Background  through an approved vendor.
CGFNS Report: Ensure CGFNS has sent your CES Professional Report directly to the Florida Board of Nursing.
Nursing Program Verification: The Florida Board of Nursing will verify your nursing education based on the CGFNS report and potentially directly from your school if they require further information.

Crucially, the Florida Board of Nursing may issue a temporary permit that allows you to work as a Graduate Nurse (GN) under the direct supervision of a licensed RN while you are awaiting your NCLEX-RN exam results.

Key Conditions for GN Permit:
You must have applied for full licensure by examination and been approved to take the NCLEX. The GN permit is typically valid for a limited period (e.g., 90 days from graduation for domestic graduates, or a specific timeframe for international graduates while awaiting NCLEX).
You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse. You are not considered a fully licensed RN and have limitations on your practice. If you fail the NCLEX-RN, your GN permit will be revoked, and you will not be able to practice until you pass the exam.

Schedule your NCLEX-RN exam at a Pearson VUE testing center available internationally, including in Pakistan Take and Pass the NCLEX-

Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, the Florida Board of Nursing will be notified, and they will issue your full Registered Nurse license.

By mahmood