Do You Need a New CGFNS Report or Credential Re-Evaluation for License Endorsement?

If you are an internationally educated nurse applying for RN license endorsement, one question can quickly become confusing:

Do I need a new CGFNS report, or can I use the credential evaluation I already have?

The answer depends on your target state, the type of CGFNS/CES report you have, when it was issued, and what the state Board of Nursing currently requires.

A CGFNS report for license endorsement may verify and evaluate your international nursing education and professional credentials. But having an old report does not automatically mean it will satisfy the requirements of your new endorsement application.

The good news? You may not need to start the entire credential process from scratch.

Let’s look at when an existing report may work, when a new credential evaluation for endorsement may be required, and what you should check before spending money on another evaluation.

The Short Answer: It Depends on the State and How Old Your Report Is

There is no universal rule requiring every internationally educated nurse to obtain a new CGFNS or CES report for endorsement.

U.S. nursing licensure is regulated at the state level, and requirements can differ between Boards of Nursing. NCSBN specifically notes that internationally educated nurses should check the requirements of the state where they plan to live and practice.

Before ordering a new report, check:

• Which credential evaluation service your state accepts
• Whether the state requires a CES Professional Report or another evaluation
• Whether your existing report is still acceptable
• Whether the report must be sent directly to the Board
• Whether additional credential verification is required
• Whether your education or licensing history has changed

Never assume that an evaluation accepted for one state will automatically be accepted for another.

When Your Existing CGFNS/CES Report Is Still Valid

An existing CGFNS or CES report may be usable if it meets your target state’s current requirements.

This is particularly relevant if you recently completed your credential evaluation and are now moving forward with endorsement in another state.

CGFNS offers several credential evaluation services, including the Credentials Evaluation Service Professional, Credentials Evaluation Service Academic, and specialty evaluation services. These services are designed for different purposes, so the specific report you have matters.

You should review your existing report and confirm:

1. What type of report you received
2. When the report was issued
3. Which organization requested or received it
4. Whether your target Board of Nursing accepts that report
5. Whether the board requires current verification
6. Whether CGFNS must send the report directly to the board

Another important distinction is between report availability and document retention.

CGFNS states that applicant copies of reports issued to U.S. State Boards of Nursing are available in the online account for one year from when the report was first issued. CGFNS also has document authentication and storage services, so an older record remaining in your account does not necessarily mean the same report automatically satisfies a current board requirement.

When You’ll Need a New or Updated Credential Evaluation

There are several situations where you may need additional evaluation or verification.

State-Specific Re-Verification Requirements

The most important factor is your target state’s rules.

Some state Boards of Nursing require internationally educated nurses to submit credential evaluations or verification as part of licensure. Other states may use different processes.

NCSBN’s Nurse Licensure Guidance tool directs internationally educated nurses to state-specific information, including whether a credentials evaluation is required.

If your board specifically requests a current report, updated evaluation, or direct verification, follow that requirement even if you already completed an evaluation in the past.

Long Gaps Since Your Original Evaluation

A long gap between your original evaluation and your current application can create additional documentation questions.

This may happen if you:

• Completed your evaluation years ago
• Obtained a U.S. nursing license but did not practice for an extended period
• Worked outside the United States
• Let your license become inactive or expired
• Are returning to U.S. nursing after several years
• Are applying for endorsement in a different state

CGFNS notes that document retention and availability can depend on its services and timelines, and applicants may sometimes need to provide new documentation.

Switching Between CGFNS, CES, and Other Evaluation Agencies

A credential evaluation is not simply a generic document that can be substituted anywhere.

For example, CGFNS’s CES Professional Report provides an analysis of nursing education received outside the United States and a comparability statement.

If your target state specifies a particular report or credentialing organization, using another agency’s evaluation may not satisfy the requirement.

Always confirm the accepted report type before ordering a new evaluation.

How to Check What Your Target State Requires

Before paying for a new CGFNS report for license endorsement, take these steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Target State

Determine which state Board of Nursing will process your endorsement application.

Step 2: Review the Internationally Educated Nurse Requirements

Look specifically for sections covering:

• Foreign nursing education
• Internationally educated nurses
• Credential evaluation
• Education verification
• CGFNS/CES
• Licensure by endorsement

Step 3: Compare the Requirement With Your Existing Report

Write down:

Report type + issue date + evaluation agency + recipient + state requirement

If all five align, you may not need to order another evaluation.

Step 4: Contact the Board if the Requirement Is Unclear

When the wording is unclear, ask the Board of Nursing whether your existing report can be used.

Getting clarification before ordering another evaluation can help prevent unnecessary expense and processing delays.

How This Connects to Reinstatement

Credential evaluation questions frequently arise when a nurse is dealing with an older or inactive U.S. nursing license.

For example, a nurse who worked abroad for several years may return to the United States and discover that additional documentation is required before the license can be reinstated.

If you previously worked outside the United States, read our guide on Nursing License Reinstatement After Working Abroad.

If your license has been inactive for several years, our Nursing License Reinstatement After Years Inactive guide can help you understand the potential documentation issues.

Remember that endorsement and reinstatement are different licensing situations. The requirements depend on your state and individual licensing history.

What the Re-Evaluation Process Involves

If your target state requires a new evaluation, expect several steps.

1. Select the Correct Evaluation

Confirm exactly which CGFNS or other credential evaluation service the Board of Nursing accepts.

CGFNS provides credential evaluation services that verify academic and licensing credentials for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

2. Submit Your Information

Depending on the service, you may need information related to your:

• Nursing education
• Academic records
• Professional licenses
• Identity
• Previous registrations
• Other relevant credentials

3. Arrange Primary-Source Verification

Credential verification may require documents to come directly from the educational institution or licensing authority.

CGFNS explains that its verification process uses primary-source documentation and verifies credentials through issuing institutions and regulatory authorities.

4. Wait for Evaluation and Reporting

Processing time depends on the service, document completeness, and how quickly the required institutions or licensing authorities respond.

CGFNS states that its verification work can involve academic records, licensure, identity, and other credential information.

For that reason, start early if your state requires a new evaluation.

How Nurses Beyond Borders Helps With Credential Re-Evaluation and Endorsement

Not sure whether your old CGFNS report is enough for your endorsement application?

Nurses Beyond Borders can help you understand the credential documentation required for your situation and coordinate it with your RN license endorsement process.

Whether you need help reviewing your existing credentials, determining whether additional evaluation may be required, or preparing your endorsement documentation, getting the requirements right at the beginning can help you avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

Explore our License Endorsement service and learn how Nurses Beyond Borders can support your U.S. nursing licensure journey.

If you need credential verification or evaluation assistance, visit our Credential Evaluation service page as well.

Don’t Order a New CGFNS Report Until You Check

Your old credential evaluation may or may not be sufficient. The answer depends on your target state’s requirements, the report type, its age, and your individual licensing history.

Before paying for another evaluation, verify what your Board of Nursing actually requires.

Need help figuring out whether you need a new credential evaluation? Contact Nurses Beyond Borders for guidance on your endorsement documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a CGFNS report expire?

It depends on the specific CGFNS service and how the receiving organization handles the report. CGFNS states that applicant copies of reports issued to U.S. State Boards of Nursing are available in the online account for one year from the report’s initial issuance. This should not be confused with the retention or storage of verified documents.

Do all states require a new credential evaluation for endorsement?

No. Requirements vary by state. NCSBN states that nursing licensure requirements differ among states, and internationally educated nurses should review the requirements for the state where they intend to practice.

What’s the difference between CGFNS certification and a CES report?

They are different services. A CES report evaluates nursing credentials, while CGFNS certification includes credential assessment and additional certification requirements. CGFNS describes evaluation and certification as separate levels of service.

Do I need a new CGFNS report if I’m reinstating an old license?

Not necessarily. It depends on the state, your previous evaluation, how long your license has been inactive, and the documentation currently required by the Board of Nursing.

How long does a new credential re-evaluation take?

There is no single timeline for every applicant. Processing depends on the evaluation service, document completeness, and how quickly schools and licensing authorities provide verification. Starting early is important when an evaluation is required for endorsement.