Clear, step-by-step guide for applying to get your nursing transcript (and credential evaluation) processed via CGFNS International (now also known as TruMerit). This applies if you were educated outside the U.S. and want your academic records validated for the NCLEX/USRN pathway. What is CGFNS — and Why You Need Their Transcript Request/Evaluation

CGFNS is the primary credential-evaluation and verification body for internationally educated nurses seeking to practice in the U.S. or apply for U.S. nursing licensure.

As part of that process, CGFNS requires that your nursing school send an official transcript / academic record directly to them, using their standardized “Request for Academic Records / Transcripts” form.

Once they receive and verify your transcript + other required documents (license, diploma, secondary school credentials, etc.), they evaluate whether your foreign education is comparable to U.S. standards. This is essential for eligibility for licensure/NCLEX or for immigration-related credentialing (e.g., VisaScreen®).

 Step-by-Step Guide to Request Your Transcript with CGFNS

Here’s how to navigate the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your CGFNS (TruMerit) Account

Go to the CGFNS website → sign in or create a new account on their portal (often known as “CGFNS Connect”).
CGFNS

Once logged in, begin an application for the service you need (e.g., Credentials Evaluation Service [CES], VisaScreen®, or whichever applies).
CGFNS

Step 2: Choose the Right Service Package

Depending on your destination/state or purpose, you may need one of the following:

Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) – to validate that your nursing education and credentials match U.S. standards.

VisaScreen® (if immigrating or seeking U.S. employer sponsorship) — if applicable to your visa/immigration path.

Credentials Verification Service (CVS) — for specific purposes such as licensure in certain U.S. states (e.g., New York) that require CGFNS verification.

Be sure to review the required documents list for your chosen service.

Step 3: Download & Complete the “Request for Academic Records / Transcripts” Form

Once your application is started, CGFNS will generate a personalized Request for Academic Records / Transcripts form tied to your application.

Download and sign (applicant’s part) the form. Then forward to your nursing school/institution.

Please make sure your school completes the form fully, attaches the official transcript (including courses, theory/clinical hours, grades, dates, and an institutional seal or stamp), and sends it directly to CGFNS.
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If the transcript is not in English, the institution should provide a certified English translation (or you can request translation — note there may be a fee) before sending.

Suppose your school no longer exists or has merged. In that case, you may need to contact the successor institution or the relevant government authority (e.g., the Ministry of Health/Education) to obtain the records.

Step 4: Submit Other Required Documents (Licenses, Diplomas, etc.)

Depending on the service:

Provide a copy of your nursing diploma, license/registration, and – when required – your secondary (high school) credentials.

Suppose the license/registration must be verified (for CES, CVS, etc.). In that case, you may also need to complete and submit a “License/Registration/Diploma Validation Form” so your licensing body can send verification directly to CGFNS.

Please make sure all documents are originals (or certified copies), and translations if applicable. Never send original degree diplomas if avoidable.

Step 5: Submit Your Application & Pay Any Fees

Complete the online application through your CGFNS account; pay the fee required for the evaluation/verification service you chose.

Please go ahead and upload any required documents (passport-style photo, identification, etc.).

Step 6: Wait for CGFNS to Receive & Process Documents

CGFNS does not begin evaluation until all required primary-source documents (transcript directly from school, license validation, etc.) are received.

Average total processing time is roughly 16 weeks (≈ 14 weeks for document collection + ~2 weeks evaluation), though this can vary depending on how quickly your school and licensing bodies respond.

Step 7: Receive Your Report or Certificate

Once documents are verified and evaluated, CGFNS will issue the appropriate report, e.g., the CES Professional Report (showing the comparability of credentials) or the VisaScreen® certificate (if for immigration).

This report can then be submitted to your State Board of Nursing to allow you to take the NCLEX-RN or pursue licensure.
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Tips & Common Pitfalls — How to Avoid Delays or Rejections

Request early. Schools abroad may take time to locate and send transcripts; begin while you still have control.

You can use official forms. The “Request for Academic Records / Transcripts” must be completed by the school, not by you, or CGFNS may reject it.

Please make sure the translation is needed. Non-English transcripts must have certified English translations, ideally done by the issuing institution.

Check validity of license/registration. If your original license has expired, many state boards and CGFNS require a current, unrestricted license or proof of status.

Track communication: Stay in contact with your school and licensing bodies to ensure documents are sent directly to CGFNS, not to you.

 In Conclusion

Submitting your nursing transcript to CGFNS is a crucial — and sometimes time-consuming — step on the road to U.S. licensure for internationally educated nurses. But if approached methodically, it can be streamlined and successful:

Create a CGFNS account → choose the correct service

Download & complete the transcript request form

Have your school send it directly to CGFNS (with translation if needed)

Submit any other required documents (license, diploma, etc.)

Pay fees and upload what you have

Wait for confirmation and evaluation (average ~16 weeks)

Receive report/certificate — ready for NCLEX registration or immigration

Because you already plan to support internationally educated nurses via your platform, this step-by-step breakdown can also serve as a free resource or guide for your audience — perhaps one of your “Premium Content” offerings for top contributors.