The United States continues to open its doors to internationally educated nurses, and Kenyan nurses are highly valued in U.S. healthcare systems due to their strong academic foundation and work ethic.
But to legally work as a registered nurse (RN) in the U.S., one thing is non-negotiable: you must pass the NCLEX-RN, the national licensure exam for nurses.
If you’re a Kenyan nurse wondering how to take the NCLEX from home, this guide is for you. The process involves credential evaluation, licensing, test registration, and preparation, and if you follow it step-by-step, you can absolutely succeed from Kenya.
Step 1: Choose the U.S. State Board of Nursing
Your NCLEX journey begins with selecting a U.S. state board of nursing (BON) where you’ll apply for licensure. Each state has its own rules, application process, and level of flexibility for internationally educated nurses.
Some states are more “foreign-nurse friendly” than others, making them a good place to start. For example
- New York (no Social Security Number required)
- Texas
- Illinois
- Florida
Visit the BON website of your chosen state and carefully read the steps for licensure by examination for foreign-educated nurses. You’ll be following their requirements throughout this process.
Step 2: Get Your Kenyan Nursing Credentials Verified
Before applying to the U.S. BON, you’ll need to verify your nursing education and license from the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK). Boards of Nursing and CGFNS require official validation of your education and license from your home country.
Access the necessary forms directly from the official NCK portal at http://nckenya.com. Carefully fill out the required paperwork and prepare your supporting documents, including your academic transcripts, current nursing license, and proof of identity.
Once your documents are ready, submit them to the NCK as per their guidelines. After submission, you’ll need to actively monitor the NCK’s transmission of these documents to CGFNS for credential evaluation.
Be proactive and follow up with the NCK regularly. Delays or incomplete submissions can add weeks or months to your timeline.
Step 3: Apply for Credential Evaluation through CGFNS
Most U.S. state boards require an independent review of your credentials through CGFNS. The most commonly requested service is the CES Professional Report, which verifies your:
- Nursing school transcripts
- Secondary school education
- Valid Kenyan RN license
You can apply through www.cgfns.org, create an account, and submit your request. Once all your documents have been received and reviewed, CGFNS will send the report directly to the U.S. BON you selected.
This process can take 2–4 months or more, depending on document transmission speed. Make sure to monitor your CGFNS portal and ensure all items are received.
Step 4: Apply to the U.S. State Board of Nursing
Once your CGFNS report is in progress (or complete), you can begin your formal application to the U.S. Board of Nursing. This will involve submitting:
- An online or paper application
- Application fees (usually $100–$300)
- Fingerprints or background check (depending on the state)
- Your completed CES report
After reviewing your documents, the BON will notify you whether you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX.
Step 5: Prove English Language Proficiency (If Required)
Not all states require English language tests, but some do—especially if your nursing education wasn’t fully taught in English, or this isn’t clearly stated on your transcripts.
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS Academic (overall score of 6.5+, speaking 7.0+)
- TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 83)
Check your state BON’s rules carefully. If needed, schedule your test early to avoid delaying your NCLEX authorization.
Step 6: Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
Once the BON determines you’re eligible, they will notify Pearson VUE, the official testing provider for the NCLEX.
Pearson VUE will then issue your Authorization to Test (ATT) by email. This email contains your ATT number and testing window, usually valid for 90 days.
You’ll need to create an account at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex, pay the exam fee (currently $200 USD), and use the ATT to schedule your test. Make sure to book within your window or you may need to repeat parts of the application process.
Step 7: Schedule Your NCLEX-RN Exam
While Kenya currently does not have an NCLEX testing center, you can take the exam at any approved Pearson VUE international testing center. The closest centers for Kenyan nurses include:
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- New Delhi or Hyderabad, India
When planning to take the exam abroad, factor in travel costs, visa requirements, accommodation, and the time you’ll need to settle in before test day. Try to schedule your exam as early as possible once you receive your ATT to ensure seat availability.
Step 8: Prepare with Feuer Nursing Review
The NCLEX is very different from any nursing exam you’ve taken in Kenya. It doesn’t just test knowledge, it evaluates your ability to make safe, effective decisions in real clinical situations.
The U.S. version of nursing practice puts a heavy focus on critical thinking, prioritization, and patient safety. That’s why using Feuer Nursing Review (FNR) is highly recommended.
FNR offers internationally educated nurses a structured, easy-to-follow study plan designed around U.S. clinical expectations. You’ll get access to NCLEX-style practice questions, case-based NGN formats, and simplified content reviews to bridge the gap between your education and U.S. standards. The online format makes it easy to study at your own pace, right from Kenya.
Conclusion
Becoming a U.S.-licensed nurse from Kenya is absolutely within your reach with the right preparation, a reliable study plan, and step-by-step action. Thousands of international nurses follow this path every year, and so can you.
The most important part is getting ready for the exam and that’s where Feuer Nursing Review makes a real difference. Our review system is tailored for international nurses, helping you build the knowledge, test skills, and confidence you need to pass the NCLEX and start your new career in the U.S.
Join Feuer Nursing Review today.
