Taking the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN is necessary for nursing graduates in South Korea who aspire to become licensed in the United States.
NCLEX pass rates for international nurses are lower than for U.S. graduates, often due to differences in clinical training models, decision-making styles, and legal frameworks.
So, to pass the NCLEX, you’ll need to intentionally fill the gaps between your local training and U.S. nursing expectations.
In this article, we discuss all the steps needed to take the NCLEX in South Korea.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Choose Your U.S. State Board of Nursing
Your first task is to choose the state in which you will apply for licensure.
It is strongly recommended that you research several Boards of Nursing (BONs) before deciding. Some states are known to be more accessible for international nurses.
For example, New York does not require an SSN and accepts applications from nurses educated outside the United States through the CGFNS CVS service.
States such as Texas, Illinois, and Florida are also considered relatively friendly to international applicants, especially if you do not yet have U.S. residency.
Step 2: Prep Your Documents Through KHPLEI
As a Korean-trained nurse, your educational documents need to be verified by a trusted local authority, i.e, Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute (KHPLEI).
You will need to request your official nursing school transcripts and your graduation certificate. These documents must be issued in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
You may visit https://www.kuksiwon.or.kr, or contact their office directly to inquire about licensure verification procedures for international purposes.
Make sure you communicate clearly that the documents must be sent to CGFNS in the U.S., and that they should include your full name, date of birth, and CGFNS ID number (once available) to ensure proper matching with your file.
Step 3: Complete Credential Verification with CGFNS
To ensure your Korean nursing education is equivalent to U.S. standards, you must undergo a credential evaluation through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). The organization provides two main services relevant to Korean nurses:
- CES (Credentials Evaluation Service) – Used by many states, including Texas, Illinois, and California.
- CVS (Credentials Verification Service) – Required specifically for applicants to the New York State Board of Nursing.
Create an account at www.cgfns.org and select the appropriate service based on the BON you have chosen. Once registered, you will be prompted to pay a fee (currently $385 for CES or $390 for CVS) and to submit documentation, including a copy of your passport.
CGFNS will coordinate directly with KHPLEI to receive your transcripts and license verification.
The documents must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, officially stamped, and sent by KHPLEI. Submissions made directly by the applicant will be rejected.
Step 4: Fulfill English Language Proficiency Requirements
Most U.S. state boards require international nurses to demonstrate proficiency in English, particularly if their nursing education was conducted in another language.
Unless your program was taught entirely in English and the BON accepts this as sufficient, you will likely need to submit scores from an English language test.
Commonly accepted exams include:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
When you register for the test, have your scores sent directly to CGFNS or your BON, depending on their specific requirements. Hand-delivered or self-reported scores will not be accepted.
Step 5: Apply to the State Board of Nursing
After your credential evaluation and English testing are complete, you may proceed to formally apply to your chosen Board of Nursing. The BON will review your qualifications and determine whether you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX.
Application procedures vary from state to state, but you will usually need to:
- Complete an online or paper application
- Upload or mail supporting documents
- Pay an application fee (generally between $100 and $350)
- Submit to a criminal background check and possibly fingerprinting
Once approved, the BON will notify Pearson VUE, the official NCLEX testing provider, that you are eligible to take the NCLEX in South Korea. You will then receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).
Step 6: Receive and Understand Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
The Authorization to Test (ATT) is a document sent via email from Pearson VUE. It confirms that you are officially eligible to schedule your NCLEX exam.
Your ATT includes your testing ID, expiration date, and specific instructions for booking your test.
The ATT validity is limited to 90 days from the date of issue. If you do not schedule and take your exam within this window, you will need to reapply to your BON and pay additional fees.
Step 7: Schedule the NCLEX in South Korea
Fortunately, Korean candidates do not need to travel abroad to take the NCLEX. There is a Pearson Professional Testing Center located in Seoul, where you can take the exam under the same secure conditions offered in U.S. locations.
To schedule the NCLEX in South Korea:
- Visit www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
- Log in using your ATT credentials
- Choose “International Test Center”
- Select Seoul, South Korea
- Pay the $200 exam fee, plus any applicable international testing surcharge
Step 8: Prepare Thoroughly with Feuer Nursing Review
Nursing education in South Korea tends to follow a more protocol-driven and hierarchical approach. However, NCLEX is designed around the U.S. model, which places a premium on critical thinking, flexible decision-making, and independent clinical judgment.
Key gaps include limited emphasis on patient advocacy, different nurse-physician dynamics, and less familiarity with legal responsibilities like documentation and informed consent.
Korean candidates must actively build skills in clinical reasoning, assertive communication, and understanding the U.S. nurse’s independent role in patient care.
Feuer Nursing Review is a great resource for international nurses to prepare for the NCLEX in South Korea. It simplifies complex content, focuses on NCLEX-style decision-making, and strengthens areas often overlooked in traditional curricula.
Our online, self-paced format is ideal for working professionals and offers structured guidance in prioritization, delegation, pharmacology, and more.
Conclusion: Begin Your Nursing Career in the US
After you pass the NCLEX through preparation with Feuer Nursing Review, you are now eligible to apply for nursing positions in the U.S. Begin your VisaScreen process for immigration. You may also consider seeking positions in other countries that recognize NCLEX licensure.
Remember that every document you submit, every study hour you invest, and every step you take brings you closer to your professional goals. We at Feuer Nursing Review are always open to helping you in any way we can.
Reach out to Feuer Nursing Today for comprehensive NCLEX prep in South Korea today!
