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:

  1. Visit www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
  2. Log in using your ATT credentials
  3. Choose “International Test Center”
  4. Select Seoul, South Korea
  5. 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!

FAQ

Can nurses from South Korea take the NCLEX?

Yes. Nurses educated in South Korea can take the NCLEX if they meet the requirements of the U.S. state board of nursing where they plan to apply. The process usually starts with choosing a state, completing the required documents, registering with Pearson VUE, and waiting for approval before scheduling the exam.

What is the first step to take the NCLEX from South Korea?

The first step is to choose the U.S. state where you want to apply for nursing licensure. Each state has its own requirements for international nurses, so it is important to review the rules before sending documents or paying application fees.

Do Korean nurses need a credential evaluation for the NCLEX?

Many Korean nurses may need a credential evaluation before they can be approved for the NCLEX. This depends on the state board of nursing, so it is best to check the exact requirements of the state where you plan to apply.

Can I take the NCLEX in South Korea?

The NCLEX is offered at domestic and international Pearson VUE test centers. If South Korea is available when you schedule, you may be able to take the exam there after receiving your Authorization to Test.

What is an Authorization to Test?

An Authorization to Test, or ATT, is the approval you need before you can schedule your NCLEX exam. You receive it after your nursing regulatory body confirms your eligibility and your NCLEX registration is complete.

Do Korean nurses need IELTS or TOEFL for the NCLEX?

Some state boards or credentialing agencies may require proof of English language proficiency, while others may not. The requirement depends on the state, your education background, and the licensing pathway you choose.

Is the NCLEX hard for Korean nurses?

The NCLEX can feel challenging because it is different from many traditional nursing exams. It focuses on clinical judgment, patient safety, prioritization, and applying nursing knowledge to real patient situations instead of only memorizing facts.

How should Korean nurses prepare for the NCLEX?

Korean nurses should review core nursing subjects, practice NCLEX-style questions, and spend time learning how to answer Next Generation NCLEX case studies. It also helps to study U.S. nursing concepts, delegation, prioritization, and patient safety standards.

Can Feuer Nursing Review help Korean nurses prepare for the NCLEX?

Yes. Feuer Nursing Review can help Korean nurses prepare for the NCLEX through structured review options, nursing content lessons, test-taking strategies, and practice questions. This can be helpful for international nurses who need support adjusting to the NCLEX format.

How long does the NCLEX process take for nurses from South Korea?

The timeline can vary depending on the state board, document processing, credential evaluation, English exam requirements, and available test dates. Some nurses may move through the process faster, while others may need more time if documents or approvals are delayed.