Registered Nurse license in Georgia for internationally-educated professionals
Internationally-educated RN path under Board Rule 410-2-.03: CES evaluation, foreign license verification, NCLEX-RN, and a notarized mail application tracked in the GOALS portal.
- Steps
- 8
- Licensing process cost
- $965–$1,085
1Meet the practice-currency requirement
Georgia requires evidence of currency: within the 4 years before you apply, at least one of — 500 hours of licensed RN practice, graduation from your nursing program, or completion of a Board-approved reentry program. If none applies to you, plan for a reentry program before starting the rest of this path.
Source · Verified August 2026
2Get your CES evaluation (TruMerit or equivalent)
Georgia requires a credentials evaluation verifying: a nursing program of at least 2 academic years; theory AND clinical instruction in adult medical-surgical, maternal/infant, pediatric, and psychiatric/mental health nursing; initial licensure in your country of education; and CURRENT licensure. A lapsed foreign license makes you ineligible under this rule — keep your home-country license active until Georgia licenses you. The TruMerit CES Professional Report is $485.
$485
Source · Verified August 2026
3Verify your foreign license
A verification of your nursing license must be sent to the Board directly from the licensing agency in your country of education.
Source · Verified August 2026
4English proficiency exam (if required)
Required unless a substantial portion of your nursing program was conducted in English. Minimum TOEFL scores for Georgia: 550 (paper), 213 (computer), 79 (iBT).
$180–$300
Source · Verified August 2026
5Apply via the GOALS portal
International applications are submitted by mail with notarized forms, tracked in the Board's GOALS portal. Fees: $40 application + $10 processing. Fingerprinting through GAPS (Idemia), about $50. Georgia law also requires lawful-presence documentation with your application.
$100
Source · Verified August 2026
6Register for the NCLEX-RN
Register with Pearson VUE ($200). Georgia's deadline: you must pass the NCLEX within 3 years of your date of ELIGIBILITY (not your graduation date).
$200
Source · Verified August 2026
7Pass the NCLEX-RN
The national licensing exam. If unsuccessful, there is a 45-day wait before retaking.
No cost
Source · Verified August 2026
8License issued — start working
Once you pass the NCLEX and all verifications are complete, the Board issues your Georgia RN license.
No cost
Source · Verified August 2026
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