Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
IA · Internationally educated nurses
Iowa RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Iowa Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
A TruMerit/CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report is required for foreign education under the Board’s nursing-licensure guidance.
English requirement
CGFNS/TruMerit must submit IELTS or TOEFL documentation directly to the Board when required under Iowa’s foreign-educated-nurse rules.
SSN requirement
Iowa expressly states that an applicant without an SSN may receive a single-state license. A valid U.S. SSN is required for multistate status.
Background check
Complete the Fieldprint fingerprint background check. Applicants abroad or otherwise unable to use Fieldprint may request a paper packet from the Board.
Education review
The CES Professional Report provides the education comparison; the Board may request further records.
Application sequence
How to apply in Iowa
- 1
Submit Iowa’s examination application.
- 2
Order the CES Professional Report and direct English results if required.
- 3
Complete Fieldprint or request the overseas paper fingerprint packet.
- 4
Register with Pearson VUE.
- 5
Test after authorization; the application and registration expire 90 days after ATT.
Documents to prepare
- CES Professional Report
- IELTS/TOEFL when required
- Official transcript if requested/direct from school
- Fieldprint or paper fingerprint packet
- SSN or single-state designation
Verify before paying
- • No-SSN issuance is single-state only.
- • The application and NCLEX registration have a specific post-authorization expiration window.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Iowa Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.