Compact status
Not a Nurse Licensure Compact member
MN · Internationally educated nurses
Minnesota RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Minnesota Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
TruMerit/CGFNS CES Professional Report sent directly to the Board.
English requirement
In-person approved test unless the nursing program was conducted in English in an English-speaking exempt country. The Board page lists IELTS Academic 6.5 overall/7 speaking/6 other modules; OET 350 speaking/300 others; and its current TOEFL scale values. Use the live page because TOEFL scoring has changed.
SSN requirement
The public foreign-program page reviewed does not clearly state a pre-application or issuance SSN rule; confirm in the application.
Background check
Minnesota-specific fingerprints and criminal background check are required; instructions are emailed after application.
Education review
CES must find education equivalent to the same type of U.S. nursing program. Applicants five or more years from graduation, or not passing within five years, must complete a Board-required review course.
Application sequence
How to apply in Minnesota
- 1
Apply online or by foreign-educated RN exam packet.
- 2
Order CES and, if needed, English results.
- 3
Complete the Minnesota fingerprint packet.
- 4
Register with Pearson VUE; all requirements must arrive before eligibility/ATT.
Documents to prepare
- CES Professional Report
- English result/exemption basis
- Minnesota fingerprint packet
- Name-change proof if applicable
Verify before paying
- • The current page displays TOEFL scores on a newer scale; applicants should not substitute older internet-based score assumptions.
- • Minnesota is not an NLC member as of the research date.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Minnesota 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.