Colorado RN License Application for International Nurses (2025 Guide)

✅ Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you:

Completed your nursing education outside the U.S. or Canada.
Hold a current and valid RN license in your home country.
Meet English proficiency standards.
Are ready to take or have already passed the NCLEX-RN.

📋 Step-by-Step Colorado RN License Application Process

1️⃣ Create an Account with DORA

Colorado’s nursing licensure is handled by:
Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) – Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO)
🔗 Colorado DORA Website

Create an account on the CO portal to apply.
Select Licensure by Examination (for new nurses).
Select Licensure by Endorsement (if you already passed NCLEX in another U.S. state).

2️⃣ Submit the Online Application

Documents you will need:

Valid passport copy
Nursing diploma/degree
Official transcripts (translated if not in English)
Proof of English proficiency
Fingerprint submission (for background check)
Payment of non-refundable application fee (~$88 USD)

3️⃣ Credential Evaluation via CGFNS

Colorado requires verification of your nursing education through:
✅ CGFNS CES Professional Report
(Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
🔗 www.cgfns.org

Steps:

Create an account and apply for CES Professional Report.
Submit official transcripts and license verification.
CGFNS sends report directly to Colorado BON.

4️⃣ English Language Proficiency

Required unless your nursing program was taught in English in the U.S., UK, Canada (excluding Quebec), Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.

Accepted Tests & Scores:

Test	Minimum Score
TOEFL iBT	83 total (with Speaking ≥ 26)
IELTS	6.5 overall, ≥ 6.0 in all modules
OET	C+ in all subtests with overall ≥ 300
PTE	55 overall, minimum 50 per section

5️⃣ Register for NCLEX-RN

Once your application is approved:

Register with Pearson VUE: www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
Pay $200 fee.+177usd
Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT).
Schedule and take the NCLEX-RN.

6️⃣ Criminal Background Check & Fingerprinting

Colorado law requires:

State and FBI fingerprint-based background checks
Use IdentoGO or a designated fingerprinting agency
Submit fingerprints after submitting the online application
Your license will not be issued until background results are cleared

🔗 Colorado Background Check Info

🧾 Fee Summary

Item	Approximate Cost
Colorado RN Application	$88
CGFNS CES Report	$365+
NCLEX Registration	$200
Fingerprinting	$40–$50
IELTS/TOEFL (if required)	Varies

📌 Final Tips from Nursing Manthra

You do not need a SSN to apply or sit for NCLEX in Colorado, but you’ll need one before license issuance.
Submit all documents early to avoid delays.
CGFNS and NCLEX processes can take 6–8 months, so plan ahead.
If you already passed the NCLEX in another U.S. state, apply via endorsement, not examination.