CGFNS Qualifying Practice Exam

CGFNS Qualifying Practice Exam

The CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, part of the CGFNS Certification Program, is a crucial step for internationally educated nurses (IENs) seeking to practice as registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. It assesses their nursing knowledge and ensures they possess the foundation for success in the NCLEX-RN® licensing exam and their future nursing careers in the US.

Who should take the Exam?

This exam is mandatory for IENs from countries with significantly different nursing education and practice standards compared to the US. The specific state nursing boards determine whether the CGFNS Qualifying Exam is required for licensure.

Key Aspects of the Exam:

• Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions
• Number of Questions: 165 (150 scored questions and 15 unscored pretest questions)
• Duration: 3 hours

Eligibility and Application:

• Meet specific education and licensure requirements in your home country.
• Pass an English language proficiency exam recognized by CGFNS International.
• Submit an application and supporting documents to CGFNS International

 Course Outline

The domains and their relevant topics of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®  exam are as follows:

1. Basic care and comfort

• Assistive devices
• Elimination
• Mobility/immobility
• Non-pharmacological comfort interventions
• Nutritional and oral hydration
• Personal hygiene
• Rest and sleep

2. Pharmacological and parenteral therapies

• Adverse effects/ contraindications/interactions
• Blood and blood products
• Central venous access devices
• Chemotherapy, dosage calculation
• Expected actions and outcomes
• Intravenous therapy
• Medication administration
• Parenteral and intravenous therapies
• Pharmacological pain management and total parenteral nutrition. 

3. Reduction of risk potential

• Changes and abnormalities in vital signs
• Diagnostic tests
• Laboratory values
• Potential alteration in body systems
• The potential for complications of diagnostic tests
• Treatments and procedures
• Potential for complications from surgical procedures and health alterations
• System-specific alterations and therapeutic procedures

4. Physiologic Adaptation

• Alterations in body systems
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Hemodynamics
• Illness management
• Medical emergencies
• Pathophysiology 
• Unexpected response to therapies