Foreign Educated LPN/RN Applicants

Applicants by Examination

Applicants who were educated internationally, or who completed a non-English speaking nursing education program, must:

1. Complete a credential review through TruMerit (formerly CGFNS). Request TruMerit to send the following directly to the SDBON:

  • Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report (CES)
  • If educated in a non-English speaking education program, successfully pass an English language proficiency exam

2.  After Trumerit has submitted your reports to the Board of Nursing, create a Nurse Portal account to complete and submit an application for licensure as an internationally educated nurse by examination

3.  Complete a criminal background check using the fingerprint cards provided by the SD Board of Nursing

Applicants by Endorsement

  • Create a Nurse Portal account to complete and submit an application for licensure as an internationally educated nurse by endorsement from another state

  • Complete a criminal background check using the fingerprint cards provided by the SD Board of Nursing

Applicants who request a multistate compact license must meet South Dakota residency requirement, have a SSN, and if applicable, submit English language proficiency exam results

Page Updated: 3/31/2026 3:41:23 PM