A Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Registration in Canada

1. Scope of Nursing in Canada

If you are a nurse and want to practice in Canada, you can serve as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Public Health Nurse. You can specialize in vast fields including Critical Care (ICU), Emergency Nursing, Pediatrics, Oncology, Geriatrics, psychiatric nursing, Operating Room (OR) nursing, and public health nursing.

You can also find information about nursing registration for other countries given below:

2. Nursing Registration in Canada

Nurses will begin the process of credential evaluation through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), which serves as the regulatory authority in Canada for nursing registration. The often tedious process of nursing registration has been simplified into the following steps:

Step1: Check Eligibility Criteria for Nursing

The first step is to check the eligibility criteria and requirements for nursing registration with NNAS. In this step, you will determine your nursing role from the multiple nursing designations offered in Canada (Registered Nurse, Registered Practical Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner), as each role has different educational and licensure requirements. Another important factor is that your nursing qualifications must meet Canadian standards.

You will need the following documents for your registration:

Step 2:  Submit an application through NNAS

Once you establish your eligibility, you will create an account with NNAS and submit your credentials, including transcripts, registration license verifications, experience certificates, language proficiency evidence, and other required documents. For Regular Service application, you will pay a fee of $650 USD, and for the Expedited Service application, you will pay $750 CAD. Please note that the fee is non-refundable for the application.

Step 3: Pass English Proficiency Test

Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages. English is the predominant language spoken in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, while French is primarily spoken in Quebec. However, English is widely used across most of Canada. As we know, effective communication is essential in healthcare settings, and nurses are required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency to ensure patient safety and effective communication and collaboration among healthcare teams. You can prepare for either English or French language proficiency and achieve the minimum scores listed in the table below to proceed with your application.

English Language Requirements

*Always check updates from the official sources for particular provinces for change in minimum accepted scores for the tests.

For OET Nursing preparation, including resources, guidelines, and mock tests, please read the following articles:

Step 4: Apply for Provincial Registration

After you receive your assessment report, you can apply to the provincial or territorial regulatory body for the province where you intend to work. Each province has its own registration body, which is listed in the table below:

Provincial Regulatory Authorities for Nursing Registration

Step 5: Pass NCLEX-RN or CPNRE Exam

For nurse registration, there are two main exams. If you are a Registered Nurse (RN), you are required to take the NCLEX-RN exam. It is a computer-based test that assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for nursing practice. It covers nursing topics, including health promotion, effective care, and the maintenance of healthcare provision. It is an adaptive test which covers a wide range of nursing topics in the form of MCQs.

For the role of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), you will take the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination), which evaluates skills, knowledge, and competence at the practical nursing level. This is a 4-hour exam which consists of 165-170 multiple choice questions with some unscored pretest questions.

Both exams cost you between USD $200 and USD $400 depending on the province or state. You can prepare for these exams by getting yourself familiar with the exam pattern, format, content, adaptive testing emphasizing the management of care, safety, infection control, or other related topics. Make a consistent study plan and use practice tests to identify your weak areas and evaluate your performance.

Step 6: Complete Additional Requirements

In some cases, provincial registration may require you to take jurisprudence exams on provincial ethics or laws, undergo background checks or police verification, or complete bridging programs if there are gaps in your education. Once all the requirements are fulfilled, you will receive your nursing license. Finally, you can apply for a work permit through programs like the Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) to complete the immigration process if you are not a permanent resident.

3. Why Nursing in Canada

There are several benefits to consider when choosing Canada for your nursing career:

4. FAQ for Nursing Registration in Canada

How long does the nursing registration process for Canada take?
The process typically takes 12 to 24 months for internationally qualified nurses. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as credential assessment reports, exam scheduling, and submission of complete documents, including bridging program certificates, if required.

Can internationally educated nurses (IENs) apply for jobs while waiting for their license?
Yes, you can apply for non-licensed roles, such as healthcare aides, personal support workers (PSWs), or other supportive positions in the healthcare sector, while completing the registration process.

Is NCLEX hard to pass?

Well! If you prepare well, you will not find much difficulty in passing any practical or theoretical nursing exam. Remember! You cannot practice without passing such exams in Canada.

Is CELBAN a better choice than IELTS?

CELBAN is accepted by nearly 25 nursing registration authorities in Canada, while IELTS is accepted by more than 8,000 organizations worldwide. If you plan to work exclusively in Canada, CELBAN would be a better choice. You can find details about other accepted English proficiency tests and their minimum score requirements earlier in this article.

What is the age limit for nursing registration in Canada?

According to Canada’s CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points-based system, nurses under the age of 30 receive higher points compared to those over 45, whose points decrease significantly. While this reduces the chances of selection for older applicants, it does not mean that nurses over 45 cannot apply. There is still hope, and they are encouraged to try as other factors, such as work experience, language proficiency, and provincial nominations, can improve their chances.

If you need any more information about registration for nursing in Canada, feel free to contact us!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes and serves as a guideline for application of nurses. It is not intended to replace professional consultancy or to represent any medical council or regulatory body. Always consult the official websites for the most up-to-date information and specific guidelines related to your individual case.