Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada, especially as an internationally educated nurse (IEN), is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and adherence to national and provincial regulations. The process is centralized by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) and ultimately managed by the provincial nursing regulatory bodies.

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Phase 1: National Assessment via NNAS

The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is the first and mandatory step for almost all IENs seeking to register in Canada (excluding Quebec). NNAS assesses the credentials of IENs against Canadian standards.

Create an NNAS Account

You must create an online account on the NNAS application portal. You will fill out an application form providing personal details, education history, and employment information.

Submit Required Documents

You must submit documents to NNAS, but most must be sent directly from the third-party source:

• Proof of Identity: Submitted by you (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
• Nursing Education Forms: Sent directly from your nursing education institution(s), including transcripts and curriculum information.
• Nursing Registration Forms: Sent directly from your initial and current licensing/regulatory body, confirming your license status and good standing.
• Nursing Practice/Employment Forms: Sent directly from your employer(s), confirming your work history.

Achieve English or French Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate language proficiency by achieving the required minimum scores on an approved test, such as:

• IELTS Academic: Listening (7.5), Reading (6.5), Writing (7.0), Speaking (7.0).
• CELBAN: Listening (9), Reading (8), Writing (7), Speaking (8).
• OET: Listening (B), Reading (C+), Writing (C+), Speaking (B).

Receive the NNAS Advisory Report

Once NNAS receives and verifies all documents, they issue an Advisory Report that compares your nursing education and professional registration to Canadian requirements. This report is automatically sent to the provincial regulatory body (or bodies) you selected.

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Phase 2: Provincial Regulatory Body Assessment

After receiving the NNAS Advisory Report, you apply directly to the College of Nurses or Regulatory Body in the Canadian province or territory where you wish to practice (e.g., the College of Nurses of Ontario – CNO, or the BC College of Nurses and Midwives – BCCNM).

Apply for Provincial Registration

You will create an account with the chosen provincial regulatory body and submit a separate application. The regulator reviews the NNAS report and determines any additional requirements.

Complete Any Required Competency Assessments or Programs

Based on the NNAS assessment, the provincial body may identify gaps in your education or practice. You may be required to:

• Pass a Competency Assessment (such as the NCAS assessment in British Columbia).
• Complete a Bridging Program or Re-entry Program (often an academic course or clinical placement) to address identified knowledge or practice gaps.
• Pass the Jurisprudence Examination (a test of the specific laws, ethics, and regulations of that province, mandatory in provinces like Ontario).

Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once the regulatory body is satisfied that you have met all educational and practice requirements, they will authorize you to take the national licensure examination.

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Phase 3: National Licensure Examination

Pass the NCLEX-RN

The national entry-to-practice exam for Registered Nurses in Canada (except Quebec) is the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).

• Format: The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) that assesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.
• Content: The exam focuses heavily on Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control, Pharmacological and Parental Therapies, and physiological adaptation.
• Registration: You must register and pay fees to both the provincial regulatory body and the testing service (Pearson VUE) to sit the exam.

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Phase 4: Final Registration and Practice

Fulfill Final Requirements

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you must meet the final provincial requirements, which usually include:

• Providing evidence of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residency, or valid work authorization.
• Submitting a Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC) and/or an International Criminal Record Check.
• Declaring your current health and conduct status.

Receive Your RN License

Upon successful completion of all steps, the provincial regulatory body will grant you Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, allowing you to legally practice in that province.

Maintain Practice and CPD

To maintain your license, you must pay annual renewal fees, meet the required Continuing Competence/Professional Development (CPD) hours, and comply with the provincial regulatory body’s practice standards.