CPNRE FAQs

What are the deadlines for submitting my application in time for the next available testing window?: Applicants do not apply for or choose a specific exam, so there are no deadlines for submitting an application.
BCCNM assesses applications individually, and in the order they are completed. Assessment times can vary for each applicant.
If you are assessed eligible before a test window opens, you will be authorized for the first available test window.
If you are assessed eligible during an open test window, then your authorization will be for the next available test window.
How many times can I take the exam?: You have three attempts to pass the CPNRE®. You must pass the exam within three years of applying for registration with BCCNM.
How often do you offer the CPNRE®?: View for the dates of the upcoming CPNRE® testing windows. Each window is approximately 20 days in length.
How can I become familiar with the computer-based testing technology?: Yardstick Assessment Strategies (YAS) administers the exam. It has a computer-based demo that you can use to get familiar with the features before writing the exam. Once you are eligible to write the exam, we will let you know where to go for resources, exam demos and predictor tests.
What if I need a special accommodation for the exam?: Applicants requiring a special accommodation for the exam make a request to BCCNM.
How much does the exam cost?: For more information please visit the fees page.
Are there any other fees associated with the exam?: For more information please visit the fees page.
Are exam fees refundable?: No. Once BCCNM determines you are eligible to take the CPNRE®, the exam fee is not refundable.
When and how do I schedule my CPNRE® appointment?: First, you will receive an email from BCCNM advising which testing window you are authorized to write in.
Next, you will receive a separate email from Pearson Vue (the approved testing centre) with instructions on how to schedule your writing date and pay the test centre fee.
Then, you follow Pearson Vue’s instructions and schedule your exam.
How long before I hear from Pearson VUE to schedule my exam?: We expect that you will receive an email from Pearson VUE within a week of receiving authorization to take the exam from BCCNM.
What happens if I do not get an email from Pearson VUE to schedule my exam?: Check your email junk or spam folders to make sure the email was not displaced.
Contact the registration team if you have not received an email within 10 days after receiving your eligibility from BCCNM.
What is an authorized testing window?: An authorized testing window is the date range the CPNRE® is open.
View for the dates of the upcoming CPNRE® testing windows.
Each window is approximately 20 days in length.
Where do I write the exam?: You can schedule your exam appointment at any Pearson VUE testing centres across Canada.
Do I have to write in the testing window I am made eligible for?: Yes. Applicants are expected to schedule and write in the authorized testing window.
BCCNM views your submission of an application as your commitment to complete all steps in the registration process.
For information on your risks of not scheduling or writing in the authorized testing window, read the next 2 FAQs.
What if I do not schedule my exam appointment in the authorized test window?: You will be required to pay another application fee and YAS exam fee before being authorized to write in a future testing window.
What if I have an extenuating circumstance that prevents me from writing on the day I scheduled my exam?: Refer to the resources provided by Pearson VUE for details about cancelling and rescheduling your appointment.
Also, contact BCCNM about your extenuating circumstance if you are near the end of the testing window.
NOTE: If you do not contact BCCNM before your authorized test window closes, you may be required to pay another application fee and YAS exam fee before being authorized to write in a future testing window.
An example of an extenuating circumstance is an unplanned significant life event impacting your ability to write the exam. Additional documentation will be required.
What if I do not get my preferred date, time and location I want for the exam?: BCCNM does not guarantee a date, time or test centre location. Waiting to schedule an appointment may reduce the available number of appointments and locations.
NOTE: Travel may be required outside of your preferred location in order to write in your authorized test window.
When do I receive my exam results?: We will email your exam results within four to six weeks of completing the CPNRE®.
Results are sent to the primary email address you provided to BCCNM. Results are not provided by phone or in person.
You are responsible for updating your current contact information in your BCCNM online account.
Will I be able to change, edit, or go back to a previous question on the computer-based exam?: Refer to the resources provided by YAS for details about navigating the exam on the computer.
On the day of my exam appointment, what time should I be at the test centre?: Refer to the resources provided by Pearson VUE for details about your exam day. Pearson VUE provides everything you need to know about your scheduled exam.
What can I bring into the exam?: Refer to the resources provided by Pearson VUE for details about exam day. Pearson VUE provides everything you need to know about testing centre rules.
Are there scheduled and unscheduled breaks during the exam?: Refer to the resources provided by Pearson VUE for details about exam day. Pearson VUE provides everything you need to know about testing centre rules.
What happens if the computer crashes or I am unable to finish due to technical difficulty?: Refer to the resources provided by Pearson VUE for details on exam interruption. Should the interruption relate to the test centre’s ability to continue with the exam, e.g., weather outages, computer issues, they will advise you what to do. Should you not be able to finish the exam due to unforeseen circumstances, contact BCCNM’s registration team as soon as possible to discuss next steps for completing this requirement for registration.
What happens if I do not pass the exam within three years of applying for registration with BCCNM?: You must begin the application process again. Additional education or review by the Registration Committee may be required.
All new applications are subject to bylaws, policy and fees at time of application.