- Step 1: Apply to NNAS
Go to www.nnas.ca. Create an account, complete the application form, and pay the required fee. Submit all of the required documents, and wait for NNAS to issue an advisory report to you and BCCNM.
- Step 2: Create a BCCNM account & apply for registration
NNAS will send you your advisory report and a link to create your online BCCNM account.
Create your
BCCNM account and submit an application for registration with BCCNM. You can also choose to be considered for provisional registration at this point.
At the end of your application, submit payment using one of the secure online payment options. For more about fees and payment options
click here.
If you requested provisional registration, we will notify you after steps 6 and 7 if you are approved and how to submit the applicable payment.
- Step 3: BCCNM assesses your application
BCCNM will begin the assessment of your application when we have received.
We will send you updates by email as we assess your application and let you know if we need more information to complete the assessment.
When we assess your application for registration, we consider the following.
Nursing Education
We review the NNAS advisory report, which provides information about the comparability of your nursing education to Canadian practical nursing education programs.
Good Character
When determining whether you are of good character, we review:
The circumstances around any previous criminal charges and/or convictions, the results of your criminal record check, and any other information you wish to have considered related to the same, if applicable
The completeness, correctness, and accuracy of the information you provided on the application form
Information related to other application(s) for registration, or previous registration history, if applicable
Information related to previous employment, or employment while holding interim registration, if applicable
Information from the educational institution, if applicable
Fitness to Practise Nursing
When determining whether you are fit to engage in practical nursing practice, we review:
Self-disclosure of a physical or mental ailment, an emotional disturbance or an addiction to alcohol or drugs that could impair your ability to practise
Information from previous employer(s) disclosing the same, if applicable
Information regarding any previous registration cancellation or voluntary relinquishment of registration related to the same, if applicable
Information from treating physician(s) or specialist(s) who can provide an opinion as to your current health status, any recommendations for safe entrance into the profession, and your fitness to practise nursing (We only request this information in certain circumstances.)
Information submitted with a Request for Accommodation for the CPNRE®
English Language Proficiency
If English is not the first language you learned at home in childhood and the language primarily used for reading, writing, listening and speaking, you will be required to demonstrate your English language proficiency. If you submitted an English language test to NNAS during the application process, we will review those results. If you did not complete an approved English language test during the NNAS application process, we will review additional information received with your NNAS advisory report and may request additional information from you to determine whether that information satisfactorily demonstrates your English language proficiency. You may be required to submit an English language test before moving forward in the assessment.
Competence
When determining whether you are competent to practise as an LPN in BC, we review all relevant nursing practice experience to determine whether your practice is comparable to the entry-to-practice competencies expected of LPNs in BC. If the review of your nursing education and experience identifies gaps in your knowledge, skills, attitudes, critical thinking, and clinical judgment, we ask you to complete an assessment of your competence to practise. See step 4.
- Step 4: Referral to the Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS)
Much of your nursing experience and competencies cannot be assessed by your education alone, so you may be referred to complete a competency assessment through NCAS. Since nursing education and practice differs from one country to the next, the assessment will enable you to demonstrate your current skills and help us determine if you require education to transition to BC practice.
The NCAS assessment has three parts:
The computer-based component can be written in more than 100 countries around the world, while the simulation and oral components are offered at Langara College in Vancouver. Read more information about the NCAS assessment and fees.
If you require a competency assessment, we will send you a letter and NCAS Referral Consent form to initiate the NCAS assessment process.
When we receive the assessment report from NCAS, we will review the report along with the other components of your application, and notify you of the next steps to gaining registration. Should the assessment identify gaps between your competencies and those required to practise as an LPN in BC, we will let you know what additional education is required before you can move on to Step 5.
- Step 5: Receive CPNRE authorization/interim registration approval
Once you have satisfactorily met all the requirements above, we will email you let you know which exam window you will be able to take the CPNRE®.
If we approved you for provisional registration, we include a link in the email to pay the applicable registration fee using your BCCNM online account. Once you receive an email from us confirming receipt of payment, check the public register to confirm your authorization to practise nursing.
- Step 6: Schedule your exam appointment
You will receive an email from Pearson VUE inviting you to schedule your exam appointment. Carefully read the information in the email and follow the instructions to pay the test centre fee and schedule your exam appointment. You will be able to choose where (province and city) you would like to take the exam. In addition, you will have up to 20 dates to choose from when scheduling your exam date.
Review all exam related resources provided by Pearson VUE to familiarize yourself with the test centre, relevant test centre policies, and the Candidate Rules Agreement, which you will sign when you arrive at the testing centre to take the CPNRE®. On the day of your scheduled exam, make sure you arrive at your chosen test centre 30 minutes before the exam start time. Contact Pearson VUE for any questions about the testing centres, scheduling, cancelling, or rescheduling your exam.
- Step 7: Receive your exam results
BCCNM receives your exam results within one month of your exam date. Whether you passed or failed the exam, we will notify you of your results by email.
If you passed, the email will include a link to pay the practising registration fee (step 10).
If you failed, this email will include instructions about applying for the next exam and paying the applicable fees. You will not be able to move to step 8 until you have successfully completed the exam. If you fail the exam twice, your provisional registration will be cancelled.
- Step 8: Pay for practising registration
The email with your
exam results includes a link for paying the practising registration fee. Sign
in to your BCCNM account, and make a payment using one of the secure online
payment options. Read about fees and payment options.
- Step 9: Confirm your registration status
Once you pay the practising registration fee and before going to work as an LPN, check the public register to confirm that BCCNM has authorized you to practise nursing.
Remember the expiry date of your registration. Without current registration, it is an offence under the Health Professions Act and a breach of the BCCNM LPN Standards of Practice to use any variation of the LPN title or to practise nursing in BC. BCCNM charges a $300 fee for unregistered practice.