- Step 1: Create an online account
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- Step 2: Complete the online application
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- Step 3: Submit your payment
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BCCNM accepts the following payment methods:
If you applied for provisional licensure, we will notify you after steps 5 and 6 if you are approved and how to submit the applicable payment.
- Step 4: Submit the required documentation
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Go to the Registrar’s Office at your school to request your official transcript be sent directly to BCCNM
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Visit a lawyer or notary public to request that they notarize your identity documents (two valid government issued IDs, e.g., driver’s licence, BC Services Card, passport, etc.). One ID must include a picture
Note: Notarization of documents must be done in-person by a lawyer or notary public; BCCNM does not accept virtually notarized documents
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Upload the notarized identity documents as scanned PDFs or as photos (.jpg or .png files) in the application
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Request English language test results be sent directly to BCCNM (if applicable)
- Step 5: BCCNM assesses your application
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- moral or ethical strength;
- integrity, integrity, candour, empathy and honesty;
- an appreciation of the difference between right and wrong; and
- the moral fibre to do that which is right and not to do that which is wrong.
To determine if you meet the Good Character eligibility standard, the information we consider includes:
- the completeness, correctness, and accuracy of the information you provided on the application form or in any communication with BCCNM;
- past or current regulatory investigations and outcomes;
- outstanding criminal charges, convictions for crimes, and other breaches of laws;
- past or current workplace investigations;
- concerns raised from educational institutions;
- any history of unethical or dishonest behaviour;
- disrespectful conduct when engaging with BCCNM;
- your explanation, and context, for past events;
- steps taken to rehabilitate after past actions and/or misconduct;
- character and employment references; and
- reflections and insights demonstrating an appreciation of the problematic nature and harms caused by past actions and/or misconduct.
Capacity to practise nursing
Capacity is having the competence to practice without undue impairments by a health condition.
If you have disclosed, or other information indicates you have, a health condition that may currently impair your ability to practice competently, the information we consider includes:
- complaints, in any jurisdiction, related to your competence and/or capacity;
- past or current regulatory investigations and outcomes;
- outstanding criminal charges, convictions for crimes, and other breaches of laws;
- past or current workplace investigations;
- concerns raised by education institutions;
- substantial breaks in practice;
- self-disclosure of a current, or recently manifested, physical or mental ailment, an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or problematic substance use, that may impair your physical, mental, or emotional ability or capacity, to practise;
- your explanation, and context, for a past event;
- information from treating physician(s), specialist(s), or other healthcare provider, who can provide an opinion as to your current health status, it’s potential to impair competence to practice, any recommendations for safe entrance into the profession, (we only request this information in certain circumstances);
- supports and/or strategies you have in place; and
- reference letters.
Competence
We review information from your program about your knowledge, skills, attitudes, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to confirm you achieved the entry-to-practice competencies expected of LPNs in BC.
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.
- Step 6: Register for the REx-PN/provisional licensure approval
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Once you have satisfactorily met all the requirements above, we will email you instructions on how to register and pay for the REx-PN directly with the exam provider, Pearson Vue.
If we approved you for provisional registration, we will send you another email with a link to pay your registration fee through your 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 7: Schedule your exam appointment
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Afer you register and pay for the exam, you will be sent an authorization to test (ATT) from Pearson Vue. This email will provide instructions on how to schedule your exam date, time and location. You must schedule and take your test within the ATT window. Learn more about the REx-PN.
- Step 8: Receive your exam results
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You will be sent an email with your exam results within a few days of writing the exam.
If you passed, the email will include a link to pay the practising licensure fee (step 9).
If you failed, the email will include instructions about applying for the next exam and paying the applicable fees. You will not be able to move to step 9 until you have successfully completed the exam. If you fail the exam twice, your provisional licensure will be cancelled.
- Step 9: Pay for practising licensure
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The email with your exam results includes a link for paying the practising licensure fee. Sign in to your BCCNM account, and make a payment using one of the secure online payment options. Read more about fees and payment options.
- Step 10: Confirm your licensure status
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Once you pay the practising licensure fee and before going to work as an LPN, check the Public Register to confirm BCCNM has authorized you to practise nursing.
Remember the expiry date of your licensure. Without current licensure, it is an offence under the Health Professions and Occupations Act and a breach of the LPN Standards of Practice to use any variation of the LPN title or to practise nursing in BC. BCCNM charges a $375 fee for unlicensed practice.