BCCNM will begin the assessment of your application when we have received:
your application
applicable fees
required documents
As we assess your application, we will send you updates by email and let you know if we need more information to complete the assessment.
When we assess your application for registration we consider the following:
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
Current or previous registration history, including any past investigation, resolution, and/or discipline
- Information related to current and/or previous employment
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 regarding any limits and/or conditions placed on your practice from current/previous registration
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.)
Competence/Continuing Competence
There are a few ways of showing competence to practice, including successful completion of one of the following, in the last five years:
Providing evidence of satisfactory practical nursing practice (1,125 practice hours as an LPN)
Providing evidence of successful completion of a practical nurse education program recognized by BCCNM or another Canadian practical nursing regulatory body (either entry, re-entry, or refresher)
Completing a competency assessment by the Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS), and any additional education required by the Registration Committee following review of the NCAS report
If you were not educated in Canada and are applying from a Canadian jurisdiction with different requirements for demonstrating substantial equivalent competence then BCCNM, and have not practised as an LPN or completed additional recognized practical nursing education, you will be required to undergo a competence assessment and/or additional training, experience or examination to be eligible for registration 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. All Canadian nursing regulators have the same English language proficiency requirements, so by meeting the requirements in another jurisdiction, you will be considered to have met this requirement for registration with BCCNM. However, if there is any indication during the assessment of your application that your proficiency is not conducive to safe practice, we will require an English language test.
Visit the English Language Proficiency page for more information on meeting this requirement.