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Categories of LPNs


Five categories of LPN registration in B.C.

Practising r​​​eg​istration

​An LPN holding practising registration can provide practical nursing services to clients in B.C., and use the title licensed practical nurse, practical nurse, nurse or LPN. Practising registration expires Dec. 31 of each year. LPNs must renew before Dec. 31 to continue practising in B.C.

BCCNM may grant practising registration if you have:

  1. graduated from a recognized practical nursing (PN) education program, or equivalent;

  2. passed the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE®);

  3. provided BCCNM with evidence of good character, fitness to practise, competence and English language proficiency; and

  4. submitted all of the required forms, documents, and fees to BCCNM. 

​​Provisional reg​istr​ation

An LPN holding provisional registration can provide practical nursing services to clients in B.C. subject to any limits and/or conditions imposed by the registration committee. These registrants may use the title licensed practical nurse (provisional), provisional LPN, provisional nurse, or LPN(P). It is granted to qualified applicants who have ​outstanding registration requirements to meet. Those granted provisional registration are assigned specific conditions that must be met to be eligible for practising LPN registration. ​

Non-practising regi​stratio​​n

A non-practising LPN cannot work, volunteer nor practise practical nursing in B.C. Non-practising registration expires on Dec. 31 of each year. Non-practising LPNs must renew before Dec. 31 of each year to stay on the BCCNM public register. Non-practising LPNs continue to receive important messages from BCCNM about LPN practice in B.C. Non-practising registrants can use the title “non-practising licensed practical nurse” or “non-practising LPN”.

BCCNM may grant non-practising registration if you:

  1. are eligible for practising registration with BCCNM, and
  2. have submitted all of the required forms, documents, and fees to BCCNM.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To change ​your registration from non-practising to practising after 2018, BCCNM requires you to have worked 1,125 hours within the last five years. See the LPN Practice Hours for more information.​

Temporary (​eme​rgency) registratio​​n

BCCNM may grant temporary registration if there is a natural disaster/catastrophic event in B.C. and the public needs the services of additional LPNs. An LPN holding temporary registration may use the title Temporary Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN (T). BCCNM can grant temporary registration for up to 90 days. If the emergency continues, the registration may be renewed.

In an emergency, BCCNM may grant temporary registration if you:

  • hold current practising registration in another jurisdiction, without limitations, restrictions or conditions or you are eligible for reinstatement with BCCNM;

  • hold current non-practising LPN registration, are in good standing and meet the practice hours requirement;

  • are a former registrant in good standing and meet the practice hours requirement;

  • belong to Canadian or US armed forces or you authorize current or former employers to provide references regarding your nursing practice; and

  • sign a decl​aration that you are applying for temporary registration for the purpose of providing assistance during the emergency situation.

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