Credential Evaluation

What “Verify Credentials” means?

This step is where your education and licensing history are verified so the regulator can decide what you need next (assessment/bridging/exam eligibility). This is the step that prevents “guessing” and ensures your file is assessed fairly.

What you should prepare before you apply?

Most regulators require evidence of:

  • Identity (passport or approved ID)

  • Nursing education (program completion + transcripts)

  • Licensure/registration history (verification/good standing from your regulator(s))

  • Supporting documents as required (name change documents, translations, etc.).

Choose the credential route that matches your province

A) NNAS (used by many regulators)

NNAS expedited reports are released within five business days once all documents are received.

B) Ontario (CNO): approved Educational Credential Assessment providers

If your nursing education was outside Canada and you’re applying to Ontario, CNO requires your credentials be verified by one of CNO’s approved ECA providers.

C) Example of a regulator that clearly accepts NNAS for education verification (Alberta RN/NP)

CRNA states an NNAS report will satisfy its post-secondary education verification requirement.

Document submission rule (the most common reason files get delayed)

Follow the document instructions exactly. For NNAS, the document page explains which documents come from you and which must come from third parties (such as schools or regulators).
Official NNAS documents page

Common mistakes (avoid these)

  • Name mismatch across passport, transcripts, and licences (no supporting name change document)

  • Incorrect translations (missing required certification)

  • Sending documents yourself when the process requires third-party submission

  • Applying to the wrong category (RN vs LPN/RPN)