Assessment / Bridging (If Needed)

If your regulator finds gaps between your education/practice and Canadian entry-to-practice standards, you may need to complete one or more of the following:

• Competency assessment

• Bridging courses (theory + clinical components)

• Re-entry or currency-of-practice steps (if you have not practised recently)

• Additional documentation or supervised practice requirements.

Ontario example:

If CNO determines that an RN applicant’s nursing education is not substantially equivalent, the applicant may be offered the Registered Nurses Canadian Competency Assessment Program (RNCCAP) or a CNO-approved IEN Education Pathway. RPN and NP applicants may be offered a Competency Assessment Supplement. Applicants should not register for an assessment or program unless directed by CNO.

• Differences in curriculum or clinical hours compared to Canadian expectations

• Limited recent nursing practice

• Scope of practice differences between countries

• Missing documentation from school/employer/regulator.

Nova Scotia:

NSCN paused new applications to its expedited international nurse pathway on January 20, 2025. Applicants must follow NSCN’s current international-applicant instructions and check for future updates before applying.