Nurses Registration Process - British Coloumbia

The first step for IENs is to have their nursing credentials assessed through Inspire Global Assessments (IGA), formerly known as NCAS. This assessment verifies your educational qualifications and language proficiency to ensure they meet Canadian standards.

• What to Submit:
  • Official nursing transcripts.
  • Verification of licensure from your home country.
  • Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic or CELBAN).
• Important Notes:
  • Inspire Global Assessments evaluates your education credentials first. Not all IENs need a competency assessment, but if necessary, IGA will recommend further evaluation after the credential review (Click here for more).
  • Applicants from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States may be exempt from a competency assessment due to similarities in nursing education.
• Funding: The BC government covers the fees for the credential assessment and competency evaluation (if required), ensuring financial accessibility for eligible IENs​ (Visit BCCNM).

You can apply to BCCNM while your Inspire Global Assessment is still in progress, allowing for a more efficient registration process.

Create an Account on BCCNM Portal:

• Visit the BCCNM website.
• Create an account and begin your application process as an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN).

Submit Your Application Form:

• Complete the Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) Application Form online.
• Attach your Curriculum Vitae (CV), outlining your nursing experience, education, and clinical practice.

Pay the Application Fee:

• Pay the required fee online to complete your application submission.

Employment Verification:

• You will receive an email with instructions to request employment verification from your previous nursing employers.
• This verification must confirm your past work experience, including the duration of employment, roles, and responsibilities. Ensure the verification is sent directly to BCCNM from your employers.

Provide Proof of Good Standing:

• Submit proof from your home country’s regulatory body confirming that you are in good standing (i.e., no disciplinary actions or license suspensions). This must be sent directly to BCCNM.

Educational Bridging Programs (if required):

• If BCCNM identifies gaps in your education, you may be required to complete a Bridging Program to align your skills with Canadian standards. BCCNM will notify you if this is necessary.

If gaps are identified during the credential evaluation, Inspire Global Assessments may require you to complete a Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). The CBA evaluates your practical nursing skills and knowledge through:

• Computer-Based Assessments (CBT).
• Simulation Labs to assess hands-on clinical skills.
• Oral Assessments that test your decision-making and communication abilities.

This step is only required if your credentials do not fully meet Canadian standards.

After BCCNM confirms your eligibility, you must pass the appropriate registration exam for your role:

• • • NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses.
    • CPNRE for Licensed Practical Nurses

Once you are licensed, you must fulfill the Continuing Competency Program (CCP) requirements annually to maintain your license. These include:

• Self-Assessments: Regular evaluations of your skills and identifying areas for professional growth.
• Continuing Education: Participation in workshops, courses, or seminars to stay current with nursing practices

For more details on the BCCNM Continuing Competency Program, visit BCCNM CCP.