Nurses Registration Process in Ontario

This guide outlines the steps for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who wish to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The process includes credential assessment, registration applications, and exams specific to nursing qualifications. The CNO only accepts nursing credentials—other healthcare disciplines, such as midwifery or medical qualifications, are not accepted.

Step 1: Start with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

For all Internationally Educated Nurses, the first step to register with the CNO is through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). NNAS is responsible for evaluating your nursing education, qualifications, and experience to ensure they meet Canadian standards.

1. Create an Online Account

  • Go to the NNAS website: www.nnas.ca and create an account by filling in your personal details and choosing Ontario as your intended province for practice.

2. Pay Fees and Submit Documents

  • Fee Structure: The NNAS charges approximately $650 CAD for standard service and additional fees if you opt for expedited services.
  • You will need to upload your:
    • Nursing transcripts from your post-secondary institution (must be sent directly from the school).
    • Verification of registration/licensure from your regulatory authority in your home country.
    • Employment verification forms from previous nursing employers.
    • Proof of identity (e.g., notarized copies of your passport or national ID card).

    All documents must be submitted directly from the issuing authority. The NNAS will not accept any documents sent by the applicant.

3. Application Timeline

  • It typically takes 12 weeks for NNAS to process your application once all documents are received.
  • Monitor your NNAS account regularly for updates on missing documents or further instructions.
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Step 2: NNAS Advisory Report

Once the NNAS processes your documents, they will issue an Advisory Report. This report compares your nursing education, work experience, and qualifications to Canadian standards and highlights whether they are comparable or somewhat comparable to Canadian nursing education.

Key Aspects of the NNAS Advisory Report:

  • Educational Assessment: A detailed comparison of your nursing curriculum against Canadian standards, including the number of clinical hours, theoretical knowledge, and areas of specialization.
  • Language Proficiency: Your English or French language proficiency will be included in the report if required. You may need to provide test results for IELTS Academic or CELBAN, depending on your educational background.
  • Work Experience Evaluation: This assesses the roles you held, length of employment, and scope of nursing practice in your home country.

Your NNAS Advisory Report is sent directly to the CNO once completed.

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Step 3: Apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

After receiving your NNAS Advisory Report, the next step is to apply to the CNO.

 

1. Create an Account on the CNO Portal

  • Go to the CNO website: Visit CNO and create an account to start your application process.

2. Application Fee

  • Pay the required application fee, which is typically $339 CAD. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable.

3. Submit Required Documents

  • Submit any additional documentation requested by the CNO. This could include:
    • Additional Verification of Good Standing: If requested, you may need to provide confirmation from your previous licensing body that you were in good standing with no active disciplinary actions.
    • Language Proficiency Tests: If not already submitted to NNAS, provide proof of language proficiency via IELTS Academic (minimum score of 6.5 with no individual score lower than 7.0) or CELBAN for nurses.
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Step 4: Follow CNO Instructions

After applying to CNO, you will receive a letter with specific instructions on the next steps. These steps may include:

1. Competency Assessments

  • If there are identified gaps in your education or experience, the CNO may require you to complete a Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). This evaluation typically includes both written and practical components to test your nursing skills, clinical judgment, and decision-making.

2. Additional Education

  • If your nursing education is determined to be somewhat comparable, you may be required to complete a bridging program. These programs are designed to help you meet Canadian nursing education standards and typically focus on gaps in clinical skills, patient safety, and healthcare systems.

3. Exams

  • You will be required to complete either the:
    • NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses, which is the Canadian standard for assessing clinical decision-making and patient care abilities.
    • CPNRE for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), which assesses practical nursing knowledge necessary for safe and effective nursing practice.

You must pass the relevant exam to move forward with your application.

 

4. Final Review and Licensing

  • Once all assessments and exams are completed, the CNO will conduct a final review of your application. Upon successful completion, you will receive your nursing license to practice in Ontario.

Key Points to Remember

  • Only nursing credentials are accepted by the CNO—other healthcare qualifications (e.g., medical or midwifery) are not valid for nursing registration.
  • All documentation must be submitted directly from the issuing authorities (schools, licensing bodies, employers).
  • Monitor your NNAS and CNO accounts for updates on missing documents or additional steps.
  • Passing the required registration exams (NCLEX-RN or CPNRE) is mandatory for all applicants.