New Grad Educated in Nova Scotia

How to Apply for LPN Registration and Licensure: 

Please submit the following documents and fees to apply:

1. Application for a Practising Licence
2. Photocopy of the following documents. You must submit these documents to us directly either through the mail or email. We will not accept unclear and/or faxed copies.
   • Government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport or driver’s license)
   • Birth certificate
   • Name change certificate (e.g. marriage certificate) if you are married
3. Registration/Licensure Verification form from every jurisdiction where you have held or currently hold a licence/registration (nursing and other regulated professions).
4. Original criminal record check. 

We will not be able to proceed with your application until all of the documents have been submitted. 

What happens once I submit my documents?

It will take up to five business days to process your application. You will receive an email when your application is approved. The email will also have information about how to pay for an LPN licence. Click here for information about your licensure fees. 

Can I work while I wait to complete this process?

You will need to apply for a conditional licence if you would like to work while you wait to complete the other components of initial licensure.  Click here if you would like to apply for a conditional licence. 

What else do I need to do to become registered and licensed as an LPN?

1. Pass the LPN Jurisprudence Exam 
2. Pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam

Expiry of your Application

Once you are found eligible, you have six months to become registered and/or licensed with us. After this six-month period, your eligibility will expire and your file will be closed. If you change your mind and wish to become licensed once your file has been closed, you will be required to re-apply and meet the regulatory requirements in place at the time of your re-application. 

If you do not complete your application, we will retain the application and any supporting documents for six months from the date of last contact. After this date, your application will be confidentially shredded. When you want to resume the application process, you will be required to re-apply and re-pay the required fees.
 

How to Apply for RN Registration and Licensure: 

Please submit the following documents and fees to apply: 

1. Initial Registration Assessment Application. Your application also includes the option to apply and pay for the:
   1. NCLEX-RN® Exam
   2. RN Jurisprudence Exam
2. Photocopy of the following documents. You must submit these documents to us directly either through the mail or email. We will not accept unclear and/or faxed copies.
   1. Government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport or driver’s license)
   2. Birth certificate
   3. Name change certificate (e.g. marriage certificate) if you are married. 
3. Registration/Licensure Verification form from every jurisdiction where you have held or currently hold a licence/registration (nursing and other regulated professions).
4. Original Canadian and International Criminal Record Check. 

We will not be able to proceed with your application until all of the documents have been submitted. 

What happens once I have submitted my documents?

It will take up to five business days to process your application. Visit the RN & NP New Application Portal to track the receipt of your application documents. 

Can I work while I wait to complete this process?

You will need to apply for a conditional licence if you would like to work while you wait to complete the other components of initial licensure.  Click here if you would like to apply for a conditional licence. 

What else do I need to do to become registered and licensed as an RN?

You must: 

1. Pass the RN Jurisprudence Exam 
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN® Exam

Does NSCN recognize other nursing exams?

No. The NCLEX-RN exam is the mandatory exam required for RN registration and licensure in Nova Scotia. NSCN does not recognize any other nursing exam, including CASN’s voluntary Canadian Examination for Baccalaureate Nursing. Please contact registration@nscn.ca if you have any questions.

Expiry of your Application

Your application will expire and close if your application documents are more than 6 months old and you have not been in contact with us for six months. 

If you change your mind and wish to become licensed once your file has been closed, you will be required to re-apply and meet the regulatory requirements in place at the time of your re-application, including paying the appropriate fees. 

How to Apply for NP Registration and Licensure: 

Please submit the following documents and fees to apply: 

1. Initial Registration Assessment Application
2. Assessment fee
3. Proof that you have passed a NSCN-approved controlled drugs & substances theory course or that this curriculum was taught in your NP program.

We will not be able to proceed with your application until all of the documents have been submitted.

What happens once I submit my documents?

It will take up to five business days to process your application. Visit the RN & NP New Application Portal to track the receipt of your application documents. 

Can I work while I wait to complete this process?

You will need to apply for a conditional licence if you would like to work while you are preparing for the NP exam.  Click here if you would like to apply for a conditional licence. 

What else do I need to do to become registered and licensed as an NP?

You must: 

1. Obtain registration and a licence to practice nursing as an RN in Nova Scotia
2. Pass the applicable NP exam
3. Pass the RN Jurisprudence Exam
4. Pass the NP Jurisprudence Exam

Expiry of your Application

Your application will expire and close if your application documents are more than six months old and you have not been in contact with us for six months. 

If you change your mind and wish to become licensed once your file has been closed, you will be required to re-apply and meet the regulatory requirements in place at the time of your reapplication, including paying the appropriate fees.