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 Licence
2. Photocopy of two proof of name documents such as: 

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Nexus Card
• Canadian Military ID
• Driver’s licence or learners permit
• Canadian government-issued ID card (federal/provincial/ territorial)
• Permanent resident (PR) card
• Citizenship card (Canadian or international)
• Immigration card (Canadian or international)

Note: if your name has changed, NSCN may require proof of name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate).

You must submit these documents to us directly either through the mail or email. We will not accept unclear and/or faxed copies.
If you have previously submitted these documents as part of your CPNRE application, you are not required to submit them again, unless your name has changed.

3. Registration/Licensure Verification form from the last jurisdiction where you have held or currently hold a nursing licence/registration.

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

All Canadian documents (Statement from Employer, licensure verifications) expire six months from the date they were completed with the exception of the English Language Proficiency Test, which expires 24 months from the date of the test.

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 after 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. 

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 two proof of name documents such as:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Nexus Card
• Canadian Military ID
• Driver’s licence or learners permit
• Canadian government-issued ID card (federal/provincial/ territorial)
• Permanent resident (PR) card
• Citizenship card (Canadian or international)
• Immigration card (Canadian or international)

Note: if your name has changed, NSCN may require proof of name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate).

You must submit these documents to us directly either through the mail or email. We will not accept unclear and/or faxed copies.

3. Registration/Licensure Verification form from the last jurisdiction where you have held or currently hold a nursing licence/registration.

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

All Canadian documents (Statement from Employer, licensure verifications) expire six months from the date they were completed with the exception of the English Language Proficiency Test, which expires 24 months from the date of the test.

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 after 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. 

How to Apply for NP Registration and Licensure: 

To become an NP in Nova Scotia, you must first become registered and licensed as an RN. Please see the RN application process above. Please contact NSCN if you wish to apply as an NP at registration@nscn.ca.

What happens once I submit my documents?

It will take up to five business days to process your application. Visit the 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

All Canadian documents (Statement from Employer, licensure verifications) expire six months from the date they were completed with the exception of the English Language Proficiency Test, which expires 24 months from the date of the test.

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 after 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.