English Language Proficiency Registration Requirement

To register and license with us, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency. 

You can meet the English language proficiency requirement in one of these ways:

  • You have current or previous nursing registration/licensing in a country where healthcare services are provided in English.
  • You have graduated from an entry-to-practice nursing program where theory and clinical experiences were delivered in English. (In any country)
  • You have completed post-entry nursing or non-nursing education in English. (In any country)
  • You have achieved the minimum required scores on one of the approved English language proficiency tests (CELBAN, IELTS Academic, OET, or PTE Academic).
  • By submitting an Employer Confirmation of English Language Proficiency form (PDF) based on work experience in a health care setting within the past 24 months.

For more details, review the English language proficiency Question and Answer (PDF).

You can choose 1 of these 4 different tests to demonstrate your English language proficiency. 

Name of Test Minimum Passing Score
Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) www.celbancentre.caWriting: 7
Speaking: 8
Listening: 9
Reading: 8
Total: N/A
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic Only) www.myetc.ca/ieltsregistrationWriting: 6.5
Speaking: 7
Listening: 7
Reading: 6.5
Total: 7
Occupational English Test (OET)  https://oet.comWriting: C+
Speaking: B
Listening: B
Reading: C+
PTE Academic (Pearson Academic) https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academicWriting: 68
Speaking: 75
Listening: 73
Reading: 66

We may be able to download your test results directly from IELTS, CELBAN,  OET, or PTE. Or, you may need to have the language testing centre to forward a copy of your results. Please email registration@nscn.ca for more information. 

We do not accept the IELTS Indicator Test or the PTE Core Test as meeting English language proficiency

Do English proficiency test results expire?  

Yes. Your English Language Proficiency Test results expire 2 years from the date you complete the test. We may still consider expired test results during the assessment. You are encouraged to include these scores with your application.

Have questions?

You can email us at registration@nscn.ca. There may be delays in responding due to a high number of inquiries.