To become licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Nova Scotia, you must pass the CPNRE. This computer-based exam is offered through secure online proctoring. The exam has been developed in collaboration with Yardstick Assessment Strategies Inc.
There are fees required to take the exam. Learn about exam fees and payment options.
Important Exam Admission Information
- You must show your photo ID to the camera before the exam starts and have it verified before being admitted to the online exam.
- The name on your photo ID must match the name you provided in your NSCN exam application.
- If the name does not match the one on your application, you will not be allowed to take the exam. Your exam fee will be forfeited.
How to Apply
- New Nova Scotia graduates apply for the CPNRE through the registrant portal. You can pay and select a writing window when submitting your initial registration and licensing application.
- Internationally educated nurses must wait until their initial application is assessed and approved before writing the exam. We will notify you when this is complete.
- Out-of-province new graduates must register for the CPNRE through the regulatory body in the province where they completed their education.
Questions and Answers
| Test Window Opens | Test Window Closes | Deadline to submit CPNRE application and pay fees |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | January 31, 2025 | January 1, 2025 |
| March 1, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
| May 1, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
| July 1, 2025 | July 31, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
| September 1, 2025 | September 30, 2025 | September 1, 2025 |
| November 1, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | November 1, 2025 |
For Nova Scotia candidates, the CPNRE is available through secure online proctoring.
You can write the exam outside Canada, but you must meet Meazure Learning/ProctorU’s computer equipment requirements. After we confirm your eligibility, you will receive instructions from the exam vendor, Yardstick.
You have three attempts to write the CPNRE.
Yardstick offers the only official study aids to help you prepare for the exam.
You can request accommodations if the way the CPNRE exam is offered creates barriers for you.
Accommodations must be based on reasons protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act (PDF). These adjustments can help reduce or remove challenges you may face during the exam.
To request accommodations:
- Submit a written request to accommodations@nscn.ca explaining your need for accommodations.
- Email accommodations@nscn.ca to obtain the required documentation.
- We suggest you apply for the CPNRE and pay the exam fees at the same time you submit your accommodation request.
Below are the deadlines to submit a written request for test accommodations for the upcoming exam testing windows.
| Test Window Opens | Test Window Closes | Deadline to submit accommodation documentation |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | March 7, 2025 |
| July 1, 2025 | July 31, 2025 | May 6, 2025 |
| September 1, 2025 | September 30, 2025 | July 7, 2025 |
| November 1, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | September 5, 2025 |
The test administrator provides examination results to us within 4 weeks after each test window closes. For example, if you take the exam between February 1 and February 15, we should receive your results by March 15.
Once we receive the results, we will email them to you within 5 business days.
If you pass the exam, you will receive an email from us with instructions on how to apply for registration and licensing.
- If you do not pass, you will receive emails that include:
- A Candidate Performance Report.
- Information on next steps.
Rescheduling Your Exam Without a Fee
- You can reschedule your exam without paying the $57.50 fee if you do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled exam date/time.
- You can only reschedule within the same exam window (e.g., if registered for July, you can only move to another date within the July 2025 exam window).
Rescheduling or Missing Your Exam (Fee Required)
- If you reschedule less than 24 hours before the exam or request a future exam window (e.g., moving from the July window to the September window), you must pay a $57.50 fee.
- The $57.50 fee also applies if you are registered but do not appear for your scheduled exam.
This fee is administered by Yardstick and collected by us before your CPNRE can be rescheduled. Once you pay the $57.50 cancellation fee, you will be added to the list of exam writers sent to the test provider for your preferred exam window.
To request a new CPNRE test window and arrange payment, email our registration team at registration@nscn.ca.
Have questions?
You can email us at registration@nscn.ca. There may be delays in responding due to a high number of inquiries.
Registration requirements and fees may change. All registration and licensing fees are non-refundable.