As part of the process to become licenced as an NP in Nova Scotia, you must successfully complete one of the following NP exams based on the stream of practice you’re becoming licenced in: family, adult or pediatric.
As of 2026, all Canadian nurse practitioners (NPs) – except Quebec and neonatal NPs – will be educated and licensed to practice across all client ages and practice settings. A new regulatory exam, the Canadian NP Licensure Exam (CNPLE), is under development to support this new regulatory model. Learn more about the new exam.
Apply for the Family/All Ages NP Exam
The Family/All Ages Exam determines whether an NP demonstrates the competencies necessary for safe and ethical practice as a family/all ages NP in Nova Scotia. The exam is four hours and includes 190-220 multiple choice questions. The next administration of the family/all ages NP exam is Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
- The deadline to apply and pay for the May 7 writing of the CNPE is March 28, 2025.
- Read the Exam Fact Sheet
- Complete the Family-All Ages Nurse Practitioner Exam (CNPE) Application Form - the form is now closed.
Apply for the Pediatrics Primary Care NP Exam
The Pediatrics Primary Cape NP Exam determines whether an NP candidate demonstrates the competencies necessary for safe and ethical practice as a pediatric NP in Nova Scotia. The exam is a three hour and includes 175 multiple choice question exam.
- Complete the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam Application Form
- Read the Exam Fact Sheet
- Complete the Release Form
Apply for the Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP Exam
The Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP Exam determines whether an NP candidate demonstrates the competencies necessary for safe and ethical practice as an adult/gerontology NP in Nova Scotia. The exam is a three hour and includes 150 multiple choice question exam.
- Complete the Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP Exam Application Form
- Read the Exam Fact Sheet
If you have any questions, reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca. We will respond within two business days.
Please be advised that registration requirements and fees are subject to change. All registration and licensure fees are non-refundable. Click here to learn more about fees and payment options.