Welcome back to the nursing profession in this province. Once you have applied and met all licensure requirements, you will be eligible to receive a practising LPN, RN or NP licence.
This webpage is for you if:
- You were licensed in Nova Scotia previously and you are returning to Nova Scotia after being licensed elsewhere.
- You are an RN or NP and you did not apply to renew your licence within 30 days of the end of the licensure year.
Before you begin, it’s important to know:
- We are available to help if you have any questions. Reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca and we will respond within two business days.
- All application documents must be provided in English. Translations from a certified translator are also accepted. You are responsible for the cost of all translations.
- All documents received through the application process are the property of NSCN and can only be released to another regulatory body with your written permission. Documents will not be released to you or to any third party unless required by law.
- Provincial and federal legislation may have changed since you were last licensed with us. We recommend that you review the jurisprudence exam preparation material for any legislative changes. For RNs and NPs renewing their licence, click here to access this information. For LPNs, click here. You are not required to take the jurisprudence exam.
Application Process
If you wish to apply for a 2022/2023 licence (effective November 1, 2022) please contact Registration@nscn.ca.
Please submit the following documents and fees to apply:
2. If not already on file with NSCN, 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. If you have been working as a nurse, an original criminal record check
4. Registration/Licensure Verification from the last province/territory/state/country where you held or currently hold nursing registration/licensure*
*You must inform NSCN of all provinces/territories/states/countries where you held registration/licensure in the past or where you currently hold registration/licensure. This includes both nursing and non-nursing regulated professions (e.g., social worker, physiotherapist, etc.).
Contact registration@nscn.ca before arranging to have these forms completed.
What happens once I submit my documents?
It will take up to five business days to review your application. You will receive an email when your application is approved as well as information about next steps and how to pay for your LPN licence. Click here for information about your licensure fees.
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.
Please submit the following documents and fees to apply:
2. If not already on file with NSCN, 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. Original Criminal Record Check
4. Registration/Licensure Verification from the last province/territory/state/country where you held or currently hold nursing registration/licensure*
5. NP only: If you have not been licensed with us since November 1, 2014, you must meet the controlled drugs and substances requirement by passing:
- RN Jurisprudence Exam
- NP Jurisprudence Exam
- NSCN-approved controlled drugs & substances theory course
*You must inform NSCN of all provinces/territories/states/countries where you held registration/licensure in the past or where you currently hold registration/licensure. This includes both nursing and non-nursing regulated professions (e.g., social worker, physiotherapist, etc.).
Contact registration@nscn.ca before arranging to have these forms completed.
What happens once I have submitted my documents?
It will take up to five business days to review your application. You will be notified when your application is approved. We will then tell you how to apply for your nursing licence.
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 re-application, including paying the appropriate fees.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca. We strive to respond to you as soon as possible. However, due to the high volumes of emails and complexity of inquiries, our response time may vary.
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.