How will I know when and where my exam will take place?

Once the College has processed your completed application, you will receive an ID card that will state your name and the time and location of your examination sitting. If you are still waiting to receive this ID card less than two weeks before the examination date you selected, then contact the College’s Customer Service Centre.

This ID card is extremely important, as you must bring it and another piece of identification (one containing your photo and signature) to the examination. Acceptable forms of ID are: valid passport, driver’s licence, Ontario age of majority (BYID) card, Canadian permanent residence card, Canadian citizenship card, Ontario health card (with photo), or student ID card.

Candidates with a mailing address outside of North America will not be mailed their ID card. In those cases, the card will be made available for pick-up at the examination writing centre unless otherwise specified.

What if I change my name or address before I receive my ID card?

Notify the College of any change of address as soon as possible to make sure you receive your ID card and examination results. Address changes may be made in writing or by phone. All requests for a change of name must be submitted in writing and accompanied by a copy of the legal document, such as a marriage certificate.

How can I prepare for the exam?

The Canadian Nurses Association offers resources, including a prep guide and an online practice test, for those individuals preparing to write the CRNE at its website.

For those preparing to write the CPNRE, Canada’s Testing Company, also known as Assessment Strategies Inc., offers prep guides and an online practice test at its website.

When will I get my results?

Examination results will be mailed within six weeks following the examination, and they will be mailed to the name and permanent address that you most recently provided to the College. It is therefore very important that you inform the College of any changes to your name or mailing address that may occur during the registration process.

Please note that exam results are not released over the telephone.

How many chances do I get to write the exam?

Applicants are given three opportunities to complete the exam successfully. Even if you do not complete the exam, each time you sit down to write the exam counts as one attempt. If you show up at your assigned examination sitting and you feel unable to complete the test, then do not begin writing it. Instead, contact the College to arrange to write the exam at another time.

If you do not complete the exam successfully after three attempts, you will not be eligible to apply for another exam, and the College will contact you regarding the status of your application.

Please note you cannot apply for another examination before receiving your results from a previous examination. Due to time constraints, unsuccessful candidates writing at one session may not be able to retake the exam at the next session.

What if something happens to me on the day of the exam and I can’t write it?

Under certain circumstances, an applicant may find it difficult to write the exam. For example, if you are ill or if you experience a family emergency on the day of the exam, then do not attempt the exam. Instead, contact the College to arrange another time and location. Requests for exam fee refunds based on compassionate grounds are decided on an individual basis. (For more information on the College’s examination policy, contact our Customer Service Centre.)

I have written the exam and I would like to appeal the results. 

Those candidates who are unsuccessful in writing the national exam can request hand-scoring of their answer sheet by the testing agency. Requests must be made through the College, and there is a fee for this service. Please Contact our Customer Service Centre for more information.

How do I apply for special accommodation?

Requests for special accommodation must be submitted in writing with your application to write the exam by the Deadline to Apply date. Your written request should indicate the nature of the accommodation you require (e.g., extra time, technological assistance, a separate room, etc.).

It’s recommended that you also provide supporting documentation that includes a diagnosis (in the case of a physical or mental health condition) or a psycho-educational assessment (in the case of a learning disability). This supporting documentation must also be received by the Deadline to Apply date of the examination.

Requests and supporting documentation received by the College after the Deadline to Apply date for a particular exam will result in the request being denied for that exam. A request for special accommodation that arrives after the Deadline to Apply date will be considered for the next available exam date.

If you have additional questions about special accommodation, contact the College’s Customer Service Centre.

I’ve decided to withdraw my application to write the exam. How do I get a refund?

The assessment fee is non-refundable. For a full refund of your examination administration fee, a written request must be received by the College before or on the Deadline to Withdraw or Transfer to Another Examination Without Penalty. A refund cheque will be mailed to you within six weeks of the College receiving your request to withdraw from an examination.

• A 50% refund will be issued if written notice is received by the College before or on the fifth business day before the examination date.
• No refund will be issued if notice is received less than five business days before the examination date.
• If you are a student in a nursing program and your school informs the College that you are not expected to complete your program before the date of the examination, then your name will be removed from the examination schedule and you will receive a refund equal to 50% of the examination administration fee.
• The College provides full refunds on compassionate grounds (subject to documentation) if an applicant is unable to write the exam because of illness or a family emergency. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. If this applies to you, then send your request to the College in writing along with supporting documentation.   

Questions? Contact us at exams@cnomail.org or call the College’s Customer Service Centre at 416 928-0900 (toll-free in Ontario 1 800 387-5526).