Welcome to the College of Nurses’ Registration Guide for Internationally Educated Nurses.

The College of Nurses of Ontario is the regulatory body for nursing in Ontario. It is not an academic institution or school.

In Ontario, nursing is one profession with two categories: Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs).

There are six classes of registration within the College: General Class, Temporary Class, Special Assignment Class, Extended Class, Retired Class and Transitional Class.

Registration is a process that involves the applicant, the College and other official sources.

All nurses who wish to practise as an RN or RPN in Ontario must hold a current General Certificate of Registration with the College. To obtain one, applicants must first meet seven requirements...

There are two ways in which you can show proof of recent safe nursing practice.

To become registered in Ontario, all applicants must pass either the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) or the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). These exams, which are designed to measure entry-level competencies, are a mandatory part of the registration process.

The ability to communicate in English or French is essential in providing safe and effective nursing care in Ontario. Before you can be registered as a nurse in Ontario, you must provide proof that you can read and speak in either English or French.

The College requires all nurses to provide verification of registration or eligibility for registration in the jurisdiction (province, territory or country) in which an applicant was educated and/or originally registered as a nurse or is eligible to be registered, licensed or certified.

All nurses registered in Ontario must show proof they are eligible to work in Canada.

As part of the registration process, you must complete a Declaration of Registration Requirements, which will be included with your application package. These questions will speak to your suitability and fitness to practise as a nurse. Your registration may be denied if you fail to report relevant information about these requirements.

Once you have met the seven requirements for registration, you will then be eligible to receive your Certificate of Registration and become a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario.