What are classes of registration?
A registration class is a group you belong to, based on your nursing education and type of nursing practice.
All nurses registered with CNO belong to one of the following six classes.
General Class
Most nurses registered with CNO belong to the General Class. Both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) belong to this class.
To register in the General Class, you must meet all its requirements for registration.
Extended Class (Nurse Practitioners)
The Extended Class is for RNs who have additional education and clinical experience that allows them to practice as Nurse Practitioners (NP). Members of this class have an expanded scope of practice, with the authority to diagnose, prescribe medication, perform procedures, and order and interpret diagnostic tests.
Non-Practising Class
The Non-Practising Class is for individuals who want to remain registered with CNO at times when they are not practicing nursing in Ontario.
Temporary Class
The Temporary Class is an option for RN and RPN applicants who have met all requirements to register in the General Class, except for the education and registration exam requirements. Members of this class are allowed to practice under defined terms and conditions. They can join the General Class after they fulfill all the registration requirements including passing the exam.
Special Assignment Class
The Special Assignment Class is a time-limited registration for nurses who have an appointment as an RN or RPN with an approved facility in Ontario. Individuals in this class can practice only within the scope of their appointment and only under defined terms and conditions.
Emergency Class
The Emergency Class comes into effect when the provincial government or CNO Council determines that it is in the public interest to issue emergency certificates of registration to qualified nurses. Emergency Class registration certificates are issued for a limited time while the emergency circumstances exist.