To protect the public, CNO must determine whether applicants meet the character, conduct and health requirements to show that they can practice nursing safely. CNO must determine that the applicant:

  • does not have any physical or mental condition or disorder that could affect their ability to practice nursing safely
  • will practice nursing with decency, honesty and integrity and in accordance with the law
  • has sufficient knowledge, skill and judgment to practice competently
  • will display a professional attitude

Applicants must declare any related issues on their Declaration of Registration Requirements.

Making your declaration

When you apply for registration with CNO, you must answer Declaration of Registration Requirements questions.

On this declaration you must:

  • truthfully answer questions about
    • any past or current offences
    • any investigations, inquiries or proceedings you were involved in
    • any findings of misconduct, incompetence or lack of fitness to practice
    • any findings made against you relating to the practice of nursing or any other profession, or past registration refusals
  • tell CNO if you suffer from any physical or mental condition or disorder that could affect your ability to practice nursing in a safe manner
  • affirm that
    • you will practice nursing with decency, honesty and integrity, and in accordance with the law
    • you have sufficient knowledge, skill and judgment to competently engage in the type of nursing authorized by your certificate of registration
    • you will display an appropriately professional attitude

You must tell us if your answers to any of the questions on the Declaration of Registration Requirements change during the application process after you submit initial declaration.

See our information about past offences and findings and health and conduct issues to learn about what happens when you answer “yes” to a question on the declaration, or when CNO receives information about your conduct or health from another source.

Steps toward meeting the requirement

  1. Fill in your Declaration of Registration Requirements. If you answered “no” to all of the questions and CNO does not have any concerns based on information from third parties, you will meet the requirement. (But if CNO receives new information that raises concerns, you may no longer meet the requirement.) See our pages on conduct, offences and findings and health for more information about each of the questions on the declaration form.
  2. If you answered “yes” to any questions, CNO may request additional documents or information. Follow the instructions you receive from CNO and submit any documents or information requested. You are responsible for ensuring that all supporting documents from third-party sources are sent directly to CNO. Third-party information submitted by applicants will not be accepted.
  3. CNO will review your information to determine whether:
    1. You do not suffer from a physical or mental condition or disorder that could affect your ability to practice in a safe manner.
    2. You will practice with decency, honesty and integrity, and in accordance with the law.
    3. You have the knowledge, skill and judgement to competently practice as a nurse in Ontario.
    4. You will display an appropriate professional attitude.
  4. If CNO’s Registrar and CEO  determines that all of these conditions are met, you have met the requirement.
  5. If CNO’s Registrar and CEO determines that any of items 3. a-d are not met, your application will be reviewed by the Registration Committee.

Criminal record check

As part of the registration process, CNO requires all applicants to provide a recent police criminal record check. This requirement provides CNO with information to determine whether further information is required to assess your suitability for registration. A criminal record check is valid for six months. For more information, including how to request a police criminal record check, read our police criminal record check webpage.

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