Classes of Registration
A registration class is defined as a group that is based on your nursing education and type of nursing practice.
All nurses registered with CNO belong to one of the following six classes:
General
Most nurses registered with CNO belong to the General Class. Both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) belong in this class.
To register in the General Class, you must meet all the requirements for registration. This includes showing that you have experience practicing as a nurse within the past three years. This experience is called Evidence of Practice.
Extended (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 in this class have an expanded scope of practice, with the authority to diagnose, prescribe medication, perform procedures, and order and interpret diagnostic tests.
- Membership obligations: Extended Class
- Applying to the Extended Class
- Extended Class: Terms, Conditions and Limitations
Non-Practising
The Non-Practising Class is for individuals who want to remain registered with CNO at times when they are not practicing nursing in Ontario.
- Membership obligations: Non-Practising Class
- Non-Practising Class: Questions & Answers
- Non-Practising Class: Terms, Conditions and Limitations
Temporary
The Temporary Class is an option for 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.
- Membership obligations: Temporary Class
- Applying to the Temporary Class
- Application for a Certificate of Registration in the Temporary Class
- Temporary Class: Terms, Conditions and Limitations
Special Assignment
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 only practice within the scope of their appointment and only under defined terms and conditions.
- Membership obligations: Special Assignment Class
- Special Assignment Class: Terms, Conditions and Limitations
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.
