Important notice about using third parties in your application

You must complete and submit the application to CNO yourself. CNO is available to help you throughout the application process. If you choose to get help from a third party, such as an immigration consultant, NCLEX preparation service, online Group, friends or other advisors when preparing your application to become a nurse in Ontario, you should never share your login details, allow someone else to sign into your account, or let anyone submit or verify information on your behalf. Doing so may affect your eligibility for registration. Learn more.

Canada (outside Ontario)

  1. Introduction

    Welcome to the College of Nurses of Ontario’s registration guide for Canadian applicants.

  2. Getting Started

    Know which documents you will need to support your application when you begin.

  3. Practicing as an RN or RPN in Ontario

    Registering with CNO is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to practice nursing in Ontario.

  4. Beginning the Application Process - Canada (Outside Ontario)

    The application process for Canadian applicants begins when they create an online application with the College.

  5. Registration Requirements

    During the first stage of the registration process, the College evaluates all applicants to determine whether they meet the registration requirements.

  6. Examinations

    Canadian applicants who meet the requirements of the Ontario Labour Mobility Act (OLMA) are not required to write a registration examination to practise in Ontario; however, all applicants to the College must write the jurisprudence examination.

  7. Registration requirements for registered Canadian nurses

    This section outlines the registration requirements for RNs and RPNs already registered to practice in other Canadian jurisdiction. Specifically, a nurse must have a certificate of registration equivalent to the one for which they are applying in Ontario.

  8. Initial Registration - Canada (Outside Ontario)

    When you have successfully met all registration requirements, you can complete your registration online and pay the applicable fee.

  9. Requesting Accommodation

    Everyone who writes an examination as part of their application to the College has the right to request accommodation.

  10. Collection of Personal Information

    Please review the Privacy Code on the CNO’s website to understand how your personal information will be used.