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.

Registration Requirements

  1. Registration Requirements

  2. Nursing Education

    You must demonstrate the successful completion of a nursing education program designed to prepare you for the type of nursing that you want to practice in Ontario.

  3. Evidence of Practice

    You must show that you have recent experience practising as a nurse. Most applicants to the College automatically meet this requirement by completing a nursing program approved by the College within the past three years.

  4. Registration Examination

    You must successfully complete the registration examination approved by the College for the type of nursing you want to practice.

  5. Jurisprudence Examination

    You must successfully complete either the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination or the NP Jurisprudence Examination.

  6. Transition to Practice

    You must successfully meet the Transition to Practice requirement. Most applicants will meet this requirement by completing their nursing education within Canada, showing evidence of current registration in a Canadian jurisdiction or by completing a Transition to Practice course.

  7. Proficiency in English or French

    You must be able to show proficiency in either English or French before you can practice nursing in Ontario.

  8. Authorization to Work

    You must provide proof of your citizenship, residency status, or authorization to practice nursing in Ontario before you can register as a nurse in Ontario.

  9. Past Offences and Findings / Health and Conduct

    You must truthfully state whether you have ever been found guilty of an offence, refused registration, had a finding related to the practice of nursing or another profession against you, or are involved in certain proceedings. You must declare whether you suffer from any physical or mental condition or disorder that could affect your ability to practice nursing in a safe manner. The College must also be satisfied that you will practice with decency, honesty and integrity, and in accordance with the law.