|
|
Registration rules and procedures
Quick links to the sections on this page:
application process
assessment process
committee
Fee Structure
forms
language requirements
requirements for application
type
FAQ
Labour Mobility
The CLPNBC Registration Department ensures that all LPNs are providing safe, competent, and ethical care.
The department is responsible for:
- screening applicant inquiries
- receiving and processing applications
- verifying previous registration and employment
- assessing an individual's credentials
- answering inquiries on registration status
The department verifies previous registration by confirming the following: - where an applicant has been registered
- that an applicant has passed a provincial or national PN exam
- whether any conditions have ever been placed on the registration
- whether an investigation is ongoing
- whether a registration has ever been revoked or rescinded and why
A criminal record review is also a requirement for registration with the CLPNBC. For more information, go to
www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/C/96086_01.htm
Important Dates
The registration year is January 1 to December 31. Your annual renewal form and fee are due by December 1 to ensure that the processing is complete prior to the expiry of the current year's registration.
Payroll deduction payments from employers are due by November 30. Employees who pay their registration fees by payroll deduction must submit their renewal forms to the CLPNBC by November 15. Note: Payroll deduction fees are collected by your employer one year in advance.
If the renewal form and fee are received after December 1, your registration may be delayed. If the renewal form and fee are received after December 31, late fees will apply. |
Application Process
All applicants to the CLPNBC are screened to determine the applicant category. If eligible, an application to be assessed is mailed to the applicant. The CLPNBC registration department will request verification of employment from all relevant employers.
For all applicants except new BC PN graduates, the application process is a two step process. The first step is to apply for assessment to determine eligibility to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Once determined eligible, the second step is to apply for and write the CPNRE.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all required documents are received by the CLPNBC.
If any documentation is missing, the application will be held, pending receipt of the documentation.
If after two years the applicant's file is still incomplete, the file is destroyed, without further notification from the CLPNBC. |
^return to top
Assessment Process
There is a variety of applicant categories in the CLPNBC. Each category has various requirements, and the assessment timeline is approximately the same. A typical timeline is:
- initial phone call
- application sent out
- application and documents received
- credentials and record assessed
- meet registration/examination eligibility requirements
- application for examination (CPNRE) sent out (if applicable)
- examination application and fee received (if applicable)
- granted interim registration (if applicable)
- write registration exam (if applicable)
- granted full registration
It may take approximately six weeks to six months from your initial contact to obtain registration with the CLPNBC.
The instructions page for all of the following categories are listed in the Forms menu that follows. |
^return to top
|
|
B.C. Practical Nurse new graduate
If you expect to graduate from a recognized B.C. Practical Nurse program, you will receive an application package from your school. Complete all the forms carefully. If they are incomplete or if documents are missing, then your application package will not be processed.
Your school will send the CLPNBC a list of students who will graduate. Once this list and your application package and fee are received, you will be eligible to write the next Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). First-time writers of the CPNRE will be granted an interim registration, which is valid from the date of your graduation until three months after the exam date. If you fail the exam, or do not write, the interim registration is cancelled immediately. |
^return to top
|
|
Other Canadian Practical Nurse new graduate
If you have completed a Practical Nurse program that is not a recognized program in B.C., you must contact the registration department at info@clpnbc.org. If eligible, you will be sent an application package.
Once you have been assessed (step 1) as meeting the educational requirements, you will be eligible to write the CPNRE (step 2). First-time writers of the CPNRE will be granted an interim registration, which is valid from the date that your exam application is processed until three months after the exam date. If you fail the exam, or do not write, the interim registration is cancelled immediately. |
^return to top
|
|
PN from another Canadian province or territory
If you are a Practical Nurse (current or previously registered) from another Canadian province or territory, contact the registration department for an application package. You will have to notify the CLPNBC registration department of all the provinces that you are, or have previously been, registered to practice.
If you have been out of practice for five years or more, you will be required to complete a Practical Nurse refresher program prior to registration.
If you have been away from nursing for more than 10 years, contact the CLPNBC registration department directly.
Note: You must hold a current CLPNBC registration to practice as an LPN in B.C. |
^return to top
|
|
Registered Nurse from within Canada
If you are a Canadian Registered Nurse (current or previously registered) and your nursing knowledge is current, you will be eligible to write the CPNRE. Contact the registration department for an application package. Notify the CLPNBC registration department of all the provinces that you are, or have previously been, registered to practice.
Your application process is a two step process. The first step is to apply for assessment to determine eligibility to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Once determined eligible, the second step is to apply for and write the CPNRE.
If you have been out of practice for five years or more, you will be required to complete a Practical Nurse refresher program prior to writing the CPNRE.
If you have been away from nursing for more than 10 years, contact the CLPNBC registration department directly. |
^return to top
|
|
Registered Nurse student in Canada
If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) student in Canada, your nursing education is assessed to determine if your education is equivalent to a B.C. Practical Nurse.
Your application process is a two step process. The first step is to apply for assessment to determine eligibility to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Once determined eligible, the second step is to apply for and write the CPNRE.
RN students who are in a B.C. school and who are participating in the Collaboration for Academic Education in Nursing partnership can apply to be assessed for eligibililty to write the CPNRE after completing a minimum of two or three years of the BSN program . This includes successfully completing the Consolidated Practical Experience 2 (CPE2). In addition, the CLPNBC Board recently determined that some specific pharmacology competencies must be covered in the curriculum. These include, but are not limited to: subcutaneous injections, intramuscular and narcotic administration, supporting intravenous therapy, and taking and transcribing medication orders. If any components, including the aforemention are missing, the RN student must complete them first in order to qualify to write the CPNRE and to qualify for interim registration with the CLPNBC.
For other programs - including, for example, the B.C. Institute of Technology, Trinity Western University, the University of British Columbia - the nursing curricula and experience components are laid out differently. Completion of three or more years of the program may be required. |
^return to top
|
|
Educated in the Canadian Armed Forces
Your application requires documentation from the Canadian Military Medical Service School. Your nursing education will be assessed to determine whether or not you have the equivalent education of a B.C. Practical Nurse, or whether you have any requirements prior to writing the CPNRE. For example, Armed Forces applicants are often missing pediatric nursing.
Your application process is a two step process. The first step is to apply for assessment to determine eligibility to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Once determined eligible, the second step is to apply for and write the CPNRE. |
^return to top
|
|
Internationally educated nurses
If you were educated as a nurse outside of Canada, or if you have completed nursing training as part of another educational program, you may be eligible for practical nurse registration.
Your assessment will require reports from the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) to determine the level and breadth of your nursing education, and to ensure that your education is approximately equivalent to that of a B.C. practical nurse.
Your application process is a two step process. The first step is to apply for assessment to determine eligibility to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Once determined eligible, the second step is to apply for and write the CPNRE.
If you have been out of practice for five years or more, you will be required to complete a Practical Nurse refresher program prior to writing the CPNRE.
If you have been away from nursing for more than 10 years, contact the CLPNBC registration department directly.
Registration as a nurse in the country in which you received your nursing training is not required. If you were educated in a country where the principal language is not English, see the following section on language requirements for more on the CLPNBC's English Testing Requirements.
Document requirements for internationally educated nurses are:
- application form (signed and dated)
- photo identification - proof of birth and current name
- original Criminal Record Review consent authorization form
- ICES Comprehensive report www.bcit.ca/ices
- ICES Supplemental report (also known as the CLPNBC report)
- verification of registration from all previous jurisdictions
- proof of English language proficiency
- employment and role verification (sent by the CLPNBC to relevant employers)
|
^return to top
|
|
Previously registered with the CLPNBC
If you were registered within the last five years, contact the registration department for a consent form. Return the completed consent form and include information on your relevant employers within the last five years.
The registration department will request verification of employment from all relevant employers. Upon receipt of all employer responses, your file will be sent to the CLPNBC assessor for review.
If you were registered more than five years ago, contact the registration department for an application package. Return the completed application form and fee to the CLPNBC. Once all required documents are received, your file will be reviewed by the assessor.
If you have been away from nursing for five to 10 years, you will need to complete a practical nurse refresher program prior to obtaining practical nurse registration.
If you have been away from nursing for more than 10 years, contact the CLPNBC registration department directly. |
^return to top
Registration Committee
According to the Health Professions Act, the registration committee is responsible for granting registration, including reinstatement of registration, of a person as a member of the college.
The purpose of the CLPNBC's registration committee is to:
- monitor the administration of the provisions of the Health Professions Act, and the CLPNBC bylaws and board policies
- assure that all applicants for registration are treated in accordance with administrative fairness
The registration committee will review all registration matters for a person:
- with a prior cancellation or suspension to practice in B.C. or other jurisdictions
- currently under investigation or under review in B.C. or other juridictions that could result in suspension or cancellation to practice
- where there has been a conviction of an indictable offence
|
^return to top
Current Fee Structure
All fees are payable to the College of LPN's of BC, with the exception of the Criminal Record Review consent form.
All fees are payable by money order, bank draft, Visa or Mastercard. In person payments may include cash (exact amount only) and debit.
Fees are subject to change.
For a listing of current fees, click on the following link: |
|
|
| Associated documents - click to download |  Fee Structure 5.25.09.pdf (Approx 131K) |
^return to top
^return to top
Language Requirements
If you completed your nursing education in another country, you may be required to demonstrate language proficiency prior to writing the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE).
The areas that must be tested in any the language proficiency tests are: listening, structure/writing, reading/comprehension, and spoken English.
The following are just a few of the options available for testing. For all the complete information, download the document that follows this short list:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version
- Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN)
Always have the official score report sent directly to the CLPNBC once the exam is completed. Official scores of all exams or tests will be accepted two years from the date of passing. The language proficiency requirement must be met prior to writing the CPNRE. |
|
|
| Associated documents - click to download | | Language Proficiency exemption rev 9.16.09.pdf (Approx 90K) | | Language Testing Requirements.pdf (Approx 78K) |
^return to top
|
|
CELBAN
Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) is a task-based evaluation of four communication skills which aligns the scores to the Canadian Language Benchmarks in speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
You must meet the minimum scores of:
Speaking: 8
Listening: 9
Reading: 8
Writing: 7
For information on the CELBAN, contact Jane Sheil at jsheil@vcc.ca, Patricia Mahler at pmahler@vcc.ca, or Susan Vellutini at svellutini@vcc.ca, or telephone (604) 871-7095
To apply to write the CELBAN, go to www.celban.org, send an e-mail to celas@rrc.mb.ca, or write to:
The CELAS Centre
CELBAN Administration
Suite 400, 123 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1A3
Your results must be sent directly from the testing centre to the CLPNBC. |
^return to top
|
|
TOEFL and TSE
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) requirements are:
TOEFL:
Computer-based test score: 213
Paper-based test score: 550
TSE:
Overall comprehensibility score: 50
Internet-based test: Score: 80 and with speaking score: 26.
To apply for TOEFL/TSE, contact:
TOEFL and TSE Services
Box 6155 / 6151
Princeton, New Jersey
USA 08541 - 6155
Tel: (609) 771-7100
E-mail: toefl@ets.org
www.toefl.org
Your results must be sent directly to the CLPNBC. Use the code number 9543. |
^return to top
|
|
IELTS
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version.
Requirements are:
Overall Band Score: 6.5
Speaking: 7.0 Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0
To apply for IELTS testing, contact:
IELTS Test Centre,
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby B.C. V5A 1S6
Tel: (778) 782-6715
www.sfu.ca/ielts
Test results must be sent directly to the CLPNBC. |
^return to top
|
|
English 12 (Provincial)
You also have the option of completing a provincial English grade 12 course or higher, such as a College-level English course, with a minimum grade of C OR Technical and Professional Communication 12 with a final grade of "B" or better.
Contact the CLPNBC Registration Assessor before enrolling in an English course to confirm it meets our minimum requirements. |
^return to top
Requirements for Assessment/Application
All those applying for assessment must provide the following:
- application form (signed and dated)
- application fee (B.C. Practical Nurse new graduates are exempt)
- photo identification - proof of birth name and current name (see the ID fact sheet listed in the Forms section that follows)
- original Criminal Record Review consent authorization form and fee www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/C/96086_01.htm
- for all those applying for assessment, a final official transcript must be sent directly from their school of nursing
- B.C. Practical nurse graduates must attach transcript to the Initial registration form upon passing CPNRE
Some applicants may need to provide some or all of the following:
- employment and role verification (sent by the CLPNBC to relevant employers)
- nursing program confirmation form
- verification from previous regulatory organization(s)
- proof of English language proficiency
- Comprehensive and Supplemental Reports from the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES - for more information visit the following website www.bcit.ca/ices )
Completed files are forwarded to the CLPNBC Registration Assessor for review.
Applicant Categories
|
^return to top
Types of Registration
There are four types of registrations:
- full
- limited
- interim
- non-practicing
|
^return to top
|
|
Full Registration
LPNs with a full registration have:
- graduated from an approved Practical Nurse education program, or equivalent
- passed the CPNRE
- provided evidence of good character
- submitted all of the required documents to the registration department
|
^return to top
|
|
Limited Registration
LPNs with a limited registration:
- are granted one time only
- have one year to satisfy all educational or experience requirements
- are applicants who have been assessed by the CLPNBC and deemed eligible to work in areas that will not risk the public’s safety
|
^return to top
|
|
Interim Registration
LPNs with an interim registration:
- are granted the interim licence one time only
- have graduated from a recognized Practical Nurse or educational equivalent program
- have applied to write the next Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) for the first time
- can practice as an LPN while preparing to write the CPNRE
Note:
- An interim registration expires three months after your scheduled CPNRE date
- An interim registration is void immediately upon notification of failing the CPNRE, or upon failure to write the exam
|
^return to top
|
|
Non-practicing Registration
LPNs with a non-practicing registration:
- cannot practice or work as an LPN
- can use the title LPN, however they must state that it is a non-practicing registration
- can apply to convert from non-practicing to a practicing registration
This category is often requested by LPNs who are on maternity or paternity leave, long-term disability, residing outside of B.C., or are retired.
Please contact the CLPNBC directly for more information at info@clpnbc.org |
^return to top
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about registration:
- How long will it take to become registered after I submit my application for assessment?
The timeframe can vary, depending on the applicant category and how long it takes for all the required documents to be received at the College. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that the CLPNBC has everything to assess a file. It is suggested that applicants follow-up with the CLPNBC registration department within three to four weeks of submitting an application.
- English is my second language. Do I have to meet the English testing requirements before my file can be assessed?
No, but the requirement must be met before the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) can be written.
- I am an internationally educated nurse. How long does it take to have the reports from the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) completed? Do I have to pay for them?
Contact ICES for information on how long their processing times are. Yes, the applicant is responsible for these costs.
- I am a practical nurse from another Canadian province. Do I need to be currently registered in that province before registering in BC?
No, but you will need to have the "verification of previous registration" form completed by all regulatory organizations you have been, or are currently registered with.
- I need a verification of registration completed because I am moving to another province. What is the procedure for this?
Mail to our office the verfication form to be completed, the processing fee of $21.00 ($20.00 plus gst) and the address details of where the completed form is to be sent.
|
^return to top
|
|
Employer FAQs
- What is an Employment and Role Verification form?
This form is used by the CLPNBC to review and determine the range of competencies of a nurse’s role with an employer. The registration department sends this form to relevant employers listed on the application form. It is an essential part of the assessment process.
- How does the CLPNBC use the information from the Employment and Role Verification form?
The information is used to determine if a refresher program or other education is required. A timely response from employers is important.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the CLPNBC has received all documents necessary to begin the assessment process. Contact the CLPNBC directly if you are not sure.
- Is a Criminal Record Review a requirement for registration with the CLPNBC?
Yes. It is mandatory under the Criminal Record Review Act (CRRA).
Section 2(1) of the Act states:
The purpose of this Act is to help prevent the physical and sexual abuse of children by requiring individuals to whom this Act applies to undergo criminal record checks. For more information, click on the following link:
www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/C/96086_01.htm
NOTE: this is NOT the same as a full RCMP/Police review, which is known as the Consent for Criminal Record Disclosure.
- How can I find out if an individual is registered?
Contact the CLPNBC or click here to be directed to the Public Register http://www.clpnbc.org/lpn_list.php
- What if people are working as LPNs and they are not registered?
Contact the CLPNBC registration department immediately because:
- they are not covered by liability insurance
- the CLPNBC cannot confirm whether or not they are competent to practice
- they have breached the Use of Protected Title position statement
- full registration is required before they can practice as LPNs
- When is the CLPNBC annual registration renewal?
Form and fees are due December 1. Late fees are applicable if the form and fees are returned after midnight on December 31. The individual cannot practice if the annual renewal is not returned prior to the expiry of the current registration.
- What is the CLPNBC registration year?
The registration year is January 1 to December 31.
- Can an LPN practice in another province with B.C. registration?
No, B.C. registration is valid only in this province. To practice in any other jurisdiction (province or country), the LPN must be registered with the appropriate regulatory body.
- If someone is registered as an LPN in another province or country, can he/she practice in B.C.?
No. An LPN must be registered in B.C. before practicing as an LPN in this province. Contact the CLPNBC directly if you wish to obtain registration at info@clpnbc.org.
- How do I confirm if an interim registration is still valid?
Contact the CLPNBC to check the expiry date on the interim registration card, or ask the cardholder if they wrote or passed the CPNRE and received their results, or click here http://www.clpnbc.org/lpn_list.php to check their status in the Public Registry.
- Can the interim registration be extended?
No.
- Can the interim registration be issued more than once?
No.
- If an individual fails the CPNRE three times, can the practical nurse refresher program be taken instead of the full practical nurse course?
No, the full Practical Nurse program must be taken.
- Is the interim registration automatically converted to full if the CPNRE is passed?
No. An individual must complete the registration form provided with the exam results and submit this and the required initial registration fee to the CLPNBC.
- If an applicant has a criminal record, can he/she register as an LPN in B.C.?
Contact the CLPNBC for more information as the applicant will need to provide more information before this question can be answered.
|
^return to top
CLPNBC complies with labour mobility agreements
Effective April 1, 2009, and consistent with the terms of the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) and the BC/AB Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA), the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC will certify Licensed Practical Nursing applicants who are currently certified in another jurisdiction in Canada, in accordance with the provisions of these Agreements.
Registration is required in each jurisdiction the person wishes to practise. Previously certified applicants from other jurisdictions should consider registration in their originating jurisdiction prior to making application to relocate under any labour agreement as the agreements only apply to certified or licensed applicants. Previously certified applicants that make application to this jurisdiction are encouraged to review the Bylaws of the College related to registration. All applicants to BC are required to authorize verification under the Criminal Record Review Act. This is not the College's requirement. |
^return to top
|
