Registration Requirements
This section lists the registration requirements for applicants who are not registered to practice in Canada, or who practice under Temporary, Provisional, Graduate or other similar registrations in other Canadian provinces and territories.
If you are a nurse currently registered to practice in another Canadian province or territory with an equivalent certificate of registration and you are applying to register as an RN or RPN in Ontario, please review this section of the guide If you are a nurse currently registered to practice in another Canadian province or territory with an equivalent certificate of registration and you are applying to register as an RN or RPN in Ontario, please review this .
We assess all applicants to determine whether they meet the registration requirements listed below.
| Requirement |
Description |
| Nursing Education |
You must demonstrate the successful completion of an approved or recognized nursing education program (baccalaureate or diploma) designed to prepare you for the type of nursing (RN or RPN) that you want to practice in Ontario. |
| Evidence of Practice |
You must show you have recent experience practicing as a nurse within the past three years. Applicants educated in Canada automatically meet this requirement by completing an approved or recognized Canadian nursing program within the past three years. Read the Evidence of Practice page for more information.. |
| Registration Examination |
You must successfully complete the registration examination approved by CNO for the type of nursing (RN or RPN) you want to practice. Applicants who are already registered in another Canadian province or territory are exempt from having to write a registration examination. Read the registration requirements for Registered Canadian Nurses to learn more. |
| Transition to Practice |
You must successfully meet the Transition to Practice requirement. Canadian applicants meet this requirement by holding current registration in another Canadian province or territory or by having recent Canadian education or practice (within the past three years). |
| Jurisprudence Examination |
You must successfully complete the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination. |
| Proficiency in English or French |
You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. Canadian applicants automatically meet this requirement by completing a Canadian nursing program approved by CNO within the past two years. |
| Citizenship |
You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or hold authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to engage in the practice of nursing in Ontario. |
| Past Offences and Findings |
You must state truthfully whether you have ever been found guilty of an offence, refused registration, had a finding against you related to the practice of nursing or another profession or are involved in certain proceedings.
You also must submit a recent police criminal record check. For more information, including how and when to submit the criminal record check, read FAQs: Criminal Record Checks.
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| Health and Conduct |
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. CNO also must be satisfied that you will practice with decency, honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law. |
See Registration Requirements for further information about each of these requirements.
If we find that you do not meet one or more of these requirements, then you may be asked to provide more information or take additional steps, such as completing an evaluation or additional education, that allow you to meet these requirements.
You have the right to request a review of your application if you want to appeal any decision made by CNO staff or the Registration Committee concerning your application.