Registration Requirements
During the application process, CNO assesses all applicants to determine whether they meet the following registration requirements.
If we find that you do not meet one or more of these requirements, you may be asked to provide more information or take additional steps, such as complete an evaluation or additional education, that allows you to meet those requirements. You have the right to request a review of your application, if you want to appeal any decision made by CNO or the Registration Committee concerning your application.
| Requirements |
Descriptions |
| 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 that you have recent experience practicing as a nurse. Ontario applicants automatically meet this requirement by completing a nursing program approved by CNO within the past three years. For more information, click here. |
| Registration Examination |
You must successfully complete the registration examination approved by CNO for the type of nursing (RN or RPN) you want to practice. |
| Jurisprudence Examination |
You must successfully complete the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination.
|
| Transition to Practice |
You must successfully meet the Transition to Practice requirement. Ontario applicants automatically meet this requirement by completing a CNO-approved nursing program within the past three years. |
| Proficiency in English or French |
You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. Ontario applicants automatically meet this requirement by completing a 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.
|
Health and Conduct
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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.