New Jurisprudence Exam launching this summer
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) protects the public through the promotion of safe nursing practice, including establishing province-wide registration requirements. Starting Monday, July 17, 2023, those applying for registration in the General or Extended class will have to pass a new Jurisprudence Exam.
Approved by Council on March 8, 2023, the new exam assesses applicants’ knowledge and understanding of the professional, legal and ethical accountabilities to provide safe nursing care in Ontario.
“Understanding how the law impacts nursing practice contributes to the delivery of safe, ethical nursing care. With an influx of applicants wanting to practice nursing in Ontario, it is especially important that nurses entering the profession are aware and understand how nursing practice is governed in Ontario,” says Naomi Thick, CNO Council President. “CNO’s new jurisprudence exam meets our mandate to protect the public by ensuring that applicants entering the profession are competent and safe to practice nursing in Ontario.
The Nursing Act, 1991 requires all applicants to successfully complete a nursing jurisprudence exam prior to receiving a certificate of registration. It is one of eight entry-to-practice requirements applicants must meet to enter practice as a nurse in Ontario. Current registrants are not required to take the exam unless they are applying to change their category or class.
Through evidence and collaboration with subject matter experts, the new Jurisprudence Exam will consist of online learning modules and testing components designed to support learners. The exam will replace CNO’s current Jurisprudence Exam and will cover five chapters focusing on: nursing regulation, scope of practice, professional responsibility and accountability, CNO practice standards, Quality Assurance and continuing competence.
“Nurses are accountable to understand the laws that regulate the profession,” says Silvie Crawford, CNO Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. “CNO’s Jurisprudence Exam prepares applicants for the environment in which they will be working, and ensures they are safe and competent to practice in Ontario.”
We will keep you informed about our work and let you know when the new Jurisprudence Exam takes effect. Watch cno.org, The Standard, and our social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for more info.
Learn more about CNO’s new Jurisprudence Exam.
