Nursing Registration Exams Report for 2023
College of Nurses of Ontario
July 16th, 2024
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1 Executive Summary
The Nursing Registration Exams Report for 2023 summarizes the registration exam pass rates for Ontario-educated applicants to CNO in 2023. The report is broken down into three sections based on the following registration exams for each nurse type: the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for RNs, the Regulatory Exam for Practical Nurses (REx-PN) for RPNs, and the three NP specialty registration exams for Adult, Pediatrics, and Primary Health Care specialties combined (specific details regarding the NP exams can be found in section 3.2). Within each section, data is presented in the following tables: pass rates by attempt number, first-attempt pass rates for French-language programs in Ontario, and first-attempt and year-end pass rates of applicants by Ontario nursing schools.
The focus of the 2023 version of the report, and future iterations, is on Ontario-educated CNO applicants only. First-attempt pass rates are used by CNO and Ontario nursing programs for the program approval process1 and do not include Canadian- or internationally educated applicants. In addition, it is increasingly common for nurses educated outside of Ontario to attempt registration exams in multiple jurisdictions. For those nurses, reporting exam pass rates by attempt number is not always possible. As such, the purpose of this report is shifting focus to only present registration exam results of Ontario-educated graduates who apply to CNO to measure exam performance at the provincial level and by program, while ensuring the highest level of data integrity.
In 2023, Ontario-educated CNO applicants saw an increase in first-attempt and year-end pass rates compared to 2022 across RN, RPN and NP categories. The first-attempt pass rate for Ontario-educated RN exam writers rebounded to 85.6% after falling to 74.5% in 2022 from 81.5% in 2021, while the year end pass rate increased from 87.9% in 2022 to 93.4% in 2023. Similarly, the 2023 first-attempt pass rate for Ontario-educated RPN exam writers rebounded to 83.3% in 2023 after falling to 73.1% in 2022 from 81.4% in 2021, while the year-end pass rate increased from 82.6% in 2022 to 88.7% in 2023. The first attempt pass rate for NP exam writers increased from 92.6% in 2022 to 98.3% in 2023, while the year-end pass rate increased from 96.7% to 98.3%.
2 Introduction
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the governing body for nurses in Ontario, Canada. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting safe nursing practice.
CNO sets the requirements for becoming a nurse in Ontario and the standards of practice that nurses must meet to maintain that designation. Only a person with a valid certificate of registration from CNO can practice as a nurse in Ontario and use the protected titles: nurse, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP).
CNO publishes annual statistics reports to provide data for interested parties about the nurses it registers. CNO continually enhances its reports based on system partner feedback. To find out more about CNO’s statistical resources or to sign up for its statistics announcements, please visit www.cno.org/stats.
3 Methods and Notes
3.1 Who is included in this report?
Almost all applicants who register with CNO must successfully complete two examinations: a registration examination and a jurisprudence examination. The registration exam tests whether the writer has the knowledge, skill and judgment to provide safe care during their first year of practice. The jurisprudence exam tests the writer’s knowledge of nursing and health care legislation in Ontario. Results from the latter are not covered in this report.
This report summarizes the registration examination results for Ontario-educated CNO applicants only. Results from Ontario-educated nurses who do not apply to CNO are not included. Canadian- and internationally educated applicant exam scores are also excluded.
Three types of applicants require successful completion of a registration examination when applying to CNO:
- Registered Nurses in the General Class (RNs)
- Registered Practical Nurses in the General Class (RPNs)
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)2
3.2 Registration exam requirements
Applicants complete the following Council-approved3 registration exams:
RN applicants complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).4
- RN applicants have an unlimited number of writes for the NCLEX-RN because the exam is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), which can supply a writer with a different set of questions than their previous exam attempt(s).
RPN applicants complete the Regulatory Exam for Practical Nurses (REx-PN),5 which replaced the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) on January 4, 2022.6
- Prior to 2022, RPN applicants had three attempts to write their registration exam. Following the implementation of the REx-PN, RPN applicants now have an unlimited number of writes since the exam is now a CAT.
NP applicants complete a registration exam for the NP specialty they are applying to: Adult, Pediatrics or Primary Health Care.
NP applicants have three attempts for each specialty to write their registration exam.
In 2023, the following NP registration exams were available to Ontario applicants:7
- NP-Adult: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination
- NP-Pediatrics: The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Certification Examination
- NP-Primary Health Care: The Canadian Nurse Practitioner Examination or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination
3.3 Ontario-educated nurses
Ontario-educated nurses: These are applicants who applied to CNO after completing an approved Ontario nursing program.
- An Ontario nursing program is one that is offered at an Ontario university or college, and is approved by CNO’s Council for registration as a nurse in Ontario.
- In Ontario, nursing programs approved for RN registration grant baccalaureate degrees in nursing. Nursing programs approved for RPN registration grant diplomas in practical nursing from a college of applied arts and technology (CAAT). Nursing programs approved for NP registration grant post-baccalaureate certificates, master’s degrees or post-master’s diplomas.
3.4 Pass rates
This report provides pass rate statistics, separated by attempt number. An attempt pass rate is the percentage of applicants who passed the exam on that given attempt of the exam, regardless of the year in which the applicant wrote the exam for the first time. A first-attempt pass rate is the percentage of applicants who passed the exam on their first attempt. A year-end pass rate is the percentage of applicants who wrote the exam for the first time during that year and passed the exam by the end of that year.
Sections Ontario-educated RN exam pass rates by attempt, Ontario-educated RPN exam pass rates by attempt and Ontario-educated NP exam pass rates by attempt show attempt pass rates, while sections First-attempt pass rates for French-language BN programs in Ontario, First-attempt pass rates for French-language PN programs in Ontario and First-attempt pass rates for French-language NP programs in Ontario show first-attempt pass rates only. Sections First-attempt and year-end pass rates of RN applicants by Ontario university, program and collaborative partner, First-attempt and year-end pass rates of RPN applicants by Ontario college, program and campus and First-attempt and year-end pass rates of NP applicants by specialty and Ontario university show first-attempt and year-end pass rates for applicants who wrote the exam for the first time during the indicated year.
4 Registered Nurse Exam Writers
In 2023, there were 5,182 unique Ontario-educated Registered Nurse (RN) applicants to CNO who wrote the NCLEX-RN and 5,940 total exam writes.
4.1 Ontario-educated RN exam pass rates by attempt
| Attempt | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 4,701 | 83.8% | 4,480 | 84.0% | 4,612 | 81.5% | 4,686 | 74.5% | 4,499 | 85.6% |
| Second | 790 | 58.9% | 716 | 64.9% | 780 | 64.5% | 1,108 | 57.7% | 735 | 66.4% |
| Third | 332 | 48.5% | 263 | 43.0% | 269 | 48.7% | 373 | 46.9% | 345 | 66.7% |
| Fourth | 146 | 39.0% | 153 | 39.2% | 109 | 45.9% | 145 | 33.1% | 160 | 56.2% |
| Fifth | 75 | 32.0% | 75 | 34.7% | 76 | 30.3% | 67 | 35.8% | 87 | 56.3% |
| Sixth | 35 | 25.7% | 34 | 35.3% | 54 | 31.5% | 34 | 50.0% | 48 | 52.1% |
| Seventh | 15 | 0.0% | 24 | 33.3% | 20 | 15.0% | 26 | 34.6% | 15 | 33.3% |
| Eighth | 13 | 23.1% | 16 | 31.2% | 10 | 10.0% | 17 | 29.4% | 10 | 30.0% |
| Ninth | 8 | 0.0% | 5 | 60.0% | 14 | 35.7% | 8 | 0.0% | 10 | 10.0% |
| Tenth | 7 | 0.0% | 5 | 0.0% | 8 | 50.0% | 9 | 0.0% | 6 | 33.3% |
| Eleventh or more | 18 | 16.7% | 15 | 26.7% | 11 | 0.0% | 22 | 13.6% | 25 | 16.0% |
4.2 First-attempt pass rates for French-language BN programs in Ontario
Two Ontario universities offer baccalaureate nursing (BN) programs in French: Laurentian University and University of Ottawa.
Exam writers can choose to write their registration exam in either English or French and can change their choice on subsequent attempts.
The table below shows 2020–2023 first-attempt pass rates for applicants from French-language BN programs in Ontario and the languages in which the applicants wrote their exams.
| Ontario RN university, program, collaborative partner, and language of instruction | Language of exam | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurentian University Full (French) | French | 3 | 100.0% | 4 | 25.0% | 2 | 50.0% | 0 | — |
| English | 27 | 66.7% | 28 | 82.1% | 39 | 43.6% | 31 | 74.2% | |
| Total | 30 | 70.0% | 32 | 75.0% | 41 | 43.9% | 31 | 74.2% | |
| Laurentian University Specified for RPN (French) | French | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — |
| English | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | |
| Total | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | |
| University of Ottawa Full (French) | French | 18 | 72.2% | 0 | — | 4 | 75.0% | 0 | — |
| English | 58 | 89.7% | 48 | 81.2% | 64 | 71.9% | 56 | 92.9% | |
| Total | 76 | 85.5% | 48 | 81.2% | 68 | 72.1% | 56 | 92.9% | |
| University of Ottawa Specified for RPN with Collège La Cité (French) | French | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — |
| English | 1 | 100.0% | 1 | 0.0% | 3 | 0.0% | 1 | 100.0% | |
| Total | 1 | 100.0% | 1 | 0.0% | 3 | 0.0% | 1 | 100.0% | |
| University of Ottawa Compressed (English and French) | French | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — |
| English | 2 | 50.0% | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | |
| Total | 2 | 50.0% | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | |
| University of Ottawa Compressed (French)* | French | 2 | 50.0% | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — |
| English | 6 | 100.0% | 9 | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 7 | 71.4% | |
| Total | 8 | 87.5% | 9 | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 7 | 71.4% | |
| Grand Total | French | 23 | 73.9% | 4 | 25.0% | 6 | 66.7% | 0 | — |
| English | 94 | 83.0% | 86 | 82.6% | 107 | 59.8% | 95 | 85.3% | |
| Total | 117 | 81.2% | 90 | 80.0% | 113 | 60.2% | 95 | 85.3% | |
| *In 2016, CNO split the University of Ottawa Compressed (English and French) program into two programs: University of Ottawa Compressed (English) and University of Ottawa Compressed (French). Now, CNO will present the original combined program only for applicants who graduated when the original combined program was still in effect. |
4.3 First-attempt and year-end pass rates of RN applicants by Ontario university, program and collaborative partner
In Ontario, 15 universities offer baccalaureate nursing programs. Some universities offer more than one nursing program and some offer nursing programs in collaboration with a college. The table below shows Ontario RN applicants’ first-attempt pass rates by university, program and collaborative partner for 2020–2023. It also shows year-end pass rates for Ontario RN applicants whose first attempt was during that year.
Program definition guide
The following BN program types are available in Ontario:
Full: Direct entry
A program for students who meet standard admission criteria. They complete a structured nursing curriculum in its entirety and attain an academic credential (a university degree or CAAT degree).
Compressed: Second-level entry
A program for students who meet admission criteria based on pre-determined university credits. They complete a shorter curriculum than the direct-entry full program and attain an academic credential (a university degree or CAAT degree).
Specified: Pre-health related
A program for students who meet admission criteria based on pre-determined health-related credentials. They complete a specific nursing curriculum and attain an academic credential (a university degree, CAAT degree or NP specialty certificate).
| Ontario university, program and collaborative partner | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock University | 82 | 80.5% | 91.5% | 96 | 74.0% | 89.6% | 98 | 78.6% | 89.8% | 88 | 87.5% | 93.2% |
| Brock University Full | 82 | 80.5% | 91.5% | 96 | 74.0% | 89.6% | 98 | 78.6% | 89.8% | 88 | 87.5% | 93.2% |
| Brock University Full | 48 | 89.6% | 100.0% | 58 | 86.2% | 96.6% | 59 | 81.4% | 91.5% | 73 | 87.7% | 91.8% |
| Brock University Full with Loyalist College | 34 | 67.6% | 79.4% | 38 | 55.3% | 78.9% | 39 | 74.4% | 87.2% | 15 | 86.7% | 100.0% |
| Lakehead University | 139 | 78.4% | 91.4% | 139 | 75.5% | 91.4% | 170 | 66.5% | 87.6% | 169 | 80.5% | 89.9% |
| Lakehead University Compressed | 37 | 91.9% | 97.3% | 50 | 76.0% | 90.0% | 75 | 70.7% | 92.0% | 64 | 85.9% | 95.3% |
| Lakehead University Compressed | 37 | 91.9% | 97.3% | 50 | 76.0% | 90.0% | 75 | 70.7% | 92.0% | 64 | 85.9% | 95.3% |
| Lakehead University Full for Regional-Community | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 16 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Lakehead University Full for Regional-Community with Confederation College | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 16 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Lakehead University Full with Confederation College | 102 | 73.5% | 89.2% | 89 | 75.3% | 92.1% | 94 | 63.8% | 85.1% | 89 | 73.0% | 84.3% |
| Lakehead University Full with Confederation College | 102 | 73.5% | 89.2% | 89 | 75.3% | 92.1% | 94 | 63.8% | 85.1% | 89 | 73.0% | 84.3% |
| Lakehead University w/Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Laurentian University | 385 | 80.5% | 94.5% | 338 | 79.0% | 90.2% | 344 | 69.2% | 86.0% | 320 | 82.5% | 89.4% |
| Laurentian University Full | 355 | 81.4% | 95.5% | 306 | 79.4% | 90.8% | 303 | 72.6% | 88.1% | 289 | 83.4% | 90.3% |
| Laurentian University Full | 56 | 85.7% | 96.4% | 60 | 75.0% | 91.7% | 52 | 65.4% | 82.7% | 52 | 76.9% | 80.8% |
| Laurentian University Full with Cambrian College | 53 | 79.2% | 90.6% | 45 | 68.9% | 88.9% | 53 | 64.2% | 79.2% | 54 | 72.2% | 87.0% |
| Laurentian University Full with Northern College | 32 | 75.0% | 90.6% | 24 | 83.3% | 83.3% | 15 | 60.0% | 93.3% | 25 | 96.0% | 100.0% |
| Laurentian University Full with Sault College | 54 | 87.0% | 98.1% | 60 | 76.7% | 88.3% | 51 | 72.5% | 86.3% | 40 | 92.5% | 95.0% |
| Laurentian University Full with St. Lawrence College Brockville | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 36 | 83.3% | 100.0% |
| Laurentian University Full with St. Lawrence College Cornwall | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 32 | 93.8% | 96.9% |
| Laurentian University Full with St. Lawrence College Kingston | 160 | 80.0% | 96.9% | 117 | 86.3% | 94.0% | 132 | 80.3% | 93.9% | 50 | 82.0% | 84.0% |
| Laurentian University Full (French) | 30 | 70.0% | 83.3% | 32 | 75.0% | 84.4% | 41 | 43.9% | 70.7% | 31 | 74.2% | 80.6% |
| Laurentian University Full (French) | 30 | 70.0% | 83.3% | 32 | 75.0% | 84.4% | 41 | 43.9% | 70.7% | 31 | 74.2% | 80.6% |
| Laurentian University Specified for RPN (French) | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| McMaster University | 524 | 88.0% | 96.0% | 469 | 85.3% | 94.0% | 556 | 81.5% | 92.3% | 553 | 88.4% | 97.6% |
| McMaster University Compressed | 76 | 96.1% | 100.0% | 71 | 95.8% | 100.0% | 105 | 85.7% | 96.2% | 103 | 96.1% | 100.0% |
| McMaster University Compressed | 76 | 96.1% | 100.0% | 71 | 95.8% | 100.0% | 105 | 85.7% | 96.2% | 103 | 96.1% | 100.0% |
| McMaster University Full | 301 | 87.7% | 96.7% | 254 | 85.0% | 93.7% | 310 | 80.3% | 92.9% | 314 | 86.9% | 96.2% |
| McMaster University Full | 114 | 94.7% | 98.2% | 103 | 88.3% | 97.1% | 110 | 89.1% | 96.4% | 120 | 95.0% | 97.5% |
| McMaster University Full with Conestoga College | 97 | 84.5% | 96.9% | 86 | 81.4% | 89.5% | 114 | 78.1% | 93.9% | 94 | 84.0% | 96.8% |
| McMaster University Full with Mohawk College | 90 | 82.2% | 94.4% | 65 | 84.6% | 93.8% | 86 | 72.1% | 87.2% | 100 | 80.0% | 94.0% |
| McMaster University Specified for RPN | 147 | 84.4% | 92.5% | 144 | 80.6% | 91.7% | 141 | 80.9% | 87.9% | 136 | 86.0% | 99.3% |
| McMaster University Specified for RPN with Conestoga College | 62 | 83.9% | 91.9% | 75 | 85.3% | 92.0% | 63 | 82.5% | 87.3% | 66 | 80.3% | 98.5% |
| McMaster University Specified for RPN with Mohawk College | 85 | 84.7% | 92.9% | 69 | 75.4% | 91.3% | 78 | 79.5% | 88.5% | 70 | 91.4% | 100.0% |
| Nipissing University | 284 | 82.0% | 91.5% | 321 | 77.6% | 89.4% | 348 | 71.8% | 86.8% | 293 | 84.6% | 94.2% |
| Nipissing University Compressed | 36 | 94.4% | 97.2% | 33 | 75.8% | 84.8% | 39 | 66.7% | 74.4% | 38 | 86.8% | 92.1% |
| Nipissing University Compressed | 36 | 94.4% | 97.2% | 33 | 75.8% | 84.8% | 39 | 66.7% | 74.4% | 38 | 86.8% | 92.1% |
| Nipissing University Full | 60 | 83.3% | 91.7% | 84 | 83.3% | 91.7% | 69 | 79.7% | 92.8% | 68 | 86.8% | 94.1% |
| Nipissing University Full with Canadore College | 60 | 83.3% | 91.7% | 84 | 83.3% | 91.7% | 69 | 79.7% | 92.8% | 68 | 86.8% | 94.1% |
| Nipissing University Specified for RPN Blended Learning | 172 | 78.5% | 90.7% | 190 | 74.7% | 89.5% | 231 | 70.1% | 87.0% | 174 | 82.8% | 94.8% |
| Nipissing University Specified for RPN Blended Learning | 172 | 78.5% | 90.7% | 190 | 74.7% | 89.5% | 231 | 70.1% | 87.0% | 174 | 82.8% | 94.8% |
| Nipissing University Specified for RPN On-Campus Learning | 16 | 87.5% | 87.5% | 14 | 85.7% | 85.7% | 9 | 77.8% | 88.9% | 13 | 92.3% | 92.3% |
| Nipissing University Specified for RPN On-Campus Learning with Canadore College | 16 | 87.5% | 87.5% | 14 | 85.7% | 85.7% | 9 | 77.8% | 88.9% | 13 | 92.3% | 92.3% |
| Ontario Tech University (University of Ontario Institute of Technology) | 170 | 76.5% | 87.6% | 214 | 77.1% | 88.8% | 213 | 65.7% | 83.1% | 197 | 84.8% | 94.9% |
| Ontario Tech Full | 81 | 75.3% | 87.7% | 101 | 72.3% | 84.2% | 131 | 64.1% | 80.9% | 111 | 77.5% | 91.9% |
| Ontario Tech Full with Durham College | 81 | 75.3% | 87.7% | 101 | 72.3% | 84.2% | 131 | 64.1% | 80.9% | 111 | 77.5% | 91.9% |
| Ontario Tech Specified for RPN | 89 | 77.5% | 87.6% | 113 | 81.4% | 92.9% | 82 | 68.3% | 86.6% | 86 | 94.2% | 98.8% |
| Ontario Tech Specified for RPN with Durham College | 51 | 78.4% | 88.2% | 67 | 79.1% | 91.0% | 48 | 62.5% | 85.4% | 51 | 94.1% | 98.0% |
| Ontario Tech Specified for RPN with Georgian College | 38 | 76.3% | 86.8% | 46 | 84.8% | 95.7% | 34 | 76.5% | 88.2% | 35 | 94.3% | 100.0% |
| Queen’s University | 117 | 97.4% | 99.1% | 115 | 92.2% | 98.3% | 126 | 93.7% | 97.6% | 99 | 97.0% | 99.0% |
| Queen’s University Compressed | 32 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 52 | 92.3% | 96.2% | 46 | 89.1% | 93.5% | 39 | 94.9% | 97.4% |
| Queen’s University Compressed | 32 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 52 | 92.3% | 96.2% | 46 | 89.1% | 93.5% | 39 | 94.9% | 97.4% |
| Queen’s University Full | 85 | 96.5% | 98.8% | 63 | 92.1% | 100.0% | 80 | 96.2% | 100.0% | 60 | 98.3% | 100.0% |
| Queen’s University Full | 85 | 96.5% | 98.8% | 63 | 92.1% | 100.0% | 80 | 96.2% | 100.0% | 60 | 98.3% | 100.0% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | 611 | 77.1% | 86.4% | 705 | 73.8% | 84.1% | 719 | 65.8% | 82.1% | 679 | 79.7% | 89.4% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University Full | 432 | 80.8% | 89.1% | 447 | 77.9% | 87.9% | 514 | 67.3% | 83.1% | 498 | 82.3% | 91.8% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University Full | 163 | 89.0% | 96.3% | 171 | 88.9% | 94.2% | 177 | 72.9% | 87.6% | 188 | 88.3% | 96.3% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University Full with Centennial College | 126 | 73.8% | 81.0% | 132 | 68.9% | 80.3% | 150 | 62.7% | 80.0% | 148 | 76.4% | 86.5% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University Full with George Brown College | 143 | 77.6% | 88.1% | 144 | 72.9% | 87.5% | 187 | 65.8% | 81.3% | 162 | 80.9% | 91.4% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University Pre-Health Education Specified for RPN and Internationally Educated Nurses | 179 | 68.2% | 79.9% | 258 | 66.7% | 77.5% | 205 | 62.0% | 79.5% | 181 | 72.4% | 82.9% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | 179 | 68.2% | 79.9% | 258 | 66.7% | 77.5% | 205 | 62.0% | 79.5% | 181 | 72.4% | 82.9% |
| Trent University | 298 | 82.6% | 93.3% | 297 | 79.8% | 88.6% | 264 | 72.0% | 87.9% | 282 | 79.1% | 91.1% |
| Trent University Compressed | 94 | 85.1% | 96.8% | 80 | 80.0% | 92.5% | 101 | 81.2% | 93.1% | 102 | 76.5% | 94.1% |
| Trent University Compressed | 94 | 85.1% | 96.8% | 80 | 80.0% | 92.5% | 101 | 81.2% | 93.1% | 102 | 76.5% | 94.1% |
| Trent University Full | 127 | 81.1% | 92.1% | 120 | 80.8% | 89.2% | 97 | 68.0% | 86.6% | 116 | 75.0% | 85.3% |
| Trent University Full with Fleming College | 127 | 81.1% | 92.1% | 120 | 80.8% | 89.2% | 97 | 68.0% | 86.6% | 116 | 75.0% | 85.3% |
| Trent University Specified for RPN | 77 | 81.8% | 90.9% | 97 | 78.4% | 84.5% | 66 | 63.6% | 81.8% | 64 | 90.6% | 96.9% |
| Trent University Specified for RPN with George Brown College | 77 | 81.8% | 90.9% | 97 | 78.4% | 84.5% | 66 | 63.6% | 81.8% | 64 | 90.6% | 96.9% |
| University of New Brunswick at Humber College (collaborative BN program) | 217 | 88.5% | 93.5% | 223 | 88.3% | 95.1% | 254 | 79.1% | 86.6% | 228 | 85.1% | 96.9% |
| University of New Brunswick Compressed with Humber College | 68 | 95.6% | 100.0% | 104 | 88.5% | 96.2% | 31 | 83.9% | 83.9% | 60 | 88.3% | 98.3% |
| University of New Brunswick Compressed with Humber College | 68 | 95.6% | 100.0% | 104 | 88.5% | 96.2% | 31 | 83.9% | 83.9% | 60 | 88.3% | 98.3% |
| University of New Brunswick Full for RPN with Humber College | 32 | 84.4% | 84.4% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 74 | 91.9% | 98.6% | 39 | 97.4% | 100.0% |
| University of New Brunswick Full for RPN with Humber College | 32 | 84.4% | 84.4% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 74 | 91.9% | 98.6% | 39 | 97.4% | 100.0% |
| University of New Brunswick Full with Humber College | 117 | 85.5% | 92.3% | 117 | 88.0% | 94.0% | 149 | 71.8% | 81.2% | 129 | 79.8% | 95.3% |
| University of New Brunswick Full with Humber College | 117 | 85.5% | 92.3% | 117 | 88.0% | 94.0% | 149 | 71.8% | 81.2% | 129 | 79.8% | 95.3% |
| University of Ottawa | 325 | 92.6% | 96.6% | 367 | 86.1% | 94.6% | 354 | 79.1% | 89.5% | 314 | 90.4% | 92.7% |
| University of Ottawa Compressed | 31 | 93.5% | 96.8% | 9 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 71.4% | 71.4% |
| University of Ottawa Compressed (English and French)* | 2 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| University of Ottawa Compressed (English)* | 21 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| University of Ottawa Compressed (French)* | 8 | 87.5% | 100.0% | 9 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 71.4% | 71.4% |
| University of Ottawa Full | 277 | 92.8% | 96.8% | 322 | 86.3% | 94.4% | 333 | 79.6% | 89.8% | 290 | 90.7% | 93.1% |
| University of Ottawa Full | 66 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 108 | 93.5% | 98.1% | 130 | 90.0% | 95.4% | 98 | 93.9% | 94.9% |
| University of Ottawa Full (French) | 76 | 85.5% | 94.7% | 48 | 81.2% | 91.7% | 68 | 72.1% | 85.3% | 56 | 92.9% | 92.9% |
| University of Ottawa Full with Algonquin College (English) - Pembroke campus | 45 | 93.3% | 95.6% | 33 | 84.8% | 87.9% | 29 | 62.1% | 75.9% | 26 | 73.1% | 88.5% |
| University of Ottawa Full with Algonquin College (English) - Woodroffe campus | 90 | 93.3% | 96.7% | 133 | 82.7% | 94.0% | 106 | 76.4% | 89.6% | 110 | 90.9% | 92.7% |
| University of Ottawa Specified for Internationally Educated Nurses | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| University of Ottawa Specified for Internationally Educated Nurses with Algonquin College | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| University of Ottawa Specified for RPN | 16 | 87.5% | 93.8% | 36 | 80.6% | 94.4% | 20 | 70.0% | 85.0% | 17 | 94.1% | 94.1% |
| University of Ottawa Specified for RPN with Algonquin College (English) - Woodroffe campus | 15 | 86.7% | 93.3% | 35 | 82.9% | 97.1% | 17 | 82.4% | 88.2% | 16 | 93.8% | 93.8% |
| University of Ottawa Specified for RPN with Collège La Cité (French) | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 3 | 0.0% | 66.7% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Toronto | 168 | 92.9% | 97.0% | 154 | 96.1% | 98.1% | 158 | 85.4% | 97.5% | 180 | 98.3% | 99.4% |
| University of Toronto Compressed | 168 | 92.9% | 97.0% | 154 | 96.1% | 98.1% | 158 | 85.4% | 97.5% | 180 | 98.3% | 99.4% |
| University of Toronto Compressed | 168 | 92.9% | 97.0% | 154 | 96.1% | 98.1% | 158 | 85.4% | 97.5% | 180 | 98.3% | 99.4% |
| University of Windsor | 331 | 91.2% | 97.6% | 341 | 83.6% | 92.7% | 296 | 75.0% | 89.5% | 304 | 87.8% | 95.1% |
| University of Windsor Full | 331 | 91.2% | 97.6% | 341 | 83.6% | 92.7% | 288 | 74.3% | 89.2% | 297 | 87.9% | 94.9% |
| University of Windsor Full | 116 | 94.8% | 98.3% | 127 | 92.1% | 96.9% | 101 | 83.2% | 93.1% | 114 | 90.4% | 95.6% |
| University of Windsor Full with Lambton College | 50 | 90.0% | 96.0% | 48 | 83.3% | 95.8% | 41 | 75.6% | 92.7% | 31 | 90.3% | 96.8% |
| University of Windsor Full with St. Clair College | 165 | 89.1% | 97.6% | 166 | 77.1% | 88.6% | 146 | 67.8% | 85.6% | 152 | 85.5% | 94.1% |
| University of Windsor Pre-Health Education Entry Specified Program | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 8 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 85.7% | 100.0% |
| University of Windsor with Lambton College | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 8 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 85.7% | 100.0% |
| University of Windsor with St. Clair College | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Western University | 332 | 89.2% | 97.3% | 346 | 88.2% | 97.1% | 323 | 85.4% | 95.0% | 352 | 88.9% | 95.7% |
| Western University Compressed | 84 | 96.4% | 98.8% | 100 | 91.0% | 98.0% | 97 | 94.8% | 99.0% | 120 | 95.8% | 98.3% |
| Western University Compressed | 84 | 96.4% | 98.8% | 100 | 91.0% | 98.0% | 97 | 94.8% | 99.0% | 120 | 95.8% | 98.3% |
| Western University Full | 248 | 86.7% | 96.8% | 246 | 87.0% | 96.7% | 226 | 81.4% | 93.4% | 232 | 85.3% | 94.4% |
| Western University Full | 134 | 86.6% | 99.3% | 132 | 87.1% | 96.2% | 112 | 83.9% | 95.5% | 124 | 88.7% | 96.8% |
| Western University Full with Fanshawe College | 114 | 86.8% | 93.9% | 114 | 86.8% | 97.4% | 114 | 78.9% | 91.2% | 108 | 81.5% | 91.7% |
| York University | 497 | 75.9% | 86.7% | 487 | 79.7% | 89.5% | 463 | 70.6% | 83.2% | 441 | 84.8% | 91.2% |
| York University Compressed | 100 | 84.0% | 91.0% | 106 | 82.1% | 88.7% | 115 | 76.5% | 81.7% | 123 | 88.6% | 94.3% |
| York University Compressed | 100 | 84.0% | 91.0% | 106 | 82.1% | 88.7% | 115 | 76.5% | 81.7% | 123 | 88.6% | 94.3% |
| York University Full | 374 | 74.1% | 85.8% | 340 | 77.9% | 89.1% | 339 | 68.7% | 84.1% | 299 | 82.9% | 90.0% |
| York University Full | 3 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4 | 0.0% | 25.0% |
| York University Full with Georgian College | 150 | 72.0% | 85.3% | 134 | 78.4% | 91.8% | 109 | 66.1% | 83.5% | 99 | 86.9% | 89.9% |
| York University Full with Seneca College | 221 | 76.5% | 87.3% | 205 | 78.0% | 87.8% | 229 | 69.9% | 84.3% | 196 | 82.7% | 91.3% |
| York University Specified for Internationally Educated Nurses | 23 | 69.6% | 82.6% | 41 | 87.8% | 95.1% | 9 | 66.7% | 66.7% | 19 | 89.5% | 89.5% |
| York University Specified for Internationally Educated Nurses | 23 | 69.6% | 82.6% | 41 | 87.8% | 95.1% | 9 | 66.7% | 66.7% | 19 | 89.5% | 89.5% |
| Grand total | 4,480 | 84.0% | 92.8% | 4,612 | 81.5% | 91.1% | 4,686 | 74.5% | 87.9% | 4,499 | 85.6% | 93.4% |
| *In 2016, CNO split the University of Ottawa Compressed (English and French) program into two programs: University of Ottawa Compressed (English) and University of Ottawa Compressed (French). Now, CNO will present the original combined program only for applicants who graduated when the original combined program was still in effect. |
5 Registered Practical Nurse Exam Writers
In 2022, CNO and the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) adopted the Regulatory Exam for Practical Nurses (REx-PN) as the registration exam for RPN applicants. The REx-PN is a computer adaptive test that uses measurement theory to determine a writer’s knowledge of entry-level nursing skills. Previously, applicants wrote the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), which was a pen-and-paper multiple-choice exam. More information on the transition to REx-PN and the exam’s format can be found on the CNO website (www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/entry-to-practice-examinations/rpn-exam/) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website (www.rexpn.com/).
In 2023, there were 4,307 unique Ontario-educated Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) applicants to CNO who wrote the REx-PN and 4,848 total exam writes.
5.1 Ontario-educated RPN exam pass rates by attempt
| Attempt | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 3,702 | 88.1% | 2,727 | 86.4% | 4,302 | 81.4% | 3,152 | 73.1% | 3,720 | 83.3% |
| Second | 383 | 58.7% | 386 | 59.3% | 695 | 58.0% | 668 | 51.3% | 614 | 60.9% |
| Third | 108 | 50.0% | 127 | 52.8% | 244 | 54.5% | 282 | 45.0% | 260 | 58.5% |
| Fourth | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 204 | 36.8% | 119 | 45.4% |
| Fifth | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 65 | 33.8% | 69 | 37.7% |
| Sixth | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 19 | 26.3% | 37 | 40.5% |
| Seventh | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 3 | 0.0% | 18 | 33.3% |
| Eighth | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 9 | 44.4% |
| Ninth | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 2 | 50.0% |
5.2 First-attempt pass rates for French-language PN programs in Ontario
Two Ontario colleges offer Practical Nursing (PN) programs in French: Collège Boréal and Collège La Cité.
Exam writers can choose to write their registration exam in either English or French and can change their choice on subsequent attempts.
The table below shows 2019—2023 first-attempt pass rates for applicants from French-language PN programs in Ontario and the languages in which the applicants wrote their exams.
| Ontario RPN program | Language of exam | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate | Writes | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collège Boréal | French | 17 | 88.2% | 5 | 80.0% | 16 | 100.0% | 9 | 55.6% | 1 | 100.0% |
| English | 7 | 100.0% | 5 | 100.0% | 10 | 90.0% | 6 | 83.3% | 22 | 77.3% | |
| Total | 24 | 91.7% | 10 | 90.0% | 26 | 96.2% | 15 | 66.7% | 23 | 78.3% | |
| Collège La Cité | French | 9 | 100.0% | 19 | 89.5% | 14 | 71.4% | 25 | 44.0% | 1 | 0.0% |
| English | 1 | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 3 | 100.0% | 0 | — | 53 | 49.1% | |
| Total | 10 | 100.0% | 20 | 90.0% | 17 | 76.5% | 25 | 44.0% | 54 | 48.1% | |
| Grand Total | French | 26 | 92.3% | 24 | 87.5% | 30 | 86.7% | 34 | 47.1% | 2 | 50.0% |
| English | 8 | 100.0% | 6 | 100.0% | 13 | 92.3% | 6 | 83.3% | 75 | 57.3% | |
| Total | 34 | 94.1% | 30 | 90.0% | 43 | 88.4% | 40 | 52.5% | 77 | 57.1% |
5.3 First-attempt and year-end pass rates of RPN applicants by Ontario college, program and campus
In Ontario, 25 colleges offer practical nursing programs. Some colleges offer more than one practical nursing program and some offer practical nursing programs at different campuses of the same college. THE table below shows Ontario RPN applicants’ first-attempt pass rates by college, program and campus. It also shows year-end pass rates for Ontario RPN applicants whose first attempt was during that year.
| Ontario college program and campus | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algonquin College | 159 | 88.1% | 91.8% | 321 | 83.2% | 89.1% | 173 | 64.7% | 77.5% | 275 | 82.9% | 88.0% |
| Algonquin College - IEN Woodroffe campus | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — |
| Algonquin College - Pembroke campus | 25 | 96.0% | 100.0% | 43 | 88.4% | 88.4% | 36 | 52.8% | 80.6% | 29 | 93.1% | 93.1% |
| Algonquin College - Perth campus | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 32 | 71.9% | 81.2% |
| Algonquin College - Woodroffe campus | 134 | 86.6% | 90.3% | 278 | 82.4% | 89.2% | 133 | 66.9% | 75.9% | 214 | 83.2% | 88.3% |
| Cambrian College | 25 | 76.0% | 80.0% | 99 | 80.8% | 92.9% | 54 | 68.5% | 75.9% | 51 | 88.2% | 90.2% |
| Canadore College | 54 | 79.6% | 83.3% | 100 | 81.0% | 89.0% | 64 | 68.8% | 79.7% | 76 | 92.1% | 93.4% |
| Canadore College - Anishinabek Educational Institute - Nipissing campus | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 8 | 62.5% | 87.5% | 0 | — | — | 5 | 80.0% | 80.0% |
| Canadore College - Kenora 7 Generation Education Institute | 5 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 10 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Canadore College - North Bay campus | 45 | 77.8% | 82.2% | 74 | 81.1% | 87.8% | 64 | 68.8% | 79.7% | 54 | 90.7% | 92.6% |
| Canadore College - Parry Sound campus | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 17 | 88.2% | 94.1% | 0 | — | — | 7 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Centennial College | 262 | 75.2% | 86.3% | 299 | 76.9% | 87.3% | 276 | 73.2% | 83.3% | 204 | 81.4% | 90.7% |
| Centennial College - Internationally Educated Nurses | 55 | 90.9% | 94.5% | 93 | 81.7% | 95.7% | 66 | 75.8% | 86.4% | 59 | 86.4% | 91.5% |
| Collège Boréal | 10 | 90.0% | 90.0% | 26 | 96.2% | 96.2% | 15 | 66.7% | 100.0% | 23 | 78.3% | 95.7% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Hearst | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Kapuskasing | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Nipissing | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Sudbury | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 10 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5 | 80.0% | 100.0% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Timmins | 6 | 83.3% | 83.3% | 7 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3 | 66.7% | 100.0% | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Toronto | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9 | 88.9% | 88.9% | 7 | 57.1% | 100.0% | 9 | 44.4% | 88.9% |
| Collège Boréal - campus de Windsor | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Collège La Cité (French) | 20 | 90.0% | 100.0% | 17 | 76.5% | 94.1% | 25 | 44.0% | 60.0% | 54 | 48.1% | 55.6% |
| Conestoga College | 190 | 95.3% | 97.4% | 258 | 93.8% | 96.1% | 182 | 80.8% | 88.5% | 177 | 94.4% | 97.7% |
| Conestoga College - Kitchener campus | 190 | 95.3% | 97.4% | 258 | 93.8% | 96.1% | 182 | 80.8% | 88.5% | 158 | 94.3% | 98.1% |
| Conestoga College - Waterloo campus | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 19 | 94.7% | 94.7% |
| Confederation College | 46 | 89.1% | 91.3% | 47 | 87.2% | 100.0% | 40 | 80.0% | 87.5% | 67 | 88.1% | 89.6% |
| Confederation College - Dryden campus | 0 | — | — | 6 | 83.3% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Confederation College - Greenstone campus | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 3 | 66.7% | 66.7% |
| Confederation College - Kenora campus | 0 | — | — | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Confederation College - Northshore campus | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 4 | 75.0% | 75.0% |
| Confederation College - Oshki-Pimache-O-Win campus | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 10 | 80.0% | 80.0% |
| Confederation College - Rainy River District campus (Fort Frances) | 0 | — | — | 6 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 6 | 83.3% | 100.0% |
| Confederation College - Sioux Lookout campus | 0 | — | — | 5 | 80.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Confederation College - Thunder Bay campus | 46 | 89.1% | 91.3% | 27 | 85.2% | 100.0% | 40 | 80.0% | 87.5% | 37 | 91.9% | 91.9% |
| Durham College | 143 | 80.4% | 88.1% | 238 | 82.8% | 91.2% | 218 | 80.7% | 87.6% | 260 | 83.1% | 88.8% |
| Fanshawe College | 123 | 96.7% | 100.0% | 145 | 93.8% | 98.6% | 121 | 84.3% | 93.4% | 127 | 92.1% | 95.3% |
| Fanshawe College - London campus | 84 | 95.2% | 100.0% | 102 | 94.1% | 98.0% | 86 | 79.1% | 90.7% | 77 | 93.5% | 96.1% |
| Fanshawe College - Woodstock campus | 39 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 43 | 93.0% | 100.0% | 35 | 97.1% | 100.0% | 50 | 90.0% | 94.0% |
| Fleming College | 60 | 86.7% | 90.0% | 206 | 86.4% | 92.7% | 105 | 77.1% | 84.8% | 165 | 86.1% | 91.5% |
| Fleming College - Peterborough campus | 60 | 86.7% | 90.0% | 206 | 86.4% | 92.7% | 105 | 77.1% | 84.8% | 165 | 86.1% | 91.5% |
| George Brown College | 197 | 90.4% | 94.9% | 388 | 79.4% | 86.6% | 260 | 70.4% | 83.8% | 195 | 82.1% | 86.2% |
| Georgian College | 213 | 84.5% | 91.1% | 321 | 76.3% | 88.5% | 201 | 75.6% | 83.1% | 255 | 81.2% | 85.9% |
| Georgian College - Barrie campus | 150 | 81.3% | 90.7% | 207 | 75.4% | 86.0% | 141 | 75.9% | 85.1% | 161 | 82.0% | 85.1% |
| Georgian College - Bracebridge campus | 0 | — | — | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Georgian College - Orangeville campus | 13 | 84.6% | 84.6% | 39 | 69.2% | 87.2% | 19 | 84.2% | 84.2% | 28 | 85.7% | 85.7% |
| Georgian College - Owen Sound campus | 50 | 94.0% | 94.0% | 74 | 82.4% | 95.9% | 41 | 70.7% | 75.6% | 66 | 77.3% | 87.9% |
| Humber College | 187 | 89.8% | 93.0% | 179 | 83.8% | 90.5% | 149 | 75.8% | 83.2% | 203 | 85.7% | 89.7% |
| Lambton College | 54 | 94.4% | 98.1% | 51 | 90.2% | 92.2% | 41 | 90.2% | 97.6% | 69 | 97.1% | 98.6% |
| Loyalist College | 45 | 95.6% | 95.6% | 58 | 96.6% | 100.0% | 34 | 94.1% | 97.1% | 50 | 96.0% | 98.0% |
| Mohawk College | 206 | 89.3% | 93.2% | 233 | 75.5% | 84.5% | 202 | 67.3% | 80.7% | 294 | 76.2% | 84.4% |
| Mohawk College | 206 | 89.3% | 93.2% | 233 | 75.5% | 84.5% | 202 | 67.3% | 80.7% | 294 | 76.2% | 84.4% |
| Mohawk College - Six Nations Polytechnic Brantford | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Niagara College | 123 | 85.4% | 90.2% | 144 | 77.1% | 91.0% | 134 | 68.7% | 82.1% | 172 | 87.2% | 90.1% |
| Northern College | 7 | 85.7% | 85.7% | 44 | 84.1% | 93.2% | 13 | 84.6% | 84.6% | 28 | 92.9% | 92.9% |
| Northern College - Haileybury campus | 0 | — | — | 9 | 88.9% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 8 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Northern College - Kirkland Lake campus | 0 | — | — | 4 | 75.0% | 75.0% | 0 | — | — | 7 | 71.4% | 71.4% |
| Northern College - Moosonee campus | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0 | — | — |
| Northern College - Timmins campus | 7 | 85.7% | 85.7% | 30 | 86.7% | 96.7% | 12 | 91.7% | 91.7% | 13 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Sault College | 33 | 69.7% | 72.7% | 76 | 64.5% | 81.6% | 33 | 66.7% | 78.8% | 54 | 79.6% | 87.0% |
| Seneca College | 202 | 74.3% | 82.7% | 332 | 73.8% | 85.5% | 311 | 62.4% | 71.7% | 320 | 74.1% | 83.1% |
| Seneca College - King campus | 109 | 84.4% | 90.8% | 266 | 74.4% | 86.5% | 251 | 64.1% | 73.3% | 241 | 74.3% | 83.4% |
| Seneca College - Newnham campus | 93 | 62.4% | 73.1% | 66 | 71.2% | 81.8% | 60 | 55.0% | 65.0% | 79 | 73.4% | 82.3% |
| Sheridan College | 106 | 92.5% | 93.4% | 186 | 78.0% | 88.7% | 168 | 68.5% | 78.0% | 218 | 72.9% | 83.5% |
| St. Clair College | 121 | 87.6% | 89.3% | 240 | 83.8% | 88.7% | 139 | 78.4% | 84.2% | 189 | 92.6% | 95.8% |
| St. Clair College - Anishinabek Educational Institute | 0 | — | — | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3 | 0.0% | 33.3% | 5 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| St. Clair College - Chatham campus | 46 | 95.7% | 95.7% | 115 | 77.4% | 83.5% | 62 | 79.0% | 82.3% | 79 | 91.1% | 97.5% |
| St. Clair College - Windsor campus | 75 | 82.7% | 85.3% | 124 | 89.5% | 93.5% | 74 | 81.1% | 87.8% | 105 | 93.3% | 94.3% |
| St. Lawrence College | 85 | 94.1% | 96.5% | 192 | 83.9% | 91.1% | 126 | 81.0% | 84.1% | 133 | 90.2% | 91.7% |
| St. Lawrence College - Brockville campus | 27 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 68 | 77.9% | 85.3% | 38 | 89.5% | 89.5% | 42 | 81.0% | 83.3% |
| St. Lawrence College - Cornwall campus | 31 | 83.9% | 90.3% | 48 | 77.1% | 89.6% | 53 | 83.0% | 88.7% | 47 | 89.4% | 91.5% |
| St. Lawrence College - Kingston campus | 27 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 76 | 93.4% | 97.4% | 35 | 68.6% | 71.4% | 44 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Total writes from applicants who graduated from Ontario PN programs | 2,726 | 86.4% | 91.3% | 4,293 | 81.4% | 89.9% | 3,150 | 73.1% | 82.6% | 3,718 | 83.2% | 88.7% |
| Total writes from applicants who graduated from Ontario BN programs* | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9 | 77.8% | 77.8% | 2 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Grand total | 2,727 | 86.4% | 91.3% | 4,302 | 81.4% | 89.9% | 3,152 | 73.1% | 82.6% | 3,720 | 83.3% | 88.7% |
| *This row refers to RPN applicants who completed an Ontario RN baccalaureate program but who applied for RPN registration. Applicants do this for a variety of reasons, for example, if they have been unsuccessful registering as an RN or if they want to be registered in both nursing categories. |
6 Nurse Practitioner Exam Writers8
In 2023, there were 299 unique Ontario-educated Nurse Practitioner (NP) applicants to CNO who wrote an NP specialty exam and 299 total exam writes.
6.1 Ontario-educated NP exam pass rates by attempt
| Attempt | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate | Writes | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 217 | 98.6% | 153 | 99.3% | 318 | 95.9% | 271 | 92.6% | 291 | 98.3% |
| Second | 2 | 50.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 9 | 66.7% | 15 | 93.3% | 7 | 85.7% |
| Third | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 2 | 50.0% | 1 | 100.0% |
| Fourth | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | — | 1 | 100.0% | 0 | — |
6.2 First-attempt pass rates for French-language NP programs in Ontario
Two Ontario universities offer NP programs in French: Laurentian University and University of Ottawa.
Exam writers can choose to write their registration exam in either English or French and can change their choice on subsequent attempts.
Table 6.2, showing first-attempt pass rates for French-language NP programs, has been redacted due outstanding exam data from the reporting institutions. The table will be updated upon receipt of data.
6.3 First-attempt and year-end pass rates of NP applicants by specialty and Ontario university
In Ontario, 10 universities offer NP nursing programs. There are three NP specialties: Primary Health Care, Adult and Pediatric, and some universities offer programs for more than one specialty. The table below shows Ontario NP applicants’ first-attempt pass rates by university and specialty. It also shows year-end pass rates for Ontario NP applicants whose first attempt was during that year.
| Specialty and Ontario university | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate | First-Attempt Writes | First-Attempt Pass Rate | Year-End Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Health Care Programs | 122 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 254 | 96.1% | 97.2% | 225 | 91.6% | 96.0% | 227 | 99.6% | 99.6% |
| Lakehead University | 6 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Lakehead University - Post Masters | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Laurentian University | 18 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 15 | 86.7% | 93.3% | 22 | 90.9% | 95.5% | 18 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| McMaster University | 0 | — | — | 32 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 18 | 88.9% | 94.4% | 17 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| McMaster University - Post-Master’s | 0 | — | — | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Queen’s University | 12 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 19 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 27 | 88.9% | 92.6% | 17 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Queen’s University - Post-Master’s | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 85.7% | 85.7% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5 | 80.0% | 80.0% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | 8 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 20 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 21 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 15 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Toronto Metropolitan University - Post-Master’s | 5 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 10 | 90.0% | 90.0% | 5 | 80.0% | 100.0% | 13 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Ottawa | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 18 | 94.4% | 94.4% | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Ottawa - Post-Master’s | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9 | 88.9% | 100.0% | 22 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Toronto | 25 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 38 | 97.4% | 97.4% | 44 | 90.9% | 93.2% | 34 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Toronto - Post-Master’s | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | — | — | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Windsor | 15 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 16 | 93.8% | 93.8% | 12 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 14 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| University of Windsor - Post-Master’s | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Western University | 17 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 17 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 12 | 91.7% | 91.7% | 21 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Western University - Post-Master’s | 6 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 16 | 87.5% | 100.0% | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| York University | 0 | — | — | 34 | 91.2% | 97.1% | 20 | 85.0% | 95.0% | 20 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Adult Programs | 31 | 96.8% | 96.8% | 42 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 44 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 42 | 95.2% | 95.2% |
| University of Toronto | 28 | 96.4% | 96.4% | 35 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 36 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 32 | 96.9% | 96.9% |
| University of Toronto - Post-Master’s | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 7 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 8 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 10 | 90.0% | 90.0% |
| Pediatrics Programs | 0 | — | — | 22 | 86.4% | 90.9% | 2 | 50.0% | 100.0% | 22 | 90.9% | 90.9% |
| University of Toronto | 0 | — | — | 19 | 84.2% | 89.5% | 1 | 0.0% | 100.0% | 18 | 88.9% | 88.9% |
| University of Toronto - Post-Master’s | 0 | — | — | 3 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Grand total | 153 | 99.3% | 99.3% | 318 | 95.9% | 97.2% | 271 | 92.6% | 96.7% | 291 | 98.3% | 98.3% |
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In this report, the term “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP” refers to applicants seeking registration as a Registered Nurse in the Extended Class.↩︎