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One of the reasons Canada is so popular worldwide is due to its high-quality, accessible healthcare system. So it’s no surprise so many international nurses aspire to bring their skills to the Great White North.
If you are among one of them and want to become the best nurse in Canada, you’ll need to enroll in a NCLEX program and pass the exam. But what are the NCLEX requirements for the international candidates? Let’s talk about the exam eligibility.
What are the NCLEX Canada Requirements for International Candidates?
Want to apply for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse in Canada? Then there are a few criteria points, educational and others you need to meet. Let’s look at them:
- Nursing Degree: Complete a recognized nursing education program, typically a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. There are some regulatory bodies which may allow GNM/Diploma holders to apply for RN pathway as well. Otherwise Diploma holders pursue a pathway to become a Practical Nurse.
- Registration: Register with the nursing regulatory body in the province where you intend to work.
- Criminal Record Check: Provide a criminal background check to verify the suitability for nursing practice, issued by the candidate’s local jurisdiction.
For international candidates:
- Educational Report: Offer an educational report (or equivalent), accredited by NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service) or WES (World Education Services).
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, as required by the province where you intend to work. Go for an exam like IELTS.
- Work Visa (if applicable): If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, secure a valid work visa or permit.
But Canada is a massive country. Are there any specific eligibility requirements according to different provinces?
Eligibility Requirements According to Canadian Provinces
Click on the link below and discover the NCLEX eligibility for various Canadian provinces.
| Province | Regulatory Body | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta | https://www.nurses.ab.ca |
| British Columbia | British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives | https://www.bccnm.ca/ |
| Manitoba | College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba | https://www.crnm.mb.ca |
| New Brunswick | Nurses Association of New Brunswick | https://www.nanb.nb.ca |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador | https://crnnl.ca |
| Northwest Territories | College and Association of Nurses of the North West Territories and Nunavut | https://cannn.ca |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia College of Nursing | https://www.nscn.ca |
| Ontario | College of Nurses of Ontario | www.cno.org |
| Prince Edward Island | College of Registered Nurses of PEI | https://crnpei.ca |
| Quebec | Order of Nurses of Quebec | https://www.oiiq.org/en/accueil |
| Saskatchewan | College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan | https://www.crns.ca/ |
| Yukon | Yukon Registered Nurses Association | https://www.yrna.ca |
Meet these eligibility requirements and you will be ready to take the NCLEX exam. Then what’s next? How do you register?
What is the NCLEX Registration Process for International Nurses?
Let’s see how international students can register to become a nurse in Canada:
Step 1: Go to the Pearson VUE official website and register for the NCLEX-RN. The candidate should receive a registration acknowledgement email from the Pearson VUE.
Step 2: Afterward, there will be an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE. It will specify the dates which the NCLEX-RN needs to be scheduled within.
Step 3: Schedule the exam with Pearson VUE and receive a confirmation mail.
Step 4: Complete the application and pay the NCLEX exam fee.
After the registration is complete, prepare for NCLEX with FBNPC and be ready to take the exam.
What is the Passing Requirement for the NCLEX?
The exact number of questions you need to answer and get right can vary depending on the difficulty level of the exam you take. That is because the NCLEX uses a computer-adaptive testing (CAT) format. That means the algorithm adjusts the difficulty of the questions based on your performance.
So if you answer a question correctly, the next question will likely be more difficult. Conversely, if you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will likely be easier.
The minimum number of questions in NCLEX is 75 and the maximum is 145. So if you answer 75 correctly, there is a good chance you will pass the exam.
If you want to pass the NCLEX exam with flying colors, our dedicated program will be outstanding.
FAQs on NCLEX Canada Requirements for International Nurses
Q.1 Can I take the NCLEX-Canada exam if I completed my nursing education outside of Canada?
Yes, you can take the NCLEX-Canada exam if you completed your nursing education outside of Canada, but your program must be evaluated and deemed equivalent to a Canadian program.
Q.2 How do I obtain a nursing license in Canada after passing the NCLEX-Canada exam?
Once you pass the NCLEX-Canada exam, you will need to apply for a nursing license with the regulatory body in the province where you intend to practice.
Q.3 Are there continuing education requirements for nurses in Canada?
Yes, most provinces require nurses to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their licenses.
Let’s Summarize the NCLEX International Requirements
Becoming the best nurse in Canada is within reach for anyone worldwide. But there are some NCLEX Canada requirements for international nurses that would be necessary.
To be eligible, the candidate must have completed an approved nursing program and demonstrate proficiency in English or French. And they should be registered or in the process of registering with a Canadian nursing regulatory body. After obtaining eligibility to write NCLEX-RN and successfully passing it, the applicant will be eligible to obtain a license to practice nursing. For further detail, consult with the experts at FBNPC today!
