Next RN Exam writing: June 5, 2013
REGISTRATION CLOSED

• The exam fee is $594.84 (HST included).
• The format is multiple-choice questions only.
• Examination results are reported as "Pass" or "Fail".

Applying to Write the RN Exam
Submit the following to the office of the College on or before April 10, 2013:

• exam application
• fee can be submitted via one of the following methods:
  • Online - Visa or Mastercard. Upon completion of the online application, the payment page will appear
  • Mail - Cheque or money order 
  • College’s office - Visa, Mastercard, cheque, or debit 
• proof of legal name* [copy of birth and marriage certificates (if applicable) or passport] and at least one form of photo ID**
• Attention: International applicants - You are not required to submit proof of name. This information is in your file.

Your application to write the exam is not complete until all of the above have been received.

* Please note that a copy of your passport or Canadian citizenship card are the only forms of photo ID that also meet the “proof of name” criteria. Driver’s licence, age of majority card, or student ID are not accepted as proof of name. Proof of name and photo ID must be mailed, hand delivered or scanned and e-mailed to the College at registration@crnns.ca . Fax copies will NOT be accepted.

** Acceptable forms of photo identification include: copy of passport, driver’s licence, age of majority card, Canadian citizenship card, or student identification card.

Candidates with Disabilities
If a candidate has a disability that could affect their performance on the RN exam, special accommodations can be requested. Contact the Registration Officer as noted below to obtain the appropriate forms. All documentation with regard to your request must be completed and returned to the College no later than  March 5, 2013.

Writing Centre
The writing center will be in Halifax and Sydney. You will be advised of the location by email (approximately two - three weeks prior to the date of the examination).The examination is four hours in length. Entrance to the writing centre is by your identification card and photo identification.

Identification Card
Identification cards will be given to you at the writing centre on the morning of the examination.

Writing in Another Province
You can request permission to write the RN exam in another province. All requests are to be forwarded to the Registration Officer on or before  April 10, 2013. The College will contact the province and notify the candidate if her/his request has been accepted or declined. Please note: requests will be accepted for one province only. Read more...

After Writing the Exam
The contents of the examination are confidential and may not be disclosed or shared with any other persons. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has implemented measures and statistical procedures to detect cheating. Any form of cheating is considered unethical behavior, including unauthorized disclosure of the examination contents.

Examination results are mailed to candidates. Results are not released in person or over the telephone, for security and privacy reasons.

Candidates who do not write the RN Exam and whose names have been submitted to the Canadian Nurses Association may be refunded a portion of the exam fee, if the College is notified prior to the examination date.

Temporary Licence
To practise nursing in Nova Scotia prior to registration and licensure, a temporary licence is required. Please note change in policy: You must have secured employment as a nurse before applying for a temporary licence.

Nova Scotia Graduates: temporary licences cannot be issued until notification from the applicant's nursing school that all program requirements have been completed has been received.

International Applicants: temporary licences may be issued following notification of eligibility to write the CRNE. 

Additional Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination
• Proceed to the online Application to Write the RN Exam
• Access the CRNE Bulletin on the Canadian Nurses Association website

Next Exam Dates

* All documentation related to requests for testing accommodations must be received by the dates noted above. Testing accommodation inquiries should be made well in advance of the deadline dates. Contact Cathy Rose, Registration Services Policy Consultant at crose@crnns.ca or 902-491-9744 extension 225 if you have questions related to testing accommodations.


For further information on the RN examination contact:
College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia - Registration Services
Phone: 902-491-9744, ext 239 Toll free (NS) 1-800-565-9744, ext 239
Fax 902-491-9510
registration@crnns.ca   

Updated: May 1, 2013