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B.C. graduates

The application process for graduates of a BCCNM-recognized practical nursing education program in British Columbia

​Apply in this category if you graduated from a BCCNM-recognized practical nursing program. ​

The REx-PN: A new regulatory exam in B.C.

​​​The REx-PN became the approved regulatory exam in British Columbia in January 2022. As a recent graduate of a practical nursing program, you will be required to take the REx-PN to hold registration in B.C. To learn more: 

 Application steps

Step 1: Create an online account
  • ​Create a BCCNM account

  • Fill in all the fields

  • Remember your email address and password. (You will use them every time you sign in.)

  • Click continue

  • Write down your BCCNM ID number. (You will need it for verifying your registration on the Public Register.)

Step 2: Complete the online application
  • ​​Sign in​ to your BCCNM account with the email address and password you used to create an account.

  • Complete the online application form by:

    • Verifying the information you provided when you created your BCCNM account

    • Choosing whether you wish to apply for provisional registration 

    • Consenting to a criminal record check

    • Providing information related to your fitness to practise nursing

    • Providing information related to your character

    • Providing information related to all of your nursing education

    • Consenting to the exam 

    • Providing details about any other applications for registration in Canada or internationally

    • Acknowledging that you have read and understand all of the consent requirements 

    • Declare the completeness, truth and accuracy of the information you submit

Step 3: Submit your payment

BCCNM accepts the following payment methods:

  • Credit card (VISA and MasterCard) 

  • Pre-authorized payment plan​ (PAP) for registration renewal only

  • Interac debit

If you applied for provisional registration, we will notify you after steps 5 and 6 if you are approved and how to submit the applicable payment. ​

Step 4: Submit the required documentation
  • ​Go to the Registrar’s Office at your school to request your official transcript be sent directly to BCCNM

  • Visit a lawyer or notary public to request that they notarize your identity documents​ (two valid government issued IDs, e.g., driver’s licence, BC Services Card, passport, etc.). One ID must include a picture
    Note: Notarization of documents must be done in-person by a lawyer or notary public; BCCNM does not accept virtually notarized documents

  • Upload the notarized identity documents as scanned PDFs or as photos (.jpg or .png files) in the application

  • Request English language test results be sent directly to BCCNM (if applicable)

Step 5: BCCNM assesses your application

We will begin the assessment of your application when we have recei​​ved:

  • your application 

  • applicable fees

  • required documents 

As we assess your application, we will send you updates by email and let you k​​now if we need more information to complete the assessment.

When we a​​ssess your application for registration we consider the following:

Good Character

When determining whether you are of good character, we review:

  • The circumstances around any previous criminal charges and/or convictions, the results of your criminal record check, and any other information you wish to have considered related to the same, if applicable

  • The completeness, correctness, and accuracy of the information you provided on the application form 

  • Information related to other application(s) for registration, or previous registration history, if applicable

  • Information related to previous employment, or employment while holding interim registration, if applicable 

  • Information from the educational institution, if applicable

Fitness to Practice Nursing

When determining whether you are fit to engage in practical nursing practice, we review:

  • Self-disclosure of a physical or mental ailment, an emotional disturbance or an addiction to alcohol or drugs that could impair your ability to practise

  • Information from previous employer(s) disclosing the same, if applicable

  • Information regarding any previous registration cancellation or voluntary relinquishment of registration related to the same, if applicable

  • Information from treating physician(s) or specialist(s) who can provide an opinion as to your current health status, any recommendations for safe entrance into the profession, and your fitness to practise nursing (We only request this information in certain circumstances.)

  • Information submitted with a Request for Accommodation​ for the REx-PN.​

Competence

​ We review information from your program about your knowledge, skills, attitudes, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to confirm you achieved the entry-to-practice competencies expected of LPNs in BC.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the first language you learned at home in childhood and the language primarily used for reading, writing, listening and speaking, you will be required to demonstrate your English language proficiency. ​

Step 6: Register for the REx-PN/provisional registration approval

Once you have satisfactorily met all the requirements above, we will email you instructions on how to register and pay for the REx-PN directly with the exam provider, Pearson Vue.​​

If we approved you for provisional registration, we will send you another email with a link to pay your registration fee through your your BCCNM online account. Once you receive an email from us confirming receipt of payment, check the Public Register to confirm your authorization to practise nursing. ​

Step 7: Schedule your exam appointment

Afer you register and pay for the exam, you will be sent an authorization to test (ATT) from Pearson Vue. This email will provide instructions on how to schedule your exam date, time and location. You must schedule and take your test within the ATT window. Learn more about the REx-PN​.​​

Step 8: Receive your exam results

You will be sent an email with your exam results within a few days of writing the exam. 

If you passed, the​ email will include a link to pay the practising registration fee (step 9).

If you failed, the email will include instructions about applying for the next exam and paying the applicable fees​. You will not be able to move to step 9 until you have successfully completed the exam. If you fail the exam twice, your provisional registration will be cancelled. ​

Step 9: Pay for practising registration

The email with your exam results includes a link for paying the practising registration fee. Sign in to your BCCNM account, and make a payment using one of the secure online payment options. Read more about fees and payment options​.

Step 10: Confirm your registration status

​Once you pay the practising registration fee and before going to work as an LPN, check the Public Register​ to confirm BCCNM has authorized you to practise nursing. 

Remember the expiry date of your registration. Without current registration, it is an offence under the Health Professions Act and a breach of the LPN Standards of Practice​ to use any variation of the LPN title or to practise nursing in BC. BCCNM charges a $375 fee for unregistered practice.