North America — Nursing
Canada licenses Registered Nurses through the same NCLEX-RN exam used in the United States — the same NCSBN test, the same Pearson VUE delivery, the same computer-adaptive format, and the same passing standard. However, the licensing pathway is entirely different. Internationally trained nurses must navigate provincial regulators, the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), strict English language requirements, and a separate jurisprudence exam in most provinces. Canada is actively expanding international nursing recruitment to address nationwide shortages, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations for internationally trained nurses.
NCLEX-RN
Same as USA
NNAS
Credential Gateway
Provincial
College Licensure
IELTS/OET
English Required
Select your pathway below.
Licensing Exam
The licensing exam for Registered Nurses in all Canadian provinces (except Quebec). The same NCLEX-RN as the USA, with a distinct Canadian regulatory pathway.
Go to NCLEX-RN →Coming Soon
Canada uses separate practical nurse exams: the Rex-PN (Ontario and British Columbia) and the CPNRE (all other provinces). MCIQ does not yet offer a dedicated preparation product for these exams. Register your interest below.
Notify me when Canada PN Prep is available →Related
Physician pathways including MCCQE and RCPSC specialty certification.
Go to Doctors →