New Graduate LPN

This section is for you if:

  • You are a student or recent graduate of the Practical Nursing program in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Or

  • You are a student or recent graduate of a Canadian Practical Nursing program.

Important notice: You need a licence to work as an LPN, including attending employer orientation.

If you graduated from a Newfoundland and Labrador practical nursing program, you can apply to the College to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) as an Exam Candidate. You can also apply for a temporary licence to practice, which lets you work before writing the CPNRE.

Application Process

  • Sign up for an account in the College Nurse Portal
  • After creating your account, apply as an Exam Candidate.
  • Complete your application:
    • Upload two (2) of the following government issued identification documents, one of which must contain a photo:
    • Passport
    • Driver’s License
    • Birth certificate
    • Permanent resident card
    • Citizenship card
    • Immigration card
  • If your name has changed, upload a legal change of name document or marriage certificate.
  • Submit your application and pay the application fee invoice of $231.04 (includes tax). Your application won’t be processed until the fee is paid.
  • Staff will review your application and follow up if you need to submit any additional information.
  • Once approved, you will get an invoice to pay for the CPNRE exam. The exam fee is $690 (includes tax).
  • After paying, you will receive more information via email about the exam scheduling process. For more information on the CPNRE visit the LPN exam page.

Temporary LPN Licence

This information is for Exam Candidates who want a temporary licence to practice while waiting to write the CPNRE.

A temporary licence is valid for four (4) months while you prepare for the CPNRE. NL graduates must take the CPNRE in the next available window after receiving a temporary licence.

Application process for Temporary Licence

  • In your nurse portal, under the Change My Registration heading, complete the temporary licensure application.
  • Pay the Temporary LPN Licence fee.
  • Complete the free Jurisprudence Learning module through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Continuing Education Portal.

Before your four (4) month temporary license expires, submit the following documents via email to registration@nlcn.ca.

  • An original official transcript for all five semesters of the PN Program.
  • A current Criminal Record Check (CRC)
    • You must review the College’s Criminal Record Check information.
    • Only CRCs obtained within the last six (6) months will be accepted.
    • You are encouraged to use the online CRC service provider – CSI Screening – and select the Enhanced Criminal Record Check option. CSI Screening will provide your results electronically to the College within 24-48 hours.
    • If you obtain a CRC through local police or the RCMP, the original hard copy of the CRC must be submitted to the College by mail or in person. If received electronically the College must be able to confirm the document if valid.

You must confirm licensure status though the College’s Search for a Nurse. It is your responsibility to ensure you are licensed prior to commencing nursing practice.

If you have completed the CPNRE and want to apply for a licence to practice:

If you have passed the CPNRE and want to apply for licensure, follow the pathway for temporary licensure listed above.

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