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 the College application processing fee ($231.04 CAD includes HST) with your application. Staff will review your application and follow up if you need to submit any additional information. The application fee is non-refundable.

Confirmation of Program Completion

  • The College will receive confirmation of successful program completion directly from the nursing program office for graduates of practical nursing education programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Graduates of a practical nursing education program outside of Newfoundland and Labrador must submit an official transcript from the program where you completed your nursing education. This must be sent directly to the College from the school.

Submit a current Criminal Record Check (CRC)

  • 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 is valid.
    • If you have been convicted of an offence, you must disclose this information to the College and will be required to provide additional documentation.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

You can meet ELP through completion of a nursing education program or language proficiency testing. Review the English language proficiency requirements to determine if you need to submit a test of English proficiency, or if you meet one of the other methods of demonstrating ELP.

CPNRE – LPN Exam

  • 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

A temporary LPN licence is required to start work, including orientation, events and activities.

  • Apply through the Nurse Portal and pay the licensure fee ($231.04 CAD includes HST).
  • Detailed information on the temporary application process is provided in an email from the College confirming your exam candidate application has been approved.
  • Once the temporary licence has been issued, you will receive an email from the College that your registration change has been approved, and your name will display on the College’s Search for a Nurse. Ensure that you check your licensure status via the public directory to confirm your licence has been issued.
  • The College strongly recommends that you complete the free Jurisprudence Learning module through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Continuing Education Portal.

Unauthorized Practice:

Practicing without a valid practicing or temporary licence will result in an Unauthorized Practice Fee of $100 per day worked up to a maximum of $1000 and you will have a referral to the College’s Quality Assurance program where the period of unauthorized practice exceeds seven (7) days from and including the first day of practice. This applies to nursing practice in all domains (clinical, administration, education, and policy/research).

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