Returning to Practice
This section contains information for individuals who are:
- Returning to licensure following a planned leave,
- Reinstating licensure after practice outside the province, or are
- Late to renew their licence by the deadline of March 31st.
Visit the Nurses Portal to begin the reinstatement process:
RNs, NPs, and RPNs licence renewal
If you practice after April 1st without a valid practicing licence you will be subject to an Unauthorized Practice Fee ($100/day worked) to a maximum of $1000. You will also 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).
Licensure reinstatement process
1. Eligibility
To be eligible to reinstate a practicing LPN licence you must meet one of the following:
- Completed entry-level practical nursing program in the last 3 years;
- Practiced as an LPN for 1125 hours in the last 5 years or 450 hours in the last 2 years;
- Completed LPN re-entry program in the last 3 years;
- Enrolled and participating in a bachelor or graduate program in nursing or a health-related discipline recognized by the College.
To be eligible to reinstate a practicing RN licence you must meet one of the following:
- Completed entry-level registered nursing program in the last 3 years;
- Practiced as an RN for 1125 hours in the last 5 years or 450 hours in the last 2 years;
- Completed RN re-entry program in the last 3 years;
- Enrolled and participating in a bachelor, graduate or doctoral program in nursing or a health related discipline recognized by the College.
To be eligible to reinstate a practicing NP licence you must meet one of the following:
- Completed nurse practitioner education program in the last 3 years;
- Practiced as an NP for a minimum of 900 hours in the last 3 years;
- Completed NP re-entry program in the last 3 years.
- Enrolled and participating in a bachelor, graduate or doctoral program in nursing or a health related discipline recognized by the College.
To be eligible to reinstate a practicing RPN licence you must meet one of the following:
- Completed entry-level psychiatric nursing program in the last 3 years;
- Practiced as an RPN for 1125 hours in the last 5 years or 450 hours in the last 2 years;
- Completed RPN re-entry program in the last 3 years.
- Enrolled and participating in a bachelor, graduate or doctoral program in psychiatric nursing or a health related discipline recognized by the College.
2. Continuing Competency Program (CCP)
You are required to log the required number of learning activity hours and other CCP requirements before the College will issue you a practicing licence.
- RN / RPN / NP: 24 hours of learning
- LPN: 14 hours of learning
Learning must be completed within the 12 months before licensure.
You must document your learning within the ‘My Learning’ section of the Nurses Portal. If you don’t complete the CCP requirements you are not eligible for a licence to practice. Learn more about Continuing Competency Program requirements.
3. Liability Protection
RN / NP / RPN: Before proceeding with your licensure reinstatement, you must complete CNPS Professional Liability Protection (PLP) and Core Services renewal. You can review your CNPS registrations, eligibility periods, receipts and renew their PLP by logging into your MyCNPS account.
Once you have successfully completed CNPS PLP and Core Services renewal, you can proceed with your College licensure application.
LPN: Professional liability coverage for LPNs is included in the College’s annual licensure fee. If you are renewing a practicing LPN licence you are automatically provided professional liability coverage with Lloyd Sadd.
4. Verification of Registration
If you have a licence/registration to practice in another jurisdiction (province, territory, or country) you must report this information on your application. If your licensure status cannot be verified online, or if you declare you have disciplinary action in that jurisdiction, you will be required to request a verification of registration document. Download the verification of registration request form (PDF) that must be sent to the nursing regulatory body.
5. Criminal Record Check (CRC)
You may be required to provide a current criminal record check. See the Criminal Record Check page for more information on accepted sources and the submission process.
6. Nursing practice hours
You may be requested to self-report your nursing (LPN, RN, RPN or NP) practice hours for the previous licensure year(s). If you have more than one employer, including self-employment, you must self-report your hours for each employer.
You may be required to provide documentation from an employer or otherwise, if requested by the College. Review reporting nursing practice hours for details on how to calculate hours and other FAQs.
7. Reinstatement application
Complete the licensure reinstatement application, including payment of the applicable fee(s), through the Member Portal. You may be subject to a reinstatement fee.
8. Confirm licensure status
You and your employer(s) can confirm licensure status through the College’s public directory. No paper or hard copy licensure cards are issued. It is your responsibility to ensure you are licensed prior to starting nursing practice.