The majority of applicants wishing to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario must, in addition to other registration requirements, successfully complete two examinations: a registration examination and a jurisprudence examination.

Registration Examinations

The registration examinations assess whether applicants possess the competencies required of nurses upon entry into the profession.

Applicants applying to be a Registered Nurse in the General Class write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE), while applicants for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in the General Class write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Those applying to be Nurse Practitioners must successfully complete the examination appropriate for the specialty certificate for which they have applied.

All registration examinations are available in English and French.

Jurisprudence Examination

The College’s jurisprudence examination assesses an applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the laws, regulations, by-laws, practice standards and guidelines that govern the nursing profession in Ontario.

Applicants for registration as an RN or RPN in the General, Temporary or Special Assignment Classes must pass the Registered Nurse/Registered Practical Nurse Jurisprudence Examination before they can be registered. Those applying to become Nurse Practitioners must pass the Registered Nurse (Extended Class) Jurisprudence Examination before they can be registered.

Both jurisprudence examinations are available in English and French and are completed online through a secure website.