How European Nurses can register with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

Steps for European Nurses to Register with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

If you are a nurse trained in Europe and wish to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario, Canada, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Requirements

Eligibility: Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, including a recognized nursing degree and license in your home country.

Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English at a C1 level through tests like IELTS or CELBAN.

2. Apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

Create an Account: Register on the NNAS .

Submit Documents: Provide academic transcripts, professional experience, and ID to NNAS.

Complete Application: Fill out the form and pay fees. NNAS will assess your credentials.

3. Apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

Create an Account: Apply to CNO via their website () with your NNAS Advisory Report.

Submit Documents: Provide additional documents like police clearance and proof of registration.

Language Proficiency: Submit test results to CNO if required.

4. Meet Registration Requirements

Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the CNO Jurisprudence Exam on Ontario nursing law.

NCLEX-RN Exam: Pass the NCLEX-RN, the standard licensing exam.

Evidence of Practice: Provide proof of recent practice or complete required education.

Criminal Record Check: Complete as part of registration.

5. Obtain Temporary or Full Registration

Temporary Registration: Apply for temporary registration if eligible.

Full Registration: Obtain full RN registration once all requirements are met.

To register as a nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in 2024, the costs for a European nurse (or any internationally educated nurse) include several components:

National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) Initial Assessment Fee: Before applying directly to the CNO, internationally educated nurses must first have their credentials assessed by NNAS. The fee for this initial assessment is approximately $650 CAD.
CNO Application Fee: After receiving the NNAS report, the nurse must apply to the CNO. The application fee is $340 CAD, plus HST, bringing the total to $384.20 CAD.
Additional Costs: Depending on individual circumstances, additional fees might include the cost for criminal record checks, language proficiency tests (if required), and any required exams like the NCLEX-RN or the Jurisprudence Exam. The NCLEX-RN fee is approximately $360 CAD.

Total Estimated Cost: The total cost for a European nurse to register with the CNO can range from approximately $1,374.20 to $1,700 CAD or more, depending on specific requirements like additional exams and documentation(

College of Nurses of Ontario

).