Application FAQs

Starting an Application

Do I need to have a work visa or be a citizen of Canada to apply to the CRNA?

No. A nursing job or work visa for Canada is not a requirement to apply to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta for registration. However, you must have completed your immigration process and have permission to work in Canada prior to obtaining any employment.

I previously was assigned outcomes or considered ineligible; can I reapply?

Yes. You can reapply if you were previously assigned outcomes or considered ineligible and you now qualify differently under the new rules. The CRNA will assess you under the new rules.

Request a consultation with a registrant navigator to understand the best pathway for you.

What is the first step to starting an application?

The first step in applying it to create an account on College Connect, our online portal for registrants and applicants. College Connect allows you to work on your application anywhere, any time, from any device.
If you have questions, request a consultation with our registrant navigator service prior to beginning your application.

I do not currently live in Alberta. Can I apply to the CRNA?

Yes. You do not need to live in Alberta to apply to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.

I have an active application with another Canadian regulator. Can I apply to Alberta as well?

Yes. Depending on your status with the other regulator, there are a few options. If you are currently registered as a registered nurse with an equivalent jurisdiction, you should apply as an equivalent jurisdiction applicant. If you are not yet registered, and are not from an equivalent jurisdiction, you will need to apply as a substantial equivalence applicant.

I want to transfer as a registered nurse from another Canadian jurisdiction, how do I do that?

If you are already registered as an RN in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may apply using our equivalent jurisdiction pathway.

Do I need to have work experience in an equivalent jurisdiction to apply using this the equivalent jurisdiction application?

No. Your practice hours can be from any jurisdiction to meet the currency of practice hours requirement. The hours do not need to be from an equivalent jurisdiction.

Can I apply from if I am not from one of the named jurisdictions?

Yes, all international registered nurses are welcome to apply for registration in Alberta. With the revised requirements for substantial equivalence applicants, there are now more pathways to choose from.

What designations can apply using the substantial equivalence pathway?

Registered nurses and nurse practitioners can apply to transfer their registration using the substantial equivalence pathway if they are not from an equivalent jurisdiction. Nurse practitioners should request a consultation with the registrant navigator prior to completing any steps

Can I apply from a British Overseas Territory using the United Kingdom pathway?

You are eligible to apply if you are regulated by the United Kingdom's Nursing and Midwifery Council. If you hold registration with another regulator, you will need to apply using another substantial equivalence pathway.

Can I apply to Alberta with only being registered in my EU/EEA/EFTA member nation, and not Ireland or United Kingdom?

Alberta is not a part of European mobility agreements that allow for credential recognition between European nations. If you are not registered in Ireland or the United Kingdom, you must apply using one of the other substantial equivalence pathways to receive a registered nurse permit in Alberta.

I am a registrant in the United States/the Philippines/the United Kingdom/Jamaica/India/Nigeria/Ireland/Australia/New Zealand. How do I apply?

If you have current registration in another jurisdiction and have already passed the NCLEX-RN you will be able to directly apply for your permit.
If you have current registration in one of the above countries but have not yet passed the NCLEX-RN, the CRNA can provide you with the authority to test to complete the exam.

I don't know what pathway is best for me. What should I do?

You can request a consultation with a registrant navigator if you are an internationally educated nurse and don't know what pathway is best for you. The navigator will be able to guide you through the process.

Request a Consultation

LPN/HCA

I am currently an LPN. How can I apply?

There is currently no direct transfer available from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) permit to a registered nurse (RN) permit in Alberta. If you are currently working as an LPN, please review our registration requirements as you may already meet them. Our registrant navigator service can discuss your options for applying with you.

I am currently a health care aide. How can I apply?

There is currently no direct transfer available from health care aide to a registered nurse (RN) permit in Alberta. If you are currently working as an health-care aid (HCA), please review our registration requirements as you may already meet them. Our registrant navigator service can discuss your options for applying with you.

Assessments

Do I need to apply to NNAS before applying?

You do not need to apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). If you are eligible for another substantial equivalence pathway, you can go straight to it.

Learn More

I have already started the National Nurses Assessment Service (NNAS) process. Can I apply to the CRNA before I receive the report if I have already taken the NCLEX-RN?

You can apply to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) if you have already passed the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and have active registration anywhere globally that meets currency of practice. You will need to provide evidence that you passed the exam. There are costs to provide this evidence.

If you have already started the process with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) you may wish to wait for the report, as the NNAS report will have all the evidence you need. If you choose to leave the NNAS process, you will likely have to pay separate costs for the evidence. If you have not started the NNAS process, you can apply directly to the CRNA. You will need to start a substantial equivalence application.

I have already started the with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) process. Can I apply to the CRNA before I receive the report if I meet the requirements of one of the new pathways?

Yes. You can apply to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta now using one of the other substantial equivalence pathways. You will need to start a substantial equivalence application if you do not want to wait for the NNAS report.

My national nurses assessment service (NNAS) advisory report stated "Not comparable". Will the CRNA assess my application under the new substantial equivalence?

Yes. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta will assess your experience and competencies. You can apply using the substantial equivalence pathway that applies to you.

This is regardless of your National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) advisory report stating you are not comparable in education. You must still meet the other requirements in the application.

My National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) advisory report stated "Not comparable". Will the CRNA assess my application using my NCLEX-RN exam?

Yes. Your education is equivalent if you have passed the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). You must still meet the other requirements in the substantial equivalence pathway.

My NNAS report said I was equivalent to a licensed practical nurse (LPN), but I've worked as a registered nurse. Can I apply?

It depends. Suppose you received a National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) report that says your education history is equivalent to a licensed practical nurse and you are currently a registered nurse in another jurisdiction. In that case, you can still apply to become a registered nurse if one of the other pathways applies to you.

Do I need to apply to NCAS or NNAS before applying?

You do not need to apply to the Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) or the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). If you are eligible for another substantial equivalence pathway, you can go straight to it.

Learn More

My NNAS report has expired. What should I do?

Request a consultation with our registrant navigator service to discuss your options.

Bridging Programs

I am currently on a waitlist for/enrolled in a bridging program, what should I do?

If you need to use a bridging program to meet one or more requirements, you must have fully completed the bridging program to be eligible to apply for or renew your permit with the CRNA.

Registration Exam

I am not from one of the mentioned jurisdictions. Can I still use my NCLEX-RN results for my application?

Yes. Your National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) results mean that your education has already been assessed by another jurisdiction and you were eligible to write the exam. A pass on the exam means your education history does not need to be assessed again by the CRNA, as you are equivalent to graduates in Alberta. The jurisdiction you took the exam in and where you currently hold registration will not affect this requirement.

Note, you will need active registration anywhere globally that meets currency of practice to use this step.

I have passed the NCLEX-RN and have not been registered in the one of the mentioned jurisdictions. What application do I use?

You do not need to be registered in a specific jurisdiction to use your existing NCLEX-RN results towards a permit. If you currently have active registration anywhere globally that meets currency of practice, you can apply now using the substantial equivalence application.

I am not from one of the mentioned jurisdictions. Can I write the NCLEX-RN?

It depends. You can request to write the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) if you receive a verification of equivalent post-secondary education from one of the service providers. Otherwise, you will need to use one of the other substantial equivalence pathways.

If you are unsure which application pathway is best for you, please request a consultation with the registrant navigator.

Why does the CRNA allow an applicant to use the NCLEX-RN entrance exam to meet the education history requirement?

In 2015, the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) became the entrance exam for applicants seeking their initial registered nurse permit in Alberta. The entrance exam is internationally recognized, and graduates from outside Alberta also take it. The exam questions are identical and will be treated equally regardless of jurisdiction.

Before someone is eligible to write the exam, the regulatory body in that jurisdiction must give them permission to write the NCLEX-RN. Passing the NCLEX-RN means that your education has already been assessed by another jurisdiction and you were eligible to write the exam. A pass on the exam means your education history does not need to be assessed again by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta, as you are equivalent to graduates in Alberta. The CRNA will only need to verify that you completed a nursing program as part of the application process.

I am a recent grad in the United States or Australia, and I haven't yet taken the NCLEX-RN exam. Will I need to complete the exam?

To be an applicant, you must have been registered as a registered nurse at some point. You must complete the exam with a regulator in the United States or Australia then transfer the results after you obtain a permit.

Do I need to take the NCLEX-RN if I am currently registered in another jurisdiction?

It depends. If you have already passed the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), then you do not need to take it again. Otherwise, you will need to take the exam.

Where can I take the NCLEX-RN? Do I need to take in in Alberta?

The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta does not require you to take the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) at any specific location. If you receive authorization to test (ATT) from Alberta, you can take it at any of the testing locations offered around the world.

Where are the testing centres for the NCLEX-RN?

You can choose to take the the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) from any of the testing centres that Pearson Vue offers.

How often can I write the NCLEX-RN?

You can take the exam once every 45 days, up to eight times per year.

How often is the NCLEX-RN offered?

Applicants will be offered a test date within 30 days of their Pearson Vue request. Tests run frequently and dates are managed by the exam provider. More information can be found here.

How do I register for the NCLEX-RN?

Your College Connect application will give you the option to request an authorization to test. Then you will also need to register with Pearson Vue to write the exam. Once you receive an authorization to test, you can schedule your exam date.

I passed the NCLEX-RN years ago. Are my results still accepted by the CRNA?

We accept National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) results starting from 1982.

If I have already passed the NCLEX-RN. Do I need to undergo further assessment?

If you have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and have current registration in another jurisdiction, you do not need to undergo further assessment.

If you have already passed the NCLEX-RN and will not meet the currency of practice requirement, request a consultation with our registrant navigator service to discuss your options.

How do I submit my NCLEX-RN results?

Once you begin your application you will be prompted to submit your results to the CRNA via email. We accept this information directly from applicants; there is no need to have the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) send it on your behalf.

Can I use a Nursys e-Notify Report to show I passed the NCLEX-RN?

No. The CRNA does not accept the Nursys e-Notify Report to verify that you passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

How do I receive Authority to Test (ATT) from the CRNA?

You will be able to request the authorization to test (ATT) as part of your application in College Connect.

I already have received an Authorization To Test from another regulatory body or already have an NCLEX-RN date. Can I apply now?

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) only allows you to have one authorization to test for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) at a time.

You can create your account with the CRNA, but do not request to write the NCLEX-RN or submit your application to the CRNA until after you pass the exam. This will avoid voiding your authorization to test.

How many attempts do I have to pass the NCLEX-RN?

Transferring applicants who have not yet passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and who are granted authority to test (ATT) from the CRNA, must pass the exam within two years from the date of eligibility.

CRNA does not limit the number of times applicants may attempt the exam within that two-year timeframe. There are requirements set by Pearson Vue for how many times and how often you can take the exam within a year.

What happens if I am unable to pass the NCLEX-RN?

If you are unable to pass the exam, your application will be reviewed. You may be referred to additional education. You will still have to pass the exam.

English Language Proficiency

Does the NCLEX-RN exam count for the English language proficiency requirement?

The National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) will not be accepted as evidence of English language proficiency.

What is accepted as proof of English language proficiency?

There are numerous ways for applicants to meet the CRNA's English language proficiency requirement. For a detailed list, please visit our English language proficiency requirements page.

Do I need to complete the English language proficiency requirement?

All applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement to practise. Depending on your application type, this requirement can be met different ways.

What language tests does the CRNA accept?

Currently the CRNA accepts the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) test and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test.

Does the CRNA accept any other language tests?

No, the CRNA does not currently accept any other language tests as proof of meeting our English language proficiency requirement. However, there are additional ways applicants can meet this requirement. Visit our English language proficiency requirements page for more information.

My language assessment has expired. Will the CRNA still accept it?

The CELBAN and IELTS test results expire two years from the date you complete the test. The CRNA may consider a CELBAN or IELTS test result beyond the expiry. Please let us know if this applies to you.

Education Verification

What credential verification services are accepted by the CRNA?

The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta accepts verifications to show your post-secondary is equivalent from the following organizations:

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
World Education Services (WES)
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
International Credential Evaluation Service: British Columbia Institute of Technology
Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Read our Post-Secondary Education Verification page for more information.

How do I apply for a credential review from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)?

You can apply for a credential review from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) directly. Their application is available here.

Can I use the IQAS immigration report to apply?

Yes. The CRNA accepts both the IQAS Assessment for Immigration and the IQAS Assessment for Work or Study.

How do I apply for a credential review from World Education Services?

You can apply for a credential review from World Education Services directly. Their application is available here.

You will want to select the WES Standard Application and can use either their basic or ICAP options.

Can I use the WES Basic package to apply?

Yes. You can use either the WES ICAP or the WES Basic services from World Education Services for your application with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).

How do I apply for a credential review from the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada?

You can apply for a credential review from the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada directly. Their application is available here.

How do I apply for a credential review from the International Credential Evaluation Service: British Columbia Institute of Technology?

You can apply for a credential review from the International Credential Evaluation Service: British Columbia Institute of Technology directly. You can use either the comprehensive or Immigration (ECA) report type.

How do I apply for a credential review from the Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies?

You can apply for a credential review from the Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies directly. You will need the ECA for immigration programs type.

How do I submit my verification of equivalent post-secondary education to the CRNA?

You will submit your verification of education to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta via email.

Currency of Practice

I meet all the requirements except for currency of practice. What should I do?

If you meet all the requirements to receive a permit in Alberta except for currency of practice, please reach out to our registrant navigator service. They will be able to assist you with options for meeting this requirement.

Does the SPP count for the currency of practice requirement?

The Supervised Practice Program (SPP) has been discontinued and does not count towards this requirement.

Does the NCLEX-RN exam count for the currency of practice requirement?

Applicants will not be able to use the NCLEX-RN to meet the currency of practice requirement and will be assessed based on the current criteria, even if they gained their initial permit by using the NCLEX-RN to meet this requirement.

Do LPN hours count for the currency of practice requirement?

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) practice hours do not count towards meeting the currency of practice requirement.

AHS Pilot Program

How can I apply to the AHS Pilot Program?

If you are interested in the Alberta Health Services Pilot Program, you can find more information here.

I currently have an application in progress with AHS for their Pilot Project. How do these changes affect me?

These changes do not affect the program itself, but they may make it easier for you to apply for your permit.

If you have questions, please contact your representative at Alberta Health Services or submit a request for a consultation with our registrant navigator service.

Financial Support

Can the CRNA provide me with financial support for the permit fee/NNAS/bridging programs?

The CRNA is unable to provide financial support or scholarships.
There are organizations that can assist with your application costs. For low-interest loans up to $15,000, the Government of Alberta supports the Servus-Bredin Microloans for Newcomer Professionals and Windmill Microlending. Review the Government of Albert's resources for newcomers.

How do I take advantage of the bursary program announced by the Government of Alberta?

The CRNA is unable to assist with the sourcing of or applications for financial support, scholarships or bursaries.

There are organizations that can assist with your application costs. For low-interest loans up to $15,000, the Government of Alberta supports the Servus-Bredin Microloans for Newcomer Professionals and Windmill Microlending. Review the Government of Albert's resources for newcomers.

Immigration and Employment

Can the CRNA assist with the immigration process?

The CRNA is unable to assist with the immigration process.

Can the CRNA help me with obtaining a work permit or advise me on how to apply for one?

The CRNA is unable to assist with work permits. You will need to need to review information from the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship with the Government of Canada.

Can the CRNA assist me with relocating my family?

The CRNA is unable to assist with relocating family members.

Can the CRNA assist with helping me find a job?

The CRNA is unable to assist with job searches or employment.

Registrant Navigator Service

What services does the registrant navigator service provide?

Our registrant navigator service assists applicants with selecting the best application pathway based on their circumstances.

How long is the wait for a registrant navigator consultation?

The wait for a consultation varies dependent on the number of inquiries received. Currently we are receiving a higher than normal number of requests.

Why can't I directly contact the registrant navigator?

Due to the high volume of requests for this service, our registrant navigators respond to inquiries on a first-come, first-served basis. They may respond to your request by email if there is a clear pathway to registration available to you or invite you to schedule an appointment if they need more information. By pre-booking these appointments for a set time, our registrant navigators can ensure they have enough time to answer your questions.

Can a registrant navigator let me know if my application will be approved?

Our registrant navigators are here to assist you with your application and selecting the best pathway. They can inform you of details surrounding the CRNA's requirements but cannot guarantee that your application will result in a permit.

Other Regulators and Jurisdictions

Why do I need to meet the currency requirements if I am registered with another jurisdictions, but Canadian jurisdictions do not?

Applicants who are already registered in Canada are covered by the labour mobility provisions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. This agreement requires each jurisdiction in Canada to grant a practice permit without extra requirements, such as meeting a currency requirement. All renewing registered nurses in Alberta and all other transferring applicants must meet the criteria set out by other regulations.

What happens if a complaint is lodged against me in the other jurisdiction?

To transfer to Alberta, your current regulator will verify with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta whether you are in good standing or not.

Will the CRNA notify other jurisdictions of practice or conduct concerns or findings?

Yes. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta will notify other jurisdictions if you receive a conduct finding in Alberta.

How is the CRNA's application process different from other Canadian regulators?

The CRNA's application process is currently unique among Canadian nursing regulators as we now accept the NCLEX-RN as a benchmark for competency from any applicants.

Once my permit with the CRNA is approved, do I need to maintain registration in the jurisdiction I am transferring from?

Once you have an Alberta permit you only need to maintain registration in additional jurisdictions if you wish to also practise there. It is not a requirement for your Alberta permit to keep another permit.

My permit from my home jurisdiction has expired, can I apply?

If you previously held a permit from another jurisdiction that has expired, you still may be able to apply under one of our substantial equivalence pathways. Please contact our registrant navigator service to discuss your options.

General

Can I submit my documents directly to the CRNA?

Education credential assessments and NCSBN candidate reports providing proof of passing the NCLEX-RN can be submitted directly by the applicant.

All other required documents must come directly from the issuing authority.

Who are the regulators of the countries mentioned in the pathway options?

The regulators in the mentioned jurisdictions are:

Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators (12 regulatory body members)
Indian Nursing Council (30 state nursing councils)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (59 regulatory body members)
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
Nursing Council of Jamaica
Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing (Philippines)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (United Kingdom)
The Nursing Council of New Zealand