If the NSCN finds educational gaps in your nursing program, you may be required to complete a competence assessment and any associated bridging education at the Learning Institute. The assessment is provided by the Nursing Community Assessment Service to determine whether an IEN applicant has the entry-level competencies expected of LPNs or RNs in Nova Scotia.

NCAS uses a combination of a Computer-Based Assessment (CBA) and a Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA) to assess how applicants demonstrate entry-level skills and competencies required for practice in their desired profession.

CBA and SLA must be completed within three months of each other.

Click here to learn more about preparing for your CBA and SLA.

The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) offers the LPN Re-Entry program. The NSCN will provide directions on how you can access the re-entry program.  

The Learning Institute offers the NSCN-approved RN Bridging/Re-Entry program. RN bridging education may range from completing a theory course and/or a clinical course to completing a Canadian baccalaureate degree in nursing. Once the NSCN has given you the list of courses you are required to complete, you must contact the Learning Institute to discuss how to start your education.

Please note that you are responsible for any applicable fees associated with the competence assessment and/or bridging education.

All nurses in Nova Scotia, including IENs, must pass the national registration examination before they can become registered and licensed. The NSCN will evaluate your education to determine if you are eligible to write the exam.

LPN applicants must complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination.

RN applicants must complete the NCLEX-RN exam.

Nursing jurisprudence is the application and interpretation of legal rules relating to nursing practice, obligations nurses have to their clients, and relationships nurses have with other health care professionals. New IENS are encouraged to be familiar with the jurisprudence information. Click here for more information.

IENs are required to meet the currency of practice requirement before they are eligible for registration. The currency of practice requirement refers to hourly requirements of nursing practice as an RN or LPN.

There are various ways by which you can demonstrate your currency of practice, including: 

• Current licensure in another Canadian jurisdiction in the same designation you are applying for.
• Current licensure as an RN in another jurisdiction as designated by the CEO, including the Philippines, Nigeria, India, US, UK, Australia or New Zealand.     
• Practice no later than three licensing years prior to your application.
• Practice a minimum of 320 hours of practice no later than five licensing years prior to your application.
• Passed the registration exam no later than three licensing years prior to your application.
• Successfully completed a re-entry program, bridging education, or entry-level nursing program, no later than five licensing years prior to your application.
• Successfully completed a competence assessment and bridging education no later than five licensing years prior to your application.

Visit the NSCN website to learn more about demonstrating your currency of practice.

Note: Effective January 2, 2024, RN applicants who have passed the NCLEX exam more than three years ago and have not worked as an RN in the last ten licensing years will be required to complete a competence assessment and bridging education or a nursing re-entry program, unless they meet one of the other currency of practice options.

While waiting to write the nursing registration exam, you can apply for a conditional license with the NSCN. This license allows you to work in a Nova Scotia practice environment. However, you must be aware of and abide by the restrictions associated with your conditional license. See the infographics below and click here to determine when to activate your conditional license.