If you are interested in the Alberta Health Services Pilot Program, you can find more information here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to complete your application.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request a consultation with our registrant navigator service to discuss your options.
The RNCCAP/ARNAP is an OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) based assessment and enables you to demonstrate the knowledge, skill and judgment you have from your nursing education and experience.
No. Only select applicants that do not meet either the post-secondary or currency of practice requirement will be eligible for the assessment program option.
The program is offered in-person in Edmonton, Alberta or virtually. This depends on the date of the exam. You will need to review the Touchstone website for more information.
You can apply directly with Touchstone Institute to take the assessment program. Once the assessment date has been confirmed, Touchstone will contact you to apply for the assessment through their Application Portal.
The cost for the assessment program is separate from your other application fees. You can find more information from the Touchstone Institute.
It depends. You are not able to use the previous version of the Internationally Educated Nurses Competency Assessment Program (IENCAP) with Touchstone Institute from Ontario.
After it launches, you will be able to use the new version of the assessment program: Internationally Educated Nurses Competency Assessment Program (IENCAP).
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.
No. It is not a requirement to take a bridge to Canadian nursing program to apply for a permit in Alberta. You may need to complete a bridging program if you do not meet any of the other pathway options, you need to meet the currency requirement, or your education is not equivalent.
No. You can use any approved bridge to Canadian nursing program within Canada. Some programs may have restrictions on who can apply based on jurisdiction. You will need to check with the education institutions about program requirements.
The CRNA does not require you to take a credential assessment prior to taking a bridging program. Some education institutions that run the programs may require this.
No. You do not need to notify the CRNA prior to taking a bridging program. It is recommended that you book a consultation with a registrant navigator to ensure that this is the best pathway for you.
You should use the substantial equivalence application if you have completed a bridge to Canadian nursing program.
The cost for a bridging program depends on the education institution. You will need to check with the program of your choice about their costs.
You can register for a bridging program through one of the education institutions that offers the program.
Registered nurses can maintain permits from multiple jurisdictions so another ongoing application should not affect your application to the CRNA. If you are currently awaiting authorization to test for the NCLEX-RN from another regulatory body, contact the CRNA before proceeding with your Alberta application.
No. Applicants who have only completed the competency assessment for an equivalent jurisdiction cannot apply using the equivalent jurisdiction pathway. There are two options to transfer your registration:
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.
There may be additional fees for:
*The permit fee is paid annually and must be renewed by Sept. 30 for the new permit year beginning Oct. 1. The fee covers the costs of the regulatory process that assures the Alberta public that registrants are able to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care.
The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) is aware of the investigation into fake nursing documents sold in the United States. The authorities conducting the investigation provided the CRNA with a list of individuals who obtained the fraudulent credentials. The CRNA will verify that none of the applicants are on that list.
The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta’s (CRNA) Continuing Competence Program (CCP) supports public safety in accordance with the Health Professions Act. The CCP requires registrants to maintain competence and enhance the provision of nursing professional services. The CCP consists of a self-directed learning plan, required education, quality assurance review and competence assessment. Further details about the CCP can be found in the Continuing Competence Program Framework (2024).
If you are a registered nurse, certified graduate nurse, nurse practitioner or renewing as a graduate nurse during the practice year and have engaged in the provision of nursing professional services, you must meet the minimum expectations set out in the Continuing Competence Standards (2022) as part of your renewal application.
No. You are not required to complete your CCP if you did not engage in the accumulation of nursing hours during the practice year. However, any registrant who has provided nursing professional services during the practice year must meet the minimum expectations outlined in the Continuing Competence Standards (2022).
Yes. If you were a practising graduate nurse (RN or NP), provided nursing services during the practice year and will be renewing as a graduate nurse (GN), you are required to complete the CCP requirements. All registrants, including those on the graduate nurse register, must meet this requirement as part of their renewal application.
Registrants who have provided professional nursing services during the practice year must participate in the CCP, as outlined in the CCP Standards (2022).
The registrant must:
You are expected to document and keep a record of your completed CCP requirements and all supporting evidence detailed in Standard 1: Participation in the CRNA Continuing Competence Program for five years. You do not need to submit evidence to the CRNA unless the College requests it as part of a Quality Assurance (QA) Review
There is no specific tool or format you are required to follow, as the goal is to allow you the flexibility to choose what works best for you. We encourage you to use a process tailored to your own goals and practice. However, templates and worksheets are available to assist you, including guiding questions based on the Continuing Competence Standards (2022). The CCP Framework is also an available resource.
There are a wealth of resources to support registrants in meeting the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) requirements. These resources offer clear, focused explanations of each criterion within Standard 1 of the Continuing Competence Standard.
For additional support, Stand Up for Standards is an interactive module designed to help registrants gain a comprehensive understanding of the College’s Practice Standards and how they apply to safe, competent and ethical nursing practice. The module takes 40 minutes or less to complete and is accessible through College Connect.
For assistance in fulfilling your CCP requirements for the practice year, please complete the form below. A Registered Nurse (RN) Consultant will contact you to address your questions and provide guidance. If needed, a practice consultation can be scheduled via Microsoft Teams.
Practice Guidance
There may be additional fees for:
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.
The Supervised Practice Program (SPP) has been discontinued and does not count towards this 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.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) practice hours do not count towards meeting the currency of practice requirement.
The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta accepts verifications to show your post-secondary is equivalent from the following organizations:
Read our Post-Secondary Education Verification page for more information.
You can apply for a credential review from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) directly. Their application is available here.
Yes. The CRNA accepts both the IQAS Assessment for Immigration and the IQAS Assessment for Work or Study.
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.
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).
You can apply for a credential review from the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada directly. Their application is available here.
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.
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.
You will submit your verification of education to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta via email.
Yes. You can use the same education verification report you received for your immigration process if it is from one of the CRNA's accepted providers.
The date you received your education verification report will not affect your eligibility.
If your education verification came back as not equivalent, you will be referred to the registrar after you apply.
No. You do not need to get a report from one of the verification services if you already have a report from the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
The cost of a credential review from can be found on the website(s) of the service provider(s).
The National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) will not be accepted as evidence 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.
All applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement to practise. Depending on your application type, this requirement can be met different ways.
Currently the CRNA accepts the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) test and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test.
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.
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.
Information on the CRNA's fee structure can be found in the Fees page.
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.
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.
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.
The regulators in the mentioned jurisdictions are:
Yes. A record of previous names on the register will be kept. They will not appear in the public database.
No. You do not need to update your name in the system if you do not have a permit.
We no longer accept copies of identification documents via email for validation purposes. If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions regarding this process, our customer service team is available to assist you Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MDT). You can reach them at 1 (800) 252-9392.
Accepted forms of ID include:
• Driver's licence
• Passport
• Residence permit (e.g., Canada Permanent Resident Card)
• Government-issued identity card
The CRNA uses Trulioo, a Canadian company, for identity verification.
Before you change your name on the CRNA register, you must change it with an Alberta registry agent or other provincial registry. Trulioo uses these data sources to verify your identity.
You need to notify the CRNA as soon as you legally change your name.
No. You cannot practise using only your preferred name or a nickname. You may use only your first, middle and last name. As noted above, a middle name is optional.
Yes. Middle names are optional and can be removed from the register.
Your full legal name will appear on the register, on your practice permit and it must also be the name you use in your practice setting per the Health Professions Act (HPA). These all need to match to allow employers and the public to verify a permit belongs to an individual.
The CRNA is unable to assist with the immigration process.
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.
The CRNA is unable to assist with relocating family members.
The CRNA is unable to assist with job searches or employment.
You can apply under the substantial equivalence rules starting on April 4, 2023.
No. Refunds are not issued for assessment applications with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.
No. You do not need to transfer your application if you have already applied and have yet to receive a decision. The CRNA will assess you under the new rules.
This change will impact almost every internationally educated nurse who applies to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.
We understand the priorities within the health-care system, and within our processes we are improving the assessment and registration of nurses from outside of Canada.
As more evidence emerges, the CRNA will continue to assess jurisdictions. The key factors are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta will notify other jurisdictions if you receive a conduct finding in Alberta.
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 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.
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.
It was established by the Government of Alberta that registrants must have an acceptable form of professional liability insurance or an equivalent under the Registered Nurse Profession Regulation.
Professional liability protection (PLP) provides financial compensation for members of the public who have been harmed because of negligence by a health professional.
As a result, the public is protected because an adequate source of compensation is available to them. The health-care professional is also protected because they benefit from legal representation when facing a claim for compensation. They do not have to personally bear the full cost of the legal proceedings and the compensation, should the court order that they be paid.
If you are a current practising registrant with the College, you were required to have signed up for CNPS PLP and Core Services. Accordingly, you remain eligible for PLP and Core Services up to the end of the current practice year (Sept. 30). You will need to renew with the CNPS before you complete your renewal application in College Connect. Remember that your PLP must be in place from the day you begin to practise. There can be no gap in protection.
If you are a new applicant and you do not have a "license number", please use the unique identifier in the top right-hand corner of your CRNA College Connect account during your CNPS application. Additionally, on the MyCNPS application, please state that your license status is "Active."
Nurses who are CNPS beneficiaries are generally eligible for the following in respect of matters arising from nursing practice:
Requests for assistance must be presented in writing and are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account, amongst other things, the resources made available to you from your employer or your union.
For more information visit the CNPS website.
The CNPS requirement under the College bylaws extends only to the CNPS PLP, made available as part of the CNPS Core Services, which do not include assistance with complaints made to the College. The CNPS does offer the Supplementary Protection program, an additional optional service which extends your eligibility to this type of assistance. You may inquire with them for more details.
No. The CNPS Supplementary Protection program is not required to renew. It is available as an additional optional service, which expands the circumstances in which you can request assistance from the CNPS. You can learn more about the Supplementary Protection program here on the CNPS website.
Yes. However, you must still also sign up for CNPS PLP and Core Services. The College bylaws specifically require CNPS professional liability protection as a condition of permit renewal. The CNPS offers one of the highest and broadest levels of professional liability protection available, as well as comprehensive education and risk management resources to assist you in reducing the risk of harm. CNPS PLP is a requirement of most nursing colleges in Canada.
Yes. You will sign up for CNPS PLP and Core Services based on your protected title. The protected titles are registered nurse, graduate nurse, nurse practitioner, graduate nurse practitioner and certified graduate nurse.
You are not eligible to practise without professional liability protection. If you have not completed your CNPS renewal, the College Connect application will not allow you to complete your renewal.
No. Once you have registered for CNPS Professional Liability Protection, click on the "Next Step" button on the Professional Liability Protection page within your CRNA College Connect application. This launches a confirmation check.
A few items to double check are:
You do not need CNPS PLP if you do not hold an active practice permit. If you do not renew by Sept. 30, you will not be able to practise on Oct. 1. To regain your RN or NP status, you will need to apply to return to practice and pay for your CNPS PLP.
No. Individuals in the non-practising register are not required to satisfy the PLP requirement until they apply to return to practice.
As permit cycles vary between provinces, you must register for CNPS PLP for each designation and jurisdiction you hold registration with. If you have a question about this process, call the CNPS at 1-800-267-3390 or use the Contact Us form on their website.
You will need to sign up for CNPS PLP and Core Services for each designation and jurisdiction you hold registration with. If you have a question about this process, call the CNPS at 1-800-267-3390 or use the Contact Us form on their website.
Even if your employer has personal coverage for employees, you are still required to sign up for CNPS PLP and Core Services.
The CNPS has been the professional liability protection provider of choice for registrants of the CRNA since 1988. The CNPS is a not-for-profit society providing legal advice, risk management services, legal assistance and professional liability protection related to nursing practice to over 150,000 Canadian nurses across all Canadian provinces and territories. As a legal support system created by nurses, for nurses, the CNPS is known to provide one of the broadest scopes of professional liability protection. The CNPS offers legal and risk management advice to support your practice and promote safe patient care, along with a variety of continuing education opportunities.
All receipts from MyCNPS are automatically emailed upon successful payment. If you are seeking another copy, you can access past receipts on the MyCNPS portal.
The CNPS is pleased to issue a written confirmation that you are eligible for its PLP when this is requested by your employer or another third party where or for whom you are providing professional nursing services. Please complete this form on their website.
Provisional permits allow you to work as a graduate nurse practitioner (GNP) under certain conditions while you work to meet all the requirements of NP registration, including writing and passing the required NP exam. If you request a provisional permit:
Provisional permits allow you to work as a graduate nurse (GN) under certain conditions while you work to meet the requirement of writing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. If you apply for a provisional permit:
For assistance in fulfilling your QA review requirements for the practice year Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, please complete the form below. A Registered Nurse (RN) Consultant will contact you to address your questions and provide guidance. If needed, a practice consultation can be scheduled via Microsoft Teams.
Practice Guidance
No. However, QA review findings that identify false, misleading or inaccurate attestation may be escalated to the Registrar.
Registrants will receive their QA Review results within 10 business days of submitting their records. If you do not receive a response within this timeframe, please contact us.
Although the CCP consists of seven distinct components, you are not required to submit all of them.
The submission requirement for the QA Review is to submit your Self-directed Learning Plan which includes the following:
• Area(s) of interest you would like to explore or a specialty you would like to focus on.
• Identify your main domain of practice: Clinical, Research, Education, Administration.
• Provide a rationale for selecting this focus area.
• Identify and document the corresponding Standard of Practice.
• Identify and document the course/seminar/resource/learning opportunity you have chosen to pursue.
• Document one key takeaway for implementation in your professional career (upon completion of the learning opportunity).
You may submit evidence of your Self-directed Learning Plan in the format you have maintained your records, such as scanned or electronic documents. Additionally, you have the option to submit the Self-directed Learning Plan Worksheet if you prefer. Self-directed Learning Plan Worksheet
Yes. According to Continuing Competence Standard 2.1, registrants must provide evidence in their learning plan if selected for QA Review. Additionally, registrants are required to participate in all the requirements of the CCP.
Registrants selected for the QA Review will receive an email with instructions for submitting their CCP self-directed learning plan online. All submissions are due by September 30, 2025.
The QA Review this year requires registrants to submit their self-directed learning plan from the 2024 practice year, Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024.
All registrants who are randomly selected will be notified by email on June 2, 2025.
The purpose of the quality assurance review is to periodically confirm accuracy of applicant or registrant attestations. As a Right-touch relational regulator, the CRNA trusts that applicants or registrants attest accurately and honestly when they apply for a nursing permit.
QA Review outcomes inform risk assessment, process improvement initiatives, provide confidence to the public and set minimum expectations for registrants of the College. It is also intended to be informative and supportive.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can choose to take the the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) from any of the testing centres that Pearson Vue offers.
You can take the exam once every 45 days, up to eight times per year.
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.
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.
We accept National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) results starting from 1982.
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.
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.
No. The CRNA does not accept the Nursys e-Notify Report to verify that you passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
You will be able to request the authorization to test (ATT) as part of your application in College Connect.
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.
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.
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.
Our registrant navigator service assists applicants with selecting the best application pathway based on their circumstances.
The wait for a consultation varies dependent on the number of inquiries received. Currently we are receiving a higher than normal number of requests.
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.
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.
Yes. You can save your progress and come back to your application at any time before Sept. 30 by logging into your College Connect account.
You may have missed a step in the application process. Only complete applications, where every step in the application process is represented by a green circle in College Connect, can be submitted. If you have completed every step of the application process and you still cannot submit, please contact our Customer Service Team at 1 (800) 252-9392 or registration@nurses.ab.ca.
Most applications can be processed within 15 minutes; some may take a week or longer. You can check the status of your application at any time inside of College Connect.
If you have submitted your renewal application, you can continue practising beyond Sept. 30, 2025. You will receive an email from the CRNA with this information. The email will allow you to practise until you receive a final decision from the CRNA on your renewal application.
Graduate nurses and graduate nurse practitioners renew their permits every six months. All provisional permits issued between Oct. 1 and March 31 will expire on March 31, and all provisional permits issued between April 1 and Sept. 30 will expire on Sept. 30. Only renew your provisional permit if you will not be applying to become a registered nurse or nurse practitioner prior to the renewal deadlines. Provisional permits can only be held for a maximum of 12 months.
No. A courtesy permit will only be issued for the dates of the reason you are practising temporarily in Alberta. The permit will be issued for a maximum of three months and will not extend beyond your RN or NP registrations with other Canadian jurisdictions.
Double check your application to ensure all the requirements are complete. After the payment step, you can complete your declaration and click the "Submit Application" button. You will receive an email letting you know your application was received.
There may be additional fees for:
There may be additional fees for:
You may return to practice at any time using the return to practice application.
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.
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.
Yes. You do not need to live in Alberta to apply to the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.
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.
If you are already registered as an RN in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may apply using our equivalent jurisdiction pathway.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once the CRNA receives all the completed items, the processing time is four to six weeks. You can check the status of your application at any time inside of College Connect.
If you have previously created an account with the CRNA, you do not need to pay the assessment fee again. Contact the CRNA to start this application.
There may be additional fees for the following:
There may be additional fees for:
*The permit fee is paid annually and must be renewed by September 30 for the new permit year beginning October 1. The fee covers the costs of the regulatory process that assures the Alberta public that registrants are able to provide safe, competent, ethical nursing care.
Currently, there is no cost to participate in this initiative
* Both your home permit and your virtual care permit must be renewed each year.
** Your professional liability protection (PLP) from CNPS extends to nursing services rendered in other Canadian provinces and territories if permit requirements are met in the jurisdiction. A CNPS legal advisor can provide more information. As a CRNA registrant, you are a beneficiary of CNPS Core Services, and all calls with a CNPS legal advisor are free and protected under client-solicitor privilege.
There may be additional fees for:
Once the CRNA notifies you that you are eligible to begin the virtual care permit application, you will be provided with a College Connect account.
There may be additional fees that an applicant may incur, for example:
Yes. The practice permit you receive with CRNS and/or CANNN will be limited to the provision of virtual care. Your Alberta practice permit, and your ability to provide services in Alberta, will not be affected.
In both cases, you are not eligible to use any protected titles and are not entitled to practise in any setting. This means you cannot:
No. You do not need to renew your non-practising inactive status. There is the option to renew if you would like to continue receiving emails beyond the first year. If you do not renew, your registration status will change to expired.
Yes. You will receive emails for the first year you are on the non-practising register. If you want to continue receiving emails beyond your first year, you must notify the CRNA that you wish to renew your inactive status for another year.
No. You no longer need to update your contact information after your move to the non-practising register. If you return to practice in Alberta, you can update your profile information during the application process.
No. You can only work as an RN or NP if you have a permit.
No. You may only accumulate practice and education hours while holding a permit on one of these registers: registered nurse, nurse practitioner, provisional, courtesy or certified graduate nurse.
It is up to you on whether you choose to renew your permit or move to the non-practising register.
No. The registration requirements are the same for both the renewal and the return to practice applications.
The CRNA can move you to the non-practising register. To send in your request, use the form titled 'Send Us a Message', which is located at the bottom of this page. Make sure to include that you started the renewal application but wish to move to the non-practising register instead.