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Registered Nurse

Health care Regulated profession

Registered nursing is regulated in BC by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Internationally educated nurses apply to Inspire Global Assessments and to BCCNM at the same time, complete any education BCCNM requires, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam before receiving a practising licence.

Regulator or certifying body
British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)

Steps

  1. Apply to Inspire Global Assessments

    Credential assessment Cost: CAD 600 plus GST (Inspire application fee, as listed Sept 2026); assessment fees are separate and were not confirmed

    Create an Inspire account, submit the application form with notarized government ID and pay the application fee. Inspire reviews identity, English language proficiency, education credentials and nursing skills and knowledge. Documents must be provided within one year of paying for the application.

    Official source

  2. Show English language proficiency

    Language

    Proof of English language proficiency is part of the Inspire application. The accepted tests and scores are set out in Inspire's English Language Proficiency policy.

    Official source

  3. Apply to BCCNM and send verifications

    Registration

    Create a BCCNM account and apply for practising registration. Verification of nursing practice and licensure forms must be sent to BCCNM directly by the employer or regulator, in English.

    Official source

  4. BCCNM assessment and any transitional education

    Other

    BCCNM reviews the documents and Inspire's assessment package and tells the applicant if additional education or coursework is needed. Any required coursework must be completed and confirmed to BCCNM.

    Official source

  5. Pass the NCLEX-RN

    Exam Cost: CAD 360 plus GST per attempt, paid to Pearson VUE (as listed Sept 2026); BCCNM states the fee rises to CAD 570 on Feb. 1, 2027

    After BCCNM confirms eligibility, register with Pearson VUE. The authorization to test is valid for 90 days, there is a 45 day wait before a retake, and there is no limit on attempts while the application is valid. Applicants can ask BCCNM for provisional registration before completing the exam.

    Official source

  6. Pay the licensing fee and receive a practising licence

    Registration

    After passing the NCLEX-RN, pay the BCCNM licensing fee. The nurse may practise once their name appears in BCCNM's online directory, and should review BCCNM practice standards.

    Official source

Related jobs while you work toward your licence

  • Health care assistant (requires registration with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry; the Registry describes an assessment route for internationally educated nurses through Inspire)
  • Nurse with BCCNM provisional registration (a BCCNM registration class available before the NCLEX-RN is completed; it is still a BCCNM registration)

Official sources

Last reviewed: 2026-09-30

This page is a general guide, not official or legal advice. Rules, fees and timelines change. Always confirm with the official source before you pay or apply.