Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada (RPNC) Examination

To qualify for registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse all initial applicants must pass the registration exam approved by the board.  The approved registration exam is the RPNC.

The examination is offered three (3) times per year, January, May and October .

Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination becomes a computer-based exam in May 2022

In May 2022, the RPNCE will transition from the current pencil-and-paper exam to a computer-based exam.

What's new for May 2022


A two-day test window: The RPNCE will now have a two-day test window in January, May and October. Writers will be scheduled by the exam provider, Meazure Learning, into one of the two available test days.  For the May 2022 writing, the exam will be offered on May 18 or 19.

Multiple test locations: Exam writers will now be able to take the RPNCE in test centres throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Applicants will be asked to choose a preferred exam writing location from a pre-determined list when they register with Meazure Learning. Venues are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Expansion of testing across Canada will be considered at a later date.

 

Exam fee: The exam fee is now $695 + GST per attempt. The exam fee will now be paid directly to the exam provider, Meazure Learning.

 

Withdrawals: Withdrawals for any reason up to two weeks before the exam will be eligible for a full refund. If an exam writer withdraws less than 10 business days before the scheduled exam date, a refund will not be provided.

 

What is not changing


The application process still starts with the regulatory authority:  Exam writers will continue to apply to their province’s regulatory authority for eligibility to write the RPNCE.  

 

Exam content and preparation resources: The content of the exam will continue to be multiple choice and questions will follow the existing exam blueprint . The RPNCE study guide and practice test will continue to be available.

ELIGIBILITY TO WRITE THE RPNC EXAMINATION


To qualify to write the registration examination, applicants must have successfully completed an:
  • approved psychiatric nursing education program in Alberta* or
  • approved psychiatric nursing education program in British Columbia, Saskatchewan or Manitoba or
  • approved refresher/re-entry program or
  • a psychiatric nursing program deemed substantially equivalent to that of a Canadian Psychiatric Nursing Program**

All exam applicants must also meet all of the requirements for initial registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse identified in the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Regulation.

* Students who are in the final term of the MacEwan Psychiatric Nurse program in Alberta are eligible to apply for the exam when they have started, or are about to start, the final practicum of the program.

**This program approval cannot be older than two years from the date of the original assessment of foreign educational credentials.

EXAM APPLICATION PROCESS

This is the exam application process and general instructions for completing the online application.


Please submit 2 pieces of CLEAR and VISIBLE identification documents:
             - Copy of birth certificate
             - One other piece of government issued picture identification showing legal name and signature (i.e.: drivers licence or passport are acceptable)
             - proof of name change if it is different from that on the birth certificate
 
Please note: All documents written in a language other than English are required to be translated by a professional translator showing their signature and seal and must be submitted with a copy of the original document.
         
Four ways to submit documents: 
 
1. Uploaded with application (to be able to upload a document it must be saved in an acceptable file format: JPG, PDF, PNG)
2. Emailed: [email protected]
3. Mailed / drop off:  CRPNA #201, 9711 45 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta  T6E 5V8
4. Faxed 780 436 4165

Alberta Graduates Please Note:  The Dean/Director will submit a notice to CRPNA indicating those individuals that are scheduled to complete the program.

An email will be sent confirming the application has been approved and will indicate the scheduled date of writing and location.

 

RPNRC TOOLS TO PREPARE FOR THE RPNC EXAMINATION


TESTING ACCOMODATIONS


Reasonable testing accommodations will be provided to any candidate who has an identified disability or special need.  If you require a testing accommodation, you must submit a request in writing, along with the required supporting documentation, at least 12 weeks before the examination date.

Testing Accommodation - Candidate Application

Testing Accommodation - Documentation of Disability

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Start Application to Write the RPNC Exam

Please select one of the following to proceed with your application for eligibility to write the RPNC exam :

  • I do not have a CRPNA username and password   Select
  •  I have a CRPNA username and password and need to submit a new application   Select
  • I wish to view/edit my submitted application   Select