Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination will become a computer-based test in 2022

The Registered Psychiatric Nurse of Canada Examination (RPNCE) tests entry-level competence and safety to practice of applicants seeking registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) registration in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

In May 2022, the RPNCE will transition from the current pencil-and-paper exam to a computer-based exam. Instead of having to travel to Edmonton to write the exam, candidates will schedule their exam at testing centers across the country. This is an exciting step to modernize exam delivery and improve accessibility for exam writers.

While applicants will complete the exam on a computer, the content of the exam will continue to be multiple choice and questions will follow the existing test blueprint.

Be sure to check our website regularly for updates with additional details about this transition.

 

Please note: This change will not impact the October 2021 or January 2022 writings of the RPNCE.

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

• Information On How To Prepare For The RPNC Exam

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

• Questions about the RPNC Exam

Alberta Graduates

Please select one of the following to proceed with your exam application:

• I do not have a CRPNA username and password   Select
• I have a CRPNA username and password and need to submit a new exam application   Select

• I wish to view/edit my submitted exam applications   Select

Internationally Educated Psychiatric Nurses

Please select one of the following to proceed with your exam application:

• I have a CRPNA username and password and need to submit a new exam application   Select

• I wish to view/edit my submitted exam application   Select