New NP Licensing Exam: The CNPLE
Once you finish your NP program you must write a certification exam prior to applying for an NP license. Most provinces and jurisdictions are moving towards a single NP certification exam - the CNPLE (Canadian NP Licensure Exam).
Th CNPLE will replace multiple existing NP exams available and will be implemented across Canada starting in 2026 as part of the NP Regulation Framework. This coincides with most NP programs in Canada moving towards the all-ages/family program structure (a single nurse practitioner classification structure).
Here’s what you need to know about the CNPLE:
What is the CNPLE? a new, single national NP licensing exam being developed for Canadian NPs to support a new regulatory approach that will allow NPs to practice across all client ages and in all health care settings.
When will the CNPLE be available? July 1, 2026, and will be the only licensing exam accepted by several provinces moving forward. For students enrolling in Canadian NP programs in 2026 for example, they will be eligible to write the CNPLE exam when they graduate (in 2027 for the 1-year NP program, or 2028 for the 2-year NP program).
If I am already registered as an NP with a previous license exam, will I have to write the CNPLE? No.
Will the current NP licensure exams be available during this time of transition? Yes. NP students who are currently in a client speciality population education program (i.e., Primary Care, Adult or Pediatrics) will have access to the corresponding licensure exams currently available. These licensure exams will continue to be available for a period of time for these NP students during the transition. Check with your liscencing body and school if you are a student graduating during this transition period.
How often is it offered per year? It will be available to take 4 times/year (current dates unavailable).
What is the format of the new exam? The exam will be a Linear-On-The-Fly (LOFT) format, which means that each test-taker will receive a unique batch of exam questions, enabling more flexibility in scheduling.
How many questions will be on the exam? ~ 180–185 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 160–165 will count toward the candidate’s total score. The remaining 20–25 questions are presented experimentally and will not count toward the candidate’s total score.
What is the question format? the multiple choice questions will be presented as independent (65-70%) or case-based questions (30-35%). The case-based questions will include a set of approximately three to five questions associated with a brief health-care scenario. Some questions may include audio and video information.
What content will be on the exam?
It will cover ALL ages - from preconception care to pediatrics to adults to geriatrics to end-of-life. So be prepared for it all!
It will include questions all ALL major body systems, including:
HEENT
Derm
Respiratory/Cardiovascular
GI/GU
MSK
Neuro
Endocrine
Hematology
Immunology
Mental health
Infectious disease
Sexual/reproductive health
AND will also include other topics, including:
Oncology
Obstetrics
Nutrition
Physical function & mobility
Developmental delays/specific learning disorders
Aute and/or chronic pain
Cognition/decision-making
Violence, abuse or neglect
Emergencies
Palliative care & end of life
How can I study for this exam? As study materials become available, I will update them on this page ASAP! Stay tuned for updates!
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References
Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators. Nurse Practitioners. 2025. Available from https://www.ccrnr.ca/nurse-practitioners
College of Nurses of Ontario. Blueprint for the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Licensure Exam. 2025. Available from https://www.cno.org/Assets/CNO/Documents/Standard-and-Learning/cnple-np-blueprint-en.pdf
British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwifes. New NP Exam. 2025. Available from https://www.bccnm.ca/NP/applications_registration/exams/Pages/CNPLE.aspx
College of registered Nurses of Saskatchewan. FAQ-CNPLE. 2025. Available from https://www.crns.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FAQ-CNPLE-Blueprint.pdf