NP Licensing Exam in Canada
NP licensing exam changes are coming to Canada in 2026 - Here’s what you need to know
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). Once the CNPLE is available (expected in 2026), it will be the only licensing exam accepted by several provinces moving forward. Applicants who pass (or who have passed) one of the currently recognized certification exams before the CNPLE is available will not have to take the new exam.
What is the CNPE vs. CNPLE?
The Canadian nurse practitioner examination (CNPE) is the national entry-level exam used to license NPs in Canada. Other previously accepted certification exams in Canada include the AANPCB family certification examination, the ANCC family certification examiantion, among others.
The CNPLE is a new, single national 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.
It replaces multiple existing NP exams 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. As of January 2026 all Canadian nurse practitioners (NPs)–except Quebec and neonatal NPs–will be educated and licensed to practice across all client ages and in all health care practice settings. Not all provinces in Canada have neonatal NP programs (University of Alberta - although intake was caused in 2025, McGill University, and McMaster all offer neonatal programs).
Therefore, unless you pursue a neonatal NP program, all NP programs in Canada will be family-all ages.
What NP Certification Exams will be Accepted 2026?
This will vary across provinces, and like with any change, it will be pertinent to clarify with your regulatory body as this change is being rolled out. Here’s what it’s looking like currently, with some regulatory websites requiring updating as changes come along in 2026:
You can click on each regulatory body for more information
| Province / Territory | Regulatory Body | Exams Offered / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) |
Family: CNPE, AANPCB Family Exam, ANCC Family Exam – likely transitioning to CNPLE only Adult: AANPCB Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Exam Pediatric: PNCB, ANCC |
| British Columbia | British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) | Once the CNPLE is available, it will be the only accepted licensing exam. Applicants who pass a currently recognized exam before the CNPLE launches will not need to retake it. |
| Alberta | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
Primary Health Care/Family: CNPLE Pediatric: CRNA Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam (NNPE) |
| Quebec | Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) |
Candidates must pass a professional exam tailored to one of five NP practice classes: • Primary Care (IPSPL) • Adult Health (IPSSA) • Pediatric Health (IPSSP) • Mental Health (IPSSM) • Neonatal Health (IPSNN) |
| Saskatchewan | College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) | CNPE – transitioning to CNPLE |
| Manitoba | College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) | CNPE, ANCC (Family, Adult, Pediatric), AANPCB (Family, Adult-Gerontology), NCC Neonatal, PNCB Pediatric – to transition to CNPLE |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) | Students beginning NP programs in 2025 and beyond will write the CNPLE. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL) | CNPE – transitioning to CNPLE |
| New Brunswick | Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) | CNPE – transitioning to CNPLE |
| Prince Edward Island | College of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island (CRNMPEI) | CNPE – transitioning to CNPLE |
| Yukon | Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA) | Typically requires CNPE (transitioning to CNPLE). NPs who have completed another recognized NP exam should contact YRNA for eligibility confirmation. |
| Northwest Territories | Canadian Association of Neonatal Nurse Nurses (CANNN) (Registration Policy) |
Family: CNPE, ANCC, AANPCB – transition to CNPLE Adult: ANCC or AANPCB Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Exam Pediatric: PNCB |
What will be on the CNPLE?
The College of Nurse of Ontario have put out a blueprint of this exam. Here are some key takeaways from it:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Length | Approximately 180–185 multiple-choice questions, with 160–165 scored and 20–25 unscored pilot questions. Designed to assess readiness to practise safely, effectively, and ethically. |
| Question Format & Presentation | Multiple-choice questions presented as: • Case-based (30–35%) – 3–5 questions linked to a brief clinical scenario • Independent (65–70%) – standalone questions with all necessary information provided |
| Question Types | Primarily multiple-choice; may also include audio, video, and other workplace materials. |
| Patient Focus | Questions pertain to: • Individuals (majority) • Families • Groups, populations, and communities |
| Lifespan Coverage | From preconception through advanced age, including end-of-life: • Preconception to birth • Newborn & infants (0–12 months) • Young child (1–6 years) • Older child (7–12 years) • Adolescent (13–18 years) • Young adult (19–35 years) • Middle adult (36–64 years) • Older adult (65–79 years) • Adult of advanced age (80+ years) |
| Body Systems / Health Areas |
• Head, eyes, ears, nose, throat • Integumentary system • Respiratory system • Gastrointestinal system • Cardiovascular system • Genitourinary system • Musculoskeletal system • Neurological system • Endocrine system • Hematopoietic system • Immune / lymphatic system • Mental health & substance use • Infectious / communicable diseases • Sexual / reproductive health • Oncology • Pre-natal / perinatal / post-natal • Nutrition / hydration • Physical function & mobility • Developmental delays / learning disorders • Acute & chronic pain • Cognition / decision-making • Violence, abuse, neglect • Emergencies • Palliative care & end of life |
That’s about all we know for now, but as more information becomes available, I will keep you in the know.
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References/ResourcesCanadian 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