How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator to work as a licensed practical nurse in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“To work as a nurse in Nova Scotia, you must have either a conditional or practising licence. This includes orientation, even if there is no clinical work.”
From nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Licensed in another province: 7 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 8 steps (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
-
You apply to the regulator and submit your application documents, which must be in English.
Source
“All application documents must be provided to NSNMR in English.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad... -
You submit an original criminal record check unless you are already registered with the regulator in another designation.
Source
“Criminal Record Check: Submit and original criminal record check(s) unless you are currently registered with NSNMR in another designation.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad... -
You review the jurisprudence resource guide and complete a declaration confirming you have reviewed it, at no cost.
Source
“new graduates applying to NSNMR are required to review the Jurisprudence Resource Guide (PDF) and complete the Jurisprudence Declaration of Compliance confirming they have reviewed the document. There is no fee associated with this requirement.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad... -
You pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam for your designation.
Source
“Pass the registration exam for your designation: LPN: Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad... -
After your application is assessed you either obtain a conditional licence to work while preparing for the exam, or a practising licence once you pass the exam.
Source
“Want to start working right away while you prepare for your registration exam? You can obtain a conditional licence. Would you rather wait until you pass your exam before working? Obtain a practising licence once you pass the exam.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 7 done
- 7 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 0.2 months (only 1 of 7 steps state a time)
-
You sign up to create an account in the regulator's portal, or log in if you already have one.
Source
“If you don’t have an account, sign up to create one. If you already have an account, log in.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... -
You submit photocopies of two proof of name documents, such as a birth certificate or passport.
Source
“Photocopy of two proof of name documents. These can include: Birth certificate, Passport”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... -
Depending on where and when you graduated, you may need to provide proof of education in specific subject areas.
Source
“If you graduated from a Quebec program between 2004 and 2009, you must provide proof that you completed education in maternal, newborn, and pediatric care.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... -
You may be asked to provide evidence that you meet the English language proficiency requirement.
Source
“You may be asked to provide evidence you meet the English Language Proficiency Registration requirement.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... -
If the regulator advises, you submit a verification of registration from the regulatory body where you hold or held a licence.
Source
“We will advise you if you are required to submit a Verification of Registration (PDF) from the regulatory body.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... -
You review the jurisprudence resource guide and complete the declaration of compliance at no cost.
Source
“all new applicants and registrants returning from leave are required to review the Jurisprudence Resource Guide and complete the Jurisprudence Declaration of Compliance confirming they have reviewed the document. There is no fee associated with this requirement.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... -
Once your application is complete, you receive a written decision within five business days.
Time: 5 daysTime source
“Once your application is complete, you will receive a written decision within five business days.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c...Source
“Once your application is complete, you will receive a written decision within five business days.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
7 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 8 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 7 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 0.2 months (only 1 of 8 steps state a time)
-
You arrange for an Education Credential Assessment to be sent directly to the regulator.
Source
“Arrange for an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to be sent directly to NSNMR.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat... -
You create an account with NNAS, complete the application, pay the fee, and submit the required documents.
- NNAS Main Application (Expedited Service): $750 (for multiple professions and regulators)
Time: 5 daysTime source
“Once all documents are received, your Advisory Report will be issued within five days provided no further clarification is needed.”
nnas.ca/application-process-timelineSource
“An application requires you to create an online account with the NNAS application portal. There are five steps to an NNAS application”
nnas.ca/application-process-timeline -
You monitor your application status and receive the Advisory Report, which is sent automatically to the regulatory body you selected.
Source
“Once you receive your Advisory Report, you can apply to the regulatory body of your choice. Your Advisory Report will be sent automatically to the regulatory body (or bodies) you have selected.”
nnas.ca/application-process-timeline -
You apply to the regulator yourself, since applications must be filled out by the person seeking the licence.
Source
“Applications must be filled out by the person seeking a nursing licence. Your application will be rejected if you use a third party or agency to complete your form.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat... -
You show evidence of recent qualifying nursing practice, either by declaration or by confirmation of recent graduation.
Source
“Truthful declaration of practice as a nurse in the last 3-5* years on your application.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat... -
You show evidence that you meet the language proficiency requirement.
Source
“Show evidence that you meet the language proficiency requirement.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat... -
You submit a recent criminal record check along with declarations about your health and any offences or findings.
Source
“Submit a recent Criminal Record Check (CRC).”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat... -
You review the jurisprudence resource guide and submit a declaration of completion form.
Source
“Review the Jurisprudence Resource Guide and submit a Jurisprudence Declaration of Completion form to confirm you have reviewed document.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat...
Listed fees for this route
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
7 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- NNAS document translation (per page): $115 (per page of translation)
- Reactivation of expired NNAS application: $240
- Appeals to NNAS: $500
Requirements
Education
You must have graduated from an approved practical nursing education program.
Source
“New Applicant - Graduated from an approved Canadian education program (outside Nova Scotia) and not yet licensed in Canada”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/fees-and-payments
Police check
You must submit a recent criminal record check.
Source
“Submit a recent Criminal Record Check (CRC).”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat...
Good character
You must provide truthful declarations about your health and about any offences, refusals of registration, or findings related to the practice of nursing.
Source
“Provide truthful declaration of any health condition that could affect your ability to practice nursing in a safe manner.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat...
Other
You must have no outstanding complaints, prohibitions, conditions, agreements, or restrictions on your licence that would prevent registration.
Source
“Good standing: You have no outstanding complaints or prohibitions, conditions, agreements, or restrictions on your licence that would prevent registration.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c...You may be asked to provide evidence that you meet the English language proficiency requirement.
Source
“You may be asked to provide evidence you meet the English Language Proficiency Registration requirement.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c...You must review the jurisprudence resource guide and complete a declaration of compliance.
Source
“all new applicants and registrants returning from leave are required to review the Jurisprudence Resource Guide and complete the Jurisprudence Declaration of Compliance confirming they have reviewed the document.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe an application process for nurses licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction but do not state whether the entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment is waived. Source
“Current licence: You hold a valid nursing licence (in the designation you are applying for) in another Canadian province or territory.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
Credential assessment
Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
Sent directly to the regulator as part of the registration requirements.
Source
“Arrange for an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to be sent directly to NSNMR.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat...National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) Advisory Report
If you have one, you arrange for the regulator to have access to it; otherwise you apply to NNAS to get one.
Source
“If you have one, arrange for NSNMR to have access to your National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) Advisory Report.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat...
Exams
-
Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam
Source
“Pass the registration exam for your designation: LPN: Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad... -
Jurisprudence Declaration of Compliance
Source
“new graduates applying to NSNMR are required to review the Jurisprudence Resource Guide (PDF) and complete the Jurisprudence Declaration of Compliance confirming they have reviewed the document.”
nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $28.00 | $30.42 | $35.11 | Very good (5 of 5) |
| Canada | $25.00 | $31.32 | $38.00 | — |
Licensed practical nurses in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Licence required
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Licence required
Sources checked
- New Grad Educated in Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/new-grad... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Nurses Currently Licensed Elsewhere in Canada | Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/nurses-c... · fetched October 10, 2026
- International Nurse Applicants | Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-be-nurse-nova-scotia/internat... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Application Process & Timeline - National Nursing Assessment Service nnas.ca/application-process-timeline · fetched October 9, 2026
- Fees - National Nursing Assessment Service nnas.ca/fees · fetched October 10, 2026
- Fees and Payments | Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator nsnmr.ca/registration-licensing/fees-and-payments · fetched October 9, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a licensed practical nurse in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator is required to practise in Nova Scotia.
Which exams are required?
Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, Jurisprudence Declaration of Compliance.
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