Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
Not published
Time to earn it
about 2 to 3 years
Issued by Provincial nursing regulators
Required to start: Working as a nurse practitioner needs registration in that class with the provincial nursing regulator.
About
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who can assess patients, diagnose illnesses, order and read tests, and prescribe medication. Nurse practitioners work in clinics, hospitals, long-term care, community health centres and remote communities. Many choose a focus, such as family care, children's health or mental health.
This is a licence, not a voluntary credential. Each province and territory has its own nursing regulator that decides who may practise as a nurse practitioner. You cannot use the title or do the work until you are registered in the nurse practitioner class with the regulator where you plan to work. Registration as a regular registered nurse is not enough.
How to get it
Become a registered nurse
Complete a nursing degree and register as a registered nurse with your provincial or territorial nursing regulator. You will also need to build some practice experience as a nurse.
Complete graduate nursing education
Finish an approved graduate program that prepares you for the nurse practitioner role. Programs are usually at the master's level and include classroom learning and supervised clinical practice.
Apply to the regulator
Send your application to the nursing regulator in the province or territory where you want to work. You will submit proof of your education, your nursing registration and your clinical hours.
Pass the required exam
Write the nurse practitioner exam that your regulator accepts. Some regulators also ask for a jurisdiction-specific component, such as a review of local laws and practice rules.
Get registered and start practising
Once the regulator approves you, you are registered in the nurse practitioner class. You may then use the title and work within the scope of practice set for your province or territory.
The exam
Applicants write a national-level written exam for nurse practitioners, based on the category of practice they trained for, such as family or pediatric care. It tests clinical knowledge and decision-making. Some regulators add a short exam on local laws and professional standards. Check with your regulator for the exact requirements.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory sets its own rules, so details differ from place to place. Regulators may vary in the education they accept, the exam they require, the scope of practice and the way they handle renewal. Some have extra steps for nurses trained outside the province. If you plan to move, you will usually need to apply for registration again with the new regulator. Always confirm requirements with the regulator where you want to work.
Careers that mention it
No Canadian career on the site names this yet.
Keeping it
You must renew your registration on a regular schedule set by your regulator. Renewal usually means paying a fee and confirming that you are still practising safely. You may need to show that you have worked enough practice time and kept learning through continuing education. Always keep your registration current. Practising without it is not allowed.