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 rolled out, 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 July 1, 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. The CNPLE will be available to take July 1, 2026 (expected) and will be offered four times a year.
In Ontario, nurse practitioner students currently registered in Ontario with Primary Health Care, Adult or Pediatric certificates will automatically become registered under the new single classification once they become an NP. No additional education, examinations or training will be required.
NP applicants entering the profession on or after July 1, 2026, will be required to pass the new CNPLE exam and register under the single classification.
Importantly, current Ontario NPs do not need to rewrite an exam. Existing NPs will automatically transition to the new single classification with no additional education or examinations required.
Over the coming months, the CNO will directly contact NP applicants in the process of registering to communicate next steps.
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
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References/Resources
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