Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)
The information in the Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) web pages is applicable if you were educated as a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) outside of Canada and are currently or have ever been registered as an RPN with the regulatory body in the country where you completed your basic or entry-level RPN education.
RPN Application Process
Applying with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS):
NNAS is a national online application service developed by Canadian nursing regulatory bodies and is the single point of entry for all nursing groups in Canada. NNAS is the mandatory first step for any international applicant Before applying to CRPNS, all internationally educated nurses must first apply through NNAS.
For more information about this first step in the application process, please visit https://www.nnas.ca.
Applying in Saskatchewan
After your NNAS Advisory Report has been generated, you are welcome to submit an application for RPN registration directly to CRPNS. Email info@crpns.ca and provide your legal name, NNAS ID Number and NNAS Application Number and a link to the application will be provided.
The College will review the application along with the NNAS report and academic documents using the critical dimensions and gaps analysis set out in the NNAS report to determine how the applicant’s education compares to a Canadian psychiatric nursing education program.
Psychiatric nursing education comparability will be established if there is evidence of:
- Post-secondary psychiatric nursing education that prepares the psychiatric nurse to apply general nursing and psychiatric nursing knowledge to work with clients across the lifespan who have complex psychosocial, mental health and physical needs, and
- The theoretical instruction was accompanied with clinical practice placements which included provision of direct care in all applicable settings.
The applicant’s education program may be deemed comparable, somewhat comparable, or not comparable. Depending on the outcome, bridging education may be required before eligibility to apply for the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Exam (RPNCE) is granted.
Once CRPNS has determined that the applicant is eligible to apply to write the RPNCE, the applicant will need to follow the RPNCE application steps found here: https://crpns.ca/applicants/studentsandgraduatenurses/
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered psychiatric nurse in Saskatchewan?
Assessment by CRPNS for a registration takes time. Each application is assessed on an individual basis. If bridging education is required, the time it takes to become fully licensed will be lengthened. To estimate timeframes it is best to discuss directly with CRPNS staff.
If you are referred for bridging education, you will be required to complete all course work within 2 years.
To be fair and equitable to all applicants, each application is assessed individually. The time required to establish registration could vary significantly from applicant to applicant. Time depends on several factors including when documents are received and completion of required coursework (as needed).
Can you fast track applications for registration if I have a job offer in Saskatchewan?
CRPNS can not fast track applications from applicants who have secured a job in Saskatchewan.
CRPNS strongly encourages you to not commit to an employment start date until your application for CRPNS registration has been assessed and you are aware of the requirements you must meet to become registered.
Why is CRPNS requesting current identity documents?
CRPNS must determine if the person who has submitted their documents in an application is the person who is currently applying for practicing registration. Identity documents are used to match the online application for, the NNAS Advisory Report and all documentation received throughout the application process.
Why must Employer References, Confirmations of Registration and English Language Test Results be sent directly to CRPNS?
Documents are required to be sent ‘directly’ to ensure the integrity of the documents and the process for receiving them is sustained. Making arrangements to send documents to CRPNS ‘directly’ means that you are not permitted to send them yourself. Documents sent by yourself will delay your application process and you will be required to make a subsequent request and/or CRPNS will seek to verify the information.
Can I give CRPNS my username and password to access my account for retrieval of my criminal record results in my home country or in Canada?
No. CRPNS will not request nor use an applicant’s private account information to access and retrieve criminal record results to inform the Registrar’s assessment. As with other documents required in the assessment process, you are obligated to provide this information or make arrangements for it to be sent to CRPNS.
Where do I find information about writing the RPNCE?
Information about applying for and writing the RPNCE may be found on the CRPNS website at Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) – CRPNS.
The RPNCE must be written within Canada at an approved test center.
English Language Requirements
Registered psychiatric nursing practice requires English language skills in the four domains of communicative competence: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In accordance with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Saskatchewan Bylaws, applicants for registration must establish that they meet the English proficiency criteria established by the Council.
The language proficiency requirement can be met in one of four ways:
Education
Successful completion of an approved psychiatric nursing education program in Canada where the language of instruction for theory and clinical and practicum experiences was provided in English. Psychiatric nursing education programs in Canada may include bridging, refresher, and re-entry programs; or,
Successful completion of a psychiatric nursing education program outside Canada that the Council considers to be comparable to a psychiatric nursing education program in Saskatchewan, where the language of instruction for theory and clinical and practicum experiences was provided in English, within the previous five years.
Practice Experience
Practiced as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in another Canadian jurisdiction, where English was the primary language used, within the previous five years.
Registration
Registered in good standing as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in another Canadian jurisdiction, where English is the primary language used; or,
Language Testing
Applicants who do not meet one of the requirements outlined above are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency by completing one of the approved language tests and receiving the minimum scores.
Applicants can complete any one of the English language proficiency tests outlined below, but not a combination of the four tests.
Test results that are older than two years are considered expired. If your test has expired, the test may have to be re-taken, and new scores submitted to the CRPNS.
Name of Test | Score | Contact Information |
CELBAN – Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses | Speaking: 8 Listening: 9 Reading: 8 Writing: 7 | The CELBAN Centre: |
IELTS – International English Language Testing System Academic Version only | Speaking: 7.0 Listening: 7.0 Reading: 6.5 Writing: 6.5 Overall Total Score: 7.0 | International English Language Testing System ** The CRPNS will accept the IELTS One Skill Retake option. IELTS One Skill Retake allows test takers to retake one section of their four-part English language within 60 days of the original test date. Test takers can only complete One Skill Retake per full IELTS test.
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OET – Occupational English Test | Speaking: B Listening: B Reading: C+ Writing: C+ | Occupational English Test: The OET utilizes both letter grades and scale scores to comprehensively assess the candidate’s proficiency in English for healthcare communication. Letter grades ranging from A to E, indicate overall proficiency levels, with A representing the highest and E the lowest. |
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | Speaking: 75 Listening: 73 Reading: 66 Writing: 68 | Pearson Test of English: |