Graduate Nurse License Renewals
This allows a recent graduate to practice as a Graduate Nurse while waiting to complete the RN requirements. This license is limited to 120 days and can be renewed to a maximum of 2 times.
We are experiencing a high volume of requests due to our yearly renewal, as a result you may experience a delayed response.
Steps for Graduate Nurse License Extension
You must currently be in the process of writing the NCLEX-RN, by having an exam appointment booked. If you are not, you will need to:
a. Register for the NCLEX-RN examination with Pearson VUE and pay the $378.00 fee.
b. Submit the NCLEX Application and pay the $136.50 fee with the CRNS.
c. Once your CRNS NCLEX application has been approved, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE within 3 business days. Book your exam appointment within the days stated.
When You Have Booked Your Exam Appointment
Log in to your CRNS account, and complete the Graduate Nurse (GN) Renewal form. This option to renew your license will not appear on your CRNS profile until approximately 28 days before your current GN license expires. The renewal form will not be processed until the CRNS receives confirmation directly from Pearson VUE that an exam appointment has been booked. The application includes:
- A Graduate Nurse Consent for Statement from Employer form. The start date on the form is the date you began practicing as a GN (clinical practice), which may be different from your hire date. The CRNS will send the appropriate document to your nurse manager. From there, the status of your application will be updated to corrected.
- A GN Continuing Competence Program (CCP) form. This form is a requirement for the second and final GN extension only. For the first extension, simply upload the blank CCP form and then submit your GN Renewal form.
Once all requirements have been met the status of this application will change to approved and the GN invoice will appear on the CRNS Portal. Once this fee is paid you can print a new License Card. It is your responsibility to monitor the status of your CRNS Portal account.
Use the Nurse License Check to verify your GN license before commencing work.
If you are unsuccessful in your third exam attempt, your GN license will be cancelled two business days after the exam result is emailed. Bylaw V - Registration, Section 4(7) states: A temporary license is cancelled upon notice the member has failed the required examination for the third time.
Regulations and entry requirements are subject to bylaw and policy changes.
If you have questions, contact exams@crns.ca.