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 a 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 RPNAS, 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 RPNAS. Email info@rpnas.com and provide your legal name, NNAS ID Number and NNAS Application Number. We will advise you next steps in the process with RPNAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered psychiatric nurse in Saskatchewan?
Assessment by RPNAS for a registration takes time.
You will have 6 months from the date an application and fees are paid to submit outstanding documentation. If documents are not received in 6 months, your application will expire and you must reapply.
When you are referred for a competency assessment, you will have 12 months to book the assessment, submit the assessment fee, and complete the assessment with NCAS.
If you are referred for additional 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, processing times, volume and availability of the NCAS assessment and completion of required coursework (as needed).
Can you fast track applications for registration if I have a job offer in Saskatchewan?
RPNAS can not fast track applications from applicants who have secured a job in Saskatchewan.
RPNAS strongly encourages you to not commit to an employment start date until your application for RPNAS registration has been assessed and you are aware of the requirements you must meet to become registered.
Why is RPNAS requesting current identity documents?
RPNAS 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 R-01- Application for Registration, 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 RPNAS?
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 RPNAS ‘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 RPNAS will seek to verify the information.
Can I give RPNAS my username and password to access my account for retrieval of my criminal record results in my home country or in Canada?
No. RPNAS 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 to for it to be sent to RPNAS.
Do I need to be living in Canada or travel to Canada to complete the NCAS assessment?
No, you do not need to reside in Canada or travel to Canada to complete the NCAS assessment.
The NCAS Assessment is made up of two components. The computer-based assessment (CBA) can be completed in a virtual proctored computer lab setting in many countries and cities around the world. The simulation lab assessment (SLA) is an objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE)-style assessment completed virtually from anywhere in the world.
Please visit www.ncasbc.ca to find more information.
Where do I find information about writing the RPNCE?
Information about writing the RPNCE may be found on the RPNAS website under RPNCE webpages.
Applicants are required to write the RPNCE in Canada once deemed eligible.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
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 | The CELBAN Centre: https://www.celbancentre.ca/
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IELTS – International English Language Testing SystemAcademic Version only | Speaking: 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 | Occupational English Test: https://oet.com/ 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 | Pearson Test of English: https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic
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