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 Requirements
As part of assessment/registration the RPNAS requires all International applicants to provide an English language test.
The tests named in the chart below are the only English language tests accepted by the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS).
You must achieve a passing score in either the CELBAN test or the IELTS test. You do not need to take both tests. You cannot combine your scores if you do take both tests.
RPNAS must receive your test results directly from the testing organization.
Your results must be from a test taken within the two years preceding the date you are approved to write the registration examination. If your test results become older than two years during the application process you MAY have to retake the test and have the organization submit your new results.
Applicants can meet the language proficiency requirement by achieving the minimum scores for 1 of the following tests:
| Name of Test | Passing Scores | Testing Location and Contact Information | Other Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | CELBAN | Speaking (8) Listening (9) Reading (8) Writing (7) | Canadian English Language Assessment Services (CELAS) Centre 145 Wellington St. W. Suite 600 | We recommend that you complete a CELBAN self- assessment readiness test before applying to write the examination. |
| 2. | IELTS-Academic Version | Listening (7.0) Reading (6.5) Writing (6.5) Speaking (7.0) Overall Band Score (7.0) | International English Language Testing System www.ielts.org. To find a test centre near you, visit the website and click on “Test Takers,” then “Find my nearest test centre.” | These are the minimum benchmark scores for each component that must be achieved and includes the standard error of measurement. |