What to Know About the Canadian Nurse Registration Exam

A career in nursing demands empathy, stamina, and flexibility. Of course, professional nurses are also required to meet certain educational standards in order to become certified. In Canada, registered and practical nurses must take and pass the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam). This challenging test helps ensure that all nurses working in Canada have the knowledge and skills necessary for their professional practice.

This Canadian nurse exam is often the last hurdle that healthcare professionals must jump before starting their careers. With so much riding on the results of the CPNRE, it's important to thoroughly prepare for the test. By fully understanding the format, content and scoring of the exam, you'll be ready to tackle any question that might arise. Practice tests, too, can help you familiarize yourself with the timing and structure of the CPNRE.

What to Expect on the CPNRE

The CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam) is comprised of 165-170 multiple choice questions. The computer-based exam must be completed in four hours or less. About half of the items are case-based, requiring test takers to read a brief healthcare scenario and answer questions about the situation. The other half of the test is made up of independent questions that do not pertain to a specific scenario.

This Canadian nurse exam challenges aspiring healthcare workers to use their critical thinking and comprehension skills under pressure. So much more than just a test of what you know, the CPNRE challenges you to recall facts, figures and best practices while applying them to real world scenarios. The high stakes are enough to give even the most knowledgeable nursing student test anxiety. Thankfully, practice tests have been shown to be one of the best forms of exam preparation. Incorporating them into your studies in the lead up to the CPNRE can help you perform well under pressure.

How the CPNRE is Scored

The CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam) is a pass or fail test. Unlike other exams where you might need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass, the CPNRE pass mark varies from year to year. Content experts from across Canada work with the creators of the exam to set a pass mark that's proportionate to the performance of an entry-level nurse. Data on previous exam pass rates are also factored into the pass mark for the CPNRE.

Though scored by a computer, the grading of this Canadian nurse exam is supervised by officials for quality control. If your score is considered borderline, it will be rescored to determine the correct result. If you fail the CPNRE, you can request a remark of your test for an additional fee. You can also appeal the result with your province's regulatory authority.

CPNRE Test Prep

In order to perform well and pass the CPNRE on your first attempt, you'll want to incorporate plenty of practice tests into your studies. By understanding the kinds of questions you'll be asked on the real thing, you'll prepare in a way that's smarter, not harder. While outlining chapters in your textbooks and creating flashcards can indeed help you prepare, these methods can't help you identify your nursing blind spots. A practice test, on the other hand, allows you to see exactly which content areas you should focus your attention.

Practice tests can also help you feel more comfortable with the format of the CPNRE. Many people feel nervous when entering a test center, and their anxiety only increases once they realize they have four hours of exam questions ahead of them. A practice test, taken from the comfort of your own home, is the ideal way to handle the psychological pressure that so often accompanies this Canadian nurse exam. You'll walk into the real CPNRE with confidence knowing you've already faced the material and format from home.

Take a CPNRE Practice Test Now

Don't let the stress of test prep get in the way of your career goals. Nursing students hoping to give themselves a boost on their certification exam should consider registering with Exam Edge. Our library of tools and resources make it easy to prepare. With the option to take a CPNRE practice test in real time, you can practice your time management and ensure you don't run over the four hour test window. Or, use the pause button to tackle test questions at your own pace. Detailed answers help explain what the correct response really is - take notes on the items you got wrong and you'll be ready for the real CPNRE in no time.

Exam Edge offers free sample practice tests for new members, allowing Canadian nursing hopefuls a peek behind the test prep curtain. You'll see for yourself just how helpful our resources can be. Get started now by clicking here for a free sample practice test, or register today for access to all of our CPNRE resources!