Licensing guide · 5 minute read
Ontario vs Alberta nursing registration for internationally educated nurses.
Both provinces use the NCLEX-RN and the same English minimums. The main differences: Ontario requires a Transition to Practice course and accepts more English tests, while Alberta asks for 450 practice hours in the past 2 years, two short online courses and liability protection through CNPS. Once registered in one province, moving to Ontario is fast. For the other provinces, see how to become a nurse in Canada.
How does nursing registration differ between Ontario and Alberta?
This table compares the requirements for an internationally educated RN registering with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).
| Ontario (CNO) | Alberta (CRNA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Credential check | WES, ICAS or ICES, or an NNAS Expedited report prepared by TruMerit | IQAS, WES, ICAS, ICES or CES, or an NNAS report rated comparable or somewhat comparable |
| Registration exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN |
| English tests accepted | CELBAN, IELTS (Academic or General), OET, PTE Academic, TEF, TCF | CELBAN or IELTS Academic only |
| Recent practice | Paid nursing practice, or graduation, in the past 3 years; no hour count | 450 hours in the past 2 practice years, or within 5: 1,125 hours, an approved nursing program, a bridging or re-entry program, or RNCCAP |
| Transition course | CNO-approved Transition to Practice course | None; two online courses instead (jurisprudence, and protecting patients from sexual abuse and misconduct) |
| Liability protection | At least $1 million per claim, any provider | CNPS protection required, $88 plus GST |
Which province is easier if I have been out of practice?
It depends on how recent your practice is. Ontario asks for paid nursing practice in the last three years but sets no number of hours. Alberta counts hours: at least 450 in the two practice years before you apply, and the NCLEX-RN itself does not count toward them. Alberta's practice year runs from 1 October to 30 September.
If you are short of 450 hours, CRNA accepts any one of these within the five practice years before you apply:
- 1,125 hours of RN or NP practice
- An approved nursing education program
- The Registered Nurses Canadian Competence Assessment Program (RNCCAP), with results at RN level
- A recognized nursing bridging program
- An approved re-entry (refresher) program
Ontario has no hour count, and an Ontario applicant whose practice is too old may qualify for supervised practice through SPEP.
Is the English requirement the same?
The minimum scores are the same for CELBAN and IELTS, but Alberta accepts only those two tests, and only IELTS Academic. Ontario also accepts IELTS General Training, OET, PTE Academic and two French tests. See every minimum score.
What are Alberta's fees?
CRNA charges $183.75 to open an account and $483 for a full-year practice permit from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027, with GST included. Its assessment fee is not refundable, and CRNA says a decision can take up to four weeks once it has everything. Ontario's fees are in our Ontario cost table.
Can I register in Alberta and move to Ontario later?
Yes. A nurse currently registered in another Canadian province, and not on a temporary or provisional registration, can register with CNO through automatic recognition, eligible within two business days.
Either way, it's the NCLEX-RNOur live classes prepare you for both provinces.
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What else do nurses ask?
Is it faster to register in Alberta than Ontario?
Alberta's regulator, CRNA, says a decision can take up to four weeks once it has everything, while CNO's guideline for the whole Ontario process is about 12 months. Which is faster for you depends on your situation.
Do I write a different exam in Alberta?
No. Alberta and Ontario both use the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses.
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