NP Competency Validation Process

Notice: On April 3, 2023, the RN Regulations were amended to include the addition of a Supervised Practice Experience Partnership Program (SPEPP) for NP Re-entry, to meet the currency of practice hours requirement for renewal of an NP licence. On November 23, 2023 the College Council approved the NP SPEPP requirements and process so that the program is now available to eligible candidates.

Registrants who no longer meet the currency of practice hours requirement for renewal of an NP practising license, under Section 8 of the RN Regulations, may regain their eligibility by completing one of the following:

  • Supervised Practice Experience Partnership Program (SPEPP) – employment focused program.
  • NP Competency Validation Process (NPCVP).

Supervised Practice Experience Partnership Program (SPEPP) – Interim NP Licence with Conditions

The SPEPP is a regulatory program that is employment focused and available to individuals seeking re-licensure with the College. To be eligible for the program individuals must:

  • Presently or previously been registered/licensed as an NP with the College or another Canadian regulatory body;
  • Registration status must be in good standing;
  • Have practice hours as a NP within the last 6 years. Hours not on file with the College must be submitted and verified.

Note: If there are no NP practice hours in the last 6 years the individual must complete the NP Competency Validation Process.

For additional information on SPEPP see the College’s SPEPP Guide and Frequently Asked Questions Re-entry Fact Sheet. The guide includes forms that must be submitted by the applicant and the supporting employer/organization.

Click here to open the IL-C application.

To access SPEPP forms, which must be submitted by the applicant and the supporting employer/organization, please click on the following links:

Eligible re-entry applicants will apply for an interim nurse practitioner licence with conditions (INPL-C) and must have an NL employer. The licence will be granted until the end of the licensure year (up to 12 months) and may be extended. The program includes 900 hours of practice in a mutually agreed on area of practice. A minimum of 300 hours must be completed in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of an experienced preceptor. The remaining hours (600) under direct or indirect supervision.

Contact [email protected] for information on the INPL-C application process.

Note: Individuals who held a practicing NP licence in the immediately preceding licensure year and have practice hours from that year, but are not eligible for renewal, may be eligible for a condensed version of SPEPP allowing them to obtain the outstanding number of hours they need to meet the legislative requirement.

Note: Some Registrants may be required to successfully complete an NP licensure exam prior to being eligible for NP licensure. For questions related to SPEPP, contact [email protected].

NP Competency Validation Process (NPCVP)

Nurse Practitioner (NP) registrants who no longer meet the currency of practice hours requirement for renewal of an NP practicing license, and who are not eligible for SPEPP re-entry, are required to complete the NP Competency Validation Process (NPCVP). The Registrant must be eligible for and hold an RN Practicing licence to commence the NPCVP.

Registrants must submit an application to the College and be approved prior to commencing.

Upon completion of the NPCVP, the Registrant will be eligible to re-apply for NP licensure.

Note: Some Registrants may be required to successfully complete an NP licensure exam prior to being eligible for NP licensure. For questions related to the NPCVP, please contact [email protected]