New Graduate

Provisional registration is governed by the RN Regulations and means you have submitted an application for provisional registration through the Member Portal and met all the requirements for registration with the exception of successful completion of the registered nurse examination or receipt of a satisfactory professional reference.

Provisional registration may be granted for up to three years. 

Provisional registration alone does not permit you to practice nursing. You must hold an interim licence or annual licence to practice nursing in NL.

1. Complete the Provisional Registration Application in the Member Portal and register and pay the NCLEX exam fee with National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) by the application deadline:
   • Ensure you have the following documents available to upload:
     • copy of your birth certificate
     • copy of your legal change of name; if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate)
     • copy of a government issued identification that includes your photograph and signature
   • The College application processing fee ($172.50 includes HST) must be submitted with application. Application fee will not be refunded once the application review process has commenced.
   • Graduates of a nursing education program outside of Newfoundland and Labrador are required to submit the following additional documents:
     • An official transcript from the university where you completed your nursing education. This must be sent directly to the College from the university.
     • A professional reference letter from a nursing faculty member or clinical preceptor. This must be sent directly to the College from the referee.
   • Graduates of a nursing education program within Newfoundland and Labrador:  Confirmation of successful education program completion is provided to the College directly from Memorial University’s Office of the Registrar.
2. Submit a Certificate of Conduct to the College by the deadline.
   Note:  Applicants must read the factsheet in detail for information on submission requirements and accepted sources.
3. The College will notify you by email when provisional registration has been granted.
4. You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE directing you to schedule your exam appointment.
5. Applicants wishing to practise as a graduate nurse in NL prior to writing NCLEX-RN® must apply for an interim licence.
6. Successfully pass NCLEX-RN®.
7. Apply for initial licensure or membership through the Member Portal.

An interim licence may be issued to Newfoundland and Labrador graduates and Canadian graduates who have been granted provisional registration. To obtain an interim licence to practise nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must submit the following:

1. Submit an application through the Member Portal and pay the licensure fee ($156.40). Professional Liability Protection fee (68.00 plus HST) paid directly to Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS). 
   Detailed information on the interim licence application process is provided in an email from The College confirming provisional registration has been granted. See: Fact sheet on Interim Licensure.
2. Once the interim licence (IL) has been issued you will receive an electronic receipt and your name will display on the College’s Member Search. An interim licence is required before commencing employment, which includes orientation. Please check your licensure status via The College’s online member search display to confirm your IL has been issued.

Note:  An interim licence is issued for a four (4) month period.  Individuals granted an interim licence must schedule and attempt the NCLEX exam during the interim license period.

Unauthorized Practise: Graduate nurses who practise without a valid interim licence will be subject to an Unauthorized Practise Fee ($100 shift worked with a maximum fee of three times the regular licensure cost) and subject to discipline where the period of practice exceeds 3 shifts from and including the 1st shift.

An interim licence holder who is unsuccessful on their first exam writing will have their interim licence revoked. Individuals may be granted an Interim Licence-II (IL-II) subject to conditions and restrictions as outlined in the unsuccessful exam notification. The College will forward an IL-II application directly to an applicant where applicable. An applicant is not permitted to resume practice until an IL-II is granted.

For more information, please visit the IL-II FAQ’s

Note:  An IL-II is issued for a six (6) month period. Individuals granted an IL-II must schedule and complete their second exam attempt during the IL-II period.