What Happens After Your Inspire Global Assessment | Next Steps for Internationally Educated Nurses in BC Canada
If you’re an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to work as a registered nurse in British Columbia, Canada, completing your Inspire Global Assessment (formerly NCAS) is one of the most important steps in your nursing registration journey.
The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what comes after the Computer-Based Assessment (CBA) and Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA). Your next steps could determine whether you start working as a nurse in BC within weeks or spend months—sometimes years—completing additional requirements.
This step-by-step guide will help you understand:
What happens after the Inspire Global Assessment in Canada
The four possible BCCNM outcomes for internationally educated nurses
How to prepare so you can take the fastest route to becoming a nurse in BC
Understanding the Inspire Global Assessment
What Is the Inspire Global Assessment?
The Inspire Global Assessment evaluates your nursing competencies against Canadian entry-to-practice standards. It has two main parts:
Computer-Based Assessment (CBA)
Multiple-choice exam testing your theoretical nursing knowledge.
Includes clinical scenarios, pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing fundamentals.
Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA)
Hands-on simulations testing practical nursing skills.
Focus on patient safety, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Key difference from regular exams: There’s no pass/fail. Instead, it measures your skills compared to Canadian-educated nurses.
How and When You Get Your Results
One combined Performance Report for both CBA and SLA.
Sent to you and then to BCCNM.
Timeline: 60–90 days after completing both assessments.
Important: Inspire Global Assessment does not decide your registration—BCCNM does.
Four Possible BCCNM Outcomes After the Inspire Global Assessment
1. Direct Registration Eligibility – The Fast Track
If you meet all entry-level nursing competencies:
Proceed directly to registration steps (criminal record check, fees).
You could be working within weeks.
Rare outcome—most IENs require further preparation.
2. Transitional Practice Experience (TPE) – 250 Hours of Supervised Practice
If you have strong skills but need Canadian practice evaluation:
250 hours of supervised nursing practice with one employer.
Gain mentorship from experienced Canadian nurses.
Learn local protocols, documentation, and team collaboration.
3. Required Courses – Targeted Skill Upgrading
If you have specific competency gaps, BCCNM may require short courses in:
Therapeutic communication
Physical assessment
Canadian healthcare documentation
Most courses are online and must be completed before receiving your provisional license.
4. GNIE Program – Full Nursing Re-Entry
If there are significant gaps in competencies:
Graduate Nurse Internationally Educated (GNIE) program (1-year, full-time).
Includes theory, skills labs, clinical rotations, and supervised practice.
Offered at schools like Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Frequently Asked Questions for IENs
Can I Work While Completing Required Courses or TPE?
No provisional license until all courses and 250 hours of supervised practice are complete.
Can I Take the NCLEX Before BCCNM’s Decision?
In BC, NCLEX-RN is the final step.
Passing early does not speed up BCCNM’s process.
Many IENs get their provisional license and work before taking the NCLEX.
Why Preparation for Inspire Global Assessment Is Crucial
A strong CBA/SLA performance can mean the difference between:
Weeks/months to registration vs. years of additional education.
Significant savings on tuition and living expenses.
Preparation Tips for Internationally Educated Nurses
Review Canadian nursing competencies: professionalism, ethics, evidence-based care.
Practice Canadian-style NCLEX/CBA questions: focus on critical thinking and prioritization.
Master Canadian medication names and administration protocols.
Improve English communication for safety and teamwork.
Consider a prep course: My CBA & SLA Preparation Course helps IENs with realistic practice scenarios and coaching.
Final Thoughts for IENs in Canada
Your journey as an internationally educated nurse in Canada is unique, and the path after the Inspire Global Assessment will depend on your results. Whether you go straight to registration, complete the Transitional Practice Experience, or join the GNIE program, each step brings you closer to becoming a registered nurse in BC, Canada.
The most important thing is to stay prepared, be patient, and keep moving forward. With the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve your goal of building a successful nursing career in British Columbia.
📌 Ready to prepare for your Inspire Global Assessment?
Join my CBA & SLA Prep Program and get the tools, strategies, and confidence you need to succeed not only during your exams, most especially before you join the nursing workforce in Canada.
