7 Steps To Becoming a Nurse in Canada as an IEN

The journey to become a  nurse in Canada may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation, you can successfully navigate the process and achieve your goal.

Let's discuss the step-by-step process to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in British Columbia, Canada, including how to register with the BCCNM, complete your Inspire Global Assessment, and prepare for your SLA and CBA exams.

 Step 1: Understand the Canadian Nursing Landscape and determine which province you want to migrate in

Before anything else, familiarize yourself with Canada’s regulated nursing professions:

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) (in select provinces)

Each province has its own regulatory body. In British Columbia, it’s the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Once you do, you have to decide which Canadian province you want to migrate to. Depending on the province you are planning to work in they will have difference application requirements and guidelines. 

Step 2: Start the Assessment Process via Inspire Global

In British Columbia, the BCCNM uses Inspire Global Assessments to evaluate the competencies of Internationally Educated Nurses.

Document Verification

Before applying for the CBA and SLA assessments, you must have your nursing documents verified by an approved third-party agency.

Visit the Inspire Global Assessment website and check their list of approved document verification agencies. These agencies will assess the authenticity of your:

• Nursing education transcripts

• Nursing registration history

• Employment verification

• Language proficiency results (IELTS or CELBAN)

• Identity documents

Once your documents are verified and accepted, you can proceed with booking your assessments.

 Step 3: Apply to BCCNM

After completing your document verification and receiving eligibility confirmation from Inspire Global:

1. Create a BCCNM online account.

2. Submit an IEN application for the appropriate license (RN or LPN).

3. Pay the application fee.

4. BCCNM will review your application and direct you to complete the Inspire Global Assessments.

Step 4: Complete the Inspire Global Assessment/NCAS (CBA & SLA with Oral questions)

1.  CBA (Computer-Based Assessment)

• A multiple-choice exam (120–150 questions) testing your theoretical nursing knowledge.

• Topics include:

  • Nursing fundamentals

  • Medical-surgical nursing

  • Maternal-child, pediatric, and mental health nursing

  • Ethics, professionalism, and Canadian healthcare concepts

2. SLA (Simulation Lab Assessment) with Oral portion 

• A hands-on clinical simulation exam (OSCE-style).

• Evaluates:

  • Communication and therapeutic interaction

  • Head-to-toe assessments

  • Clinical judgment

  • Prioritization, infection control, and safe practice

  • Documentation (FDAR/SOAP style)

Tip: The SLA focuses heavily on your ability to apply nursing knowledge in real-time, so practice simulation scenarios is key.

 Step 5: Prepare for the CBA and SLA

For CBA:

• Use NCLEX-style practice questions.

• Study the Canadian Entry-to-Practice Competencies.

• Focus on areas such as ethics, critical thinking, leadership, and cultural safety.

For SLA:

• Practice with clinical scenarios in a lab or online simulation course.

• Master basic nursing procedures like vital signs, med administration, and IV therapy.

• Learn to document correctly using FDAR or SOAP.

• Familiarize yourself with clinical decision-making frameworks such as the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM).

Step 6: Get Your Assessment Results

Once you’ve completed the CBA and SLA:

• Inspire Global sends your results to BCCNM.

• If you meet all competency requirements, you’ll move to the next stage.

• If gaps are identified, you may be required to take:

  • Bridging education

  • Clinical placements

  • NCLEX-RN (for RN applicants)

 Step 7: Apply for Licensure and Start Practicing

After completing all steps and bridging, if required:

1.Apply for provisional or full registration with BCCNM.

2.Complete any required jurisprudence modules.

3.Write the NCLEX-RN (for RNs) or CPNRE (for LPNs) if not already done.

 Once licensed, you can begin your nursing career in Canada!

 Final Tips for Success

• Stay organized: Keep track of your verification steps and deadlines.

• Be patient: The full process may take 12–24 months.

• Seek support: Join IEN support groups, prep courses, or mentoring programs.

• Invest in prep: Solid preparation for the SLA and CBA increases your chances of passing on the first try.

Need Help with the Process?

I offer prep programs and personalized support for IENs to succeed in:

• CBA/SLA assessments

• Documentation and interview prep

• Bridging program success

Sign up for my upcoming IEN preparation course (CBA and SLA) for a discounted offer. It includes CBA practice questions, SLA case scenario simulation breakdown, nursing and HCA skills review, pathophysiology and more! https://www.nursingcollective.co/course

📩 Contact me or follow @irahkwok on YouTube for valuable study resources and updates to help you in your nursing journey in Canada. Good luck nurses!