Canadian Nurse Practitioner Licensing Exam (CNPLE)
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Canadian Nurse Practitioner Licensing Exam (CNPLE)
As of 2026, Canadian NPs (with the exception of Quebec and neonatal NPs) will be educated and licensed to practice in all health care settings. The CNPLE was developed in order to support this new approach, based off these Entry-level Competencies.
For information on booking the CNPLE, including study guides, examination dates, and booking deadlines, please click here.
The exam blueprint for the CNPLE is available as of January 2026. Developed by Meazure learning in consultation with NPs from jurisdictions across Canada. The blueprint includes exam details, such as:
length
question format/presentation
questions by domains
cognitive level of questions
contextual variables
The exam uses a linear-on-the-fly format, meaning that each test-taker will receive the same number of questions at the same level of difficulty, buyt with a unique batch of questions.
YRNA has adopted the CNPLE as the single licensing exam for entry to practice. As other jurisdictions transition to the CNPLE, YRNA will continue to accept NP licensure exams that are accepted by other Canadian jurisdictions for initial (first) NP registration and licensure. After this transition (expected by the end of the 2026 calendar year), the CNPLE will be the only exam recognized for registration and licensure. If you are in doubt or have any quetions, please reach out to our team at: admin@yrna.ca
If you wish to write the CNPLE, please contact YRNA via admin@yrna.ca to indicate that you would like to be approved to attempt the exam. You will also be required to provide proof of completion of your NP program to YRNA.
If you require any examination accommodations, such as extra time or a remote sitting, please inform YRNA of specific accommodations when you submit your request.