Applying for a Credential Assessment
The CLPNM’s credential assessment process is designed to help internationally educated nurses (IENs) feel confident, prepared and safe for practice in Manitoba. Through the process, the CLPNM will assess the applicant’s education, experience and competence as a nurse to determine if it is comparable to a licensed practical nurse in Manitoba.
IENs who begin and complete the credential assessment process in Manitoba develop the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in a wide range of practice environments.
The information below provides a brief overview of how to apply for a credential assessment. More detailed information about each step in the process is provided in the Credential Assessment Guide for IENs.
How to Apply
Apply to the CLPNM
To open an application with the CLPNM, you will need to create a profile in the CLPNM’s online registration system.
After you have created your profile in our registration system, open a credential assessment file by selecting “apply to practicing”. Please ensure that you review the questions on the application carefully.
Once you open a credential assessment application file, you will have one (1) year to complete it.
You do not need to wait for an NNAS report before you open your CLPNM file. You can open your file with the CLPNM while waiting for your NNAS report.
If you require further information, please contact the CLPNM by email or by phone at 1-877-663-1212.
Open a File With NNAS
IENs applying to the CLPNM must also open a file with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) using the NNAS Expedited Service. You will provide information to the NNAS using its centralized online application portal, which is accessible through the NNAS website.
If the NNAS has already issued an RN Advisory Report on your behalf to the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM), the CLPNM may be able to accept your RN Advisory Report from the CRNM in place of a new LPN Advisory Report from the NNAS. Please contact the CLPNM by email for more information.
You do not need to wait for an NNAS report before you open your CLPNM file. You can start your file with the CLPNM while waiting for the NNAS report.
Did you know?
Language Proficiency
Applicants to the CLPNM now have a range of options for demonstrating their language proficiency.
The CLPNM accepts a number of language proficiency tests and a number of alternatives to testing. See here for more information.
Clinical Competence Assessments
There is currently no wait time to register for and complete a clinical competence assessment.
IENs who are unsuccessful in their first clinical competence assessment will have the opportunity to repeat it, at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Bridging Education
There is currently no wait time to enroll in Manitoba’s bridging education program, which is offered two times per year.
Nearly all of the IENs who complete Manitoba’s bridging education program pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination on their first attempt.
Earn While You Learn
IENs who are deemed eligible by the CLPNM are permitted to quickly enter into paid practice, with an eligible Manitoba employer, while they complete bridging education.
Read more about the SIEN Gap Training Program below.
Financial Support
Other Resources
Red River College offers free courses in healthcare culture, language and communication for internationally educated nurses. See here for more information.
Also review our list of useful links below.
This video is a recording of a presentation provided on June 28, 2023 by the CLPNM, CRNM, and CRPNM explaining their respective IEN credential assessment processes.
Note that the information is current as of the date of the presentation and is subject to change.
SIEN Gap Training Program
IENs who are deemed eligible by the CLPNM are permitted to quickly enter into paid practice, with an eligible Manitoba employer, while they work on completing bridging education.
The Supervised Internationally Educated Nurse (SIEN) Gap Training program enables eligible IENs to work in an environment where they have support from other nurses and where they will be granted time off to participate in required education. IENs in the SIEN Gap Training program may use their paid practice hours instead of undertaking a separate clinical practicum through an educational institution.
If you are an IEN credential assessment applicant, the CLPNM will advise you if you are eligible for the SIEN Gap Training program after you have completed a clinical competence assessment (CCA) and the CLPNM has reviewed your CCA results.
Are you an employer with questions about the SIEN Gap Training program? If so, see our FAQ page here
For more information about the credential assessment process, please review the video below. This video is a recording of a presentation provided on June 28, 2023 by the CLPNM, CRNM, and CRPNM explaining their respective IEN credential assessment processes.
Links
- CELBAN Testing Centres
- IELTS Testing Centres
- TEF Canada
- Occupational English Test
- Pearson Test of English
- Manitoba Start
- The ENTRY Program
- Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO)
- Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC)
- Health-Care Culture, Language and Communication Skills for Internationally-Educated Nurses
- Communication for Internationally-Educated Health Professionals
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Planning for Canada
- College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba
- College of Registered
Disclaimer
At the end of the credential assessment process, the CLPNM will advise you whether you are eligible to apply for registration with the CLPNM.
The CLPNM’s official registration decision will be communicated in writing and no verbal representations or warranties by any staff will be binding on the CLPNM, or relevant to the assessment process by CLPNM, or to any subsequent appeal made to the Board of CLPNM.
