The SPEP is a regulatory program that is employment focused and available to eligible candidates in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), who have met educational requirements but do not meet currency of practice requirements.
Eligible IENs must have a NL employer and can then apply for a Temporary License. The Temporary License will be granted for a 6-month period. The program includes 450 hours of practice in a mutually agreed on area of practice with a minimum of 135 hours under direct supervision of an experienced LPN or in certain circumstances a RN preceptor. The remaining (315) can be completed under direct or indirect supervision. By participating in the program, candidates will meet the currency of practice hours requirement and enhance their nursing knowledge, skill and judgement.
Following successful completion of SPEP, candidates who are International Educated Nurses (IENs) will be eligible to register for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). Successful completion of the CPNRE is the final step to move to initial licensure as a LPN. Applicants who are re-entry candidates and have already passed the CPNRE, can move to initial licensure following successful completion of the SPEP.
For additional information on SPEP see the CLPNNL's SPEP Guide and CLPNNL Memo and FAQ's on the program.
SPEP Application for Temporary Licensure 2023 - 2024
SPEP Form for Employers/Organizations
In January, invitations to online licensure renewal are emailed to all LPNs who currently hold a license to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The CLPNNL has instituted an administrative deadline of March 1st each year for the receipt of license renewal applications and fees. LPNs who fail to complete the online renewal application and pay the fee by midnight on March 1 will be subject to the administrative deadline late fee of $56.74 + $8.51 HST= $65.25.
LPNs who fail to complete the online renewal application and pay the applicable fees by the March 31st license expiry date will be considered non-licensed and will be subject to a reinstatement fee of $100.00 + $15.00 HST= $115.00 in addition to the administrative deadline late fee of $56.74 + $8.51 HST= $65.25. (Please see Licensure Reinstatement section for further details).
The annual license fee is $326.09 + $48.91 HST = $375.00 and is non-refundable once the license becomes effective for the year for which it is issued.
When the license is processed, the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
You can renew your license HERE.
Criteria for License Renewal
In accordance with the LPN Act (2005) Section 12 and LPN Regulations (2011) Sections 3, 4, 5, a license will be renewed if the following criteria are met:
- The online license renewal application is completed.
- The applicable fee is received.
- The Judicial/Disciplinary questions on the online license renewal application have been answered and the applicant is not subject to any disciplinary findings which would prohibit the practice of nursing.
- One of the following criteria is met:
- The applicant worked 1125 as a LPN in the 5 years immediately preceding the application; or
- The applicant worked 450 as a LPN in the 2 years immediately preceding the application; or
- The applicant graduated from an approved practical nursing education program or an approved PN Re-Entry/Refresher program in the 5 years immediately preceding application.
- If notice of a complaint/disciplinary action from an employer or other jurisdiction is received for an applicant holding a current license in NL, a summary outlining the nature of the complaint will be obtained from the employer/jurisdiction and the applicant. Those summaries will be reviewed by the CLPNNL CEO/Registrar to determine if the complaint impedes the licensing process.
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CLPNNL) has the legislated responsibility, in accordance with the Licensed Practical Nurses Act (2005), to regulate the practice of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Newfoundland and Labrador. In keeping with its mandate of public protection, the CLPNNL implemented a mandatory Continuing Competency Program (CCP) for LPNs in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2017. The CCP was revised in 2023.
LPNs are required to demonstrate a commitment to continuing competence by meeting the requirements established through the Licensed Practical Nurses Regulations (2011), Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada (2020), and through the annual completion of CLPNNL’s Continuing Competency Program (CCP). Section 5. 1 (c) of the LPN Regulations states that “The Registrar may renew the license of a practical nurse who applies for renewal where the practical nurse has provided, in addition to the requirements set out in section 12 of the Act, proof that is satisfactory to the board of successful completion of a program of continuing competence as may be required by the board”. The Standards of Practice for LPNs states that “the LPN self-assess their professional practice and competence and participate in continuous learning”. Therefore, all LPNs, regardless of practice setting and employment status, are required to participate in the CCP each year in order to renew their license.
CLPNNL’s CCP is a regulatory program and a quality assurance element designed to assist LPNs to maintain and enhance their professional competence every year. It requires LPNs to reflect and identify opportunities to broaden their knowledge base, increase their skill capacity and enhance their individual scope of practice, ultimately achieving professional growth and continually improving competence throughout their nursing career. The CCP provides a level of assurance to the public that LPNs are continuously meeting their professional standards of practice.
The CCP is an integral part of the CLPNNL’s Quality Framework. As noted in the Quality Model below, it is one of the seven key elements which collectively supports LPNs in practicing safely, competently, compassionately, and ethically.
Starting April 1, 2023 CLPNNL has a new revised Continuing Competency Program (CCP). LPNs must use this revised CCP Toolkit for the licensing year 2023-2024.
- 2023 CCP Directed Learning Form
- 2023 CCP Professional Growth Plan
- 2023 CCP Record of Learning Form
- 2023 CCP Self-Assessment Tool
Applicants previously licensed with CLPNNL whose license has expired may be restored to active licensure status and issued a valid license to practice as a practical nurse if the requirements of the CLPNNL’s Regulation (2011) Section 5 are met and the required processes completed.
- Reinstatement After Failing to Renew License by the March 31 License Expiry Date
If a LPN fails to renew their license by midnight on the March 31st license expiry date, they no longer hold a valid license to practice and are required to:
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- Complete the Licensure Reinstatement application.
- Pay the reinstatement fee of $100.00 + $15.00 HST= $115.00
- Pay the administrative deadline late fee of $56.74 + $8.51 HST= $65.25.
- Complete a Verification of Hours Worked When Not Licensed with the CLPNNL form. This form grants CLPNNL permission to contact the employer to determine if the LPN worked any shifts while not holding a valid license.
- If it is determined that the LPN worked without a license, a penalty of $100.00 + $15.00 HST= $115.00 per shift, to a maximum of $1000.00 + $150.00 HST = $1150.00 will be applied. The LPN may be subject to disciplinary action.
- If more than 30 days lapse before the LPN renews their license, a new original criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check, must also be provided.
Once the renewal form, Verification of Hours Worked When Not Licensed with the CLPNNL form, criminal record check (if necessary) and applicable fees have been submitted and deemed satisfactory, the application will be processed and license issued. Once the license is issued, the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
- Reinstatement Upon Return from a Planned Leave
Before returning to work upon completion of a planned leave, where a license to practice has lapsed for more than 30 days, the following process is required:
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- Complete the Licensure Reinstatement application.
- Pay the reinstatement fee of $100.00 + $15.00 HST= $115.00
- Pay the licensure fee of $326.09 + $48.91 HST = $375.00 ($227 + $34.05 HST = $261.05 after December 1).
- Complete a Verification of Hours Worked When Not Licensed with the CLPNNL form. This form grants CLPNNL permission to contact the employer to determine if the LPN worked any shifts while not holding a valid license.
- An original current criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check, not older than six (6) months from the date your license is to be processed.
Once the renewal form, Verification of Hours Worked When Not Licensed with the CLPNNL form, criminal record check (if necessary) and applicable fees have been submitted and deemed satisfactory, the application will be processed and license issued. Once the license is issued, the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
- Reinstatement after Practice as a LPN outside of Newfoundland and Labrador
If a LPN requests reinstatement after having worked outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, an application package will be sent to the applicant outlining the specific requirements for reinstatement based on the individual’s unique circumstances. The following are the general requirements:
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- Completion of the Licensure Reinstatement application.
- Completion of Form B – Verification of Current Registration – by the licensing authority in the jurisdiction of most recent licensure.
- An original valid police record check, including vulnerable sector check, not older than six (6) months from the date your license is to be processed.
- If there are other documents outstanding from the LPN’s file, these will be requested.
- Pay the reinstatement fee of $100.00 + $15.00 HST= $115.00
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Pay the licensure fee of $326.09 + $48.91 HST = $375.00 ($227.00 + $34.05 HST = $261.05 after December 1).
When all required documentation and fees are received and deemed satisfactory, the application will be processed and license issued. Once the license is issued, the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
The CLPNNL will complete a Verification of Registration/Licensure Form for LPNs who are seeking licensure in other jurisdictions in Canada or elsewhere. The verification of licensure fee is $75.33 + $11.30 HST = $86.63. Once the fee has been received, the form will be completed and sent directly to the requesting jurisdiction.
Graduates of a Newfoundland and Labrador Practical Nursing Program must obtain a license to practice as a LPN. Graduates may:
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- Obtain a Temporary License upon successful completion of an approved PN program prior to writing the registration exam (CPNRE), or
- Obtain Initial Licensure after successful completion of the registration exam (CPNRE).
TEMPORARY LICENSURE
Graduates of a Newfoundland and Labrador Practical Nursing Program may apply for temporary licensure upon completion of their program. The temporary license will be valid until results of the CPNRE are released. Graduates must obtain a temporary license if they plan to work as a LPN prior to the writing the CPNRE. Click New Graduate Licensure Requirements to review the complete process.
NOTE: If you wish to apply for a temporary license prior to May 1 , 2023, your completed application, supporting documents and fee must be received in the CLPNNL office by March 13, 2023.
Temporary Licensure Fee (new graduate) from completion of PN Program in April until receipt of exam result is $376.66 + $56.50 HST = $433.16
It is the policy of CLPNNL that all new applicants for licensure are required to complete the Jurisprudence learning module provided free of charge through the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial Continuing Education Portal. The certificate of successful completion of this module must be submitted to CLPNNL before your temporary license to practice can be processed.
Documentation Required to Apply for Temporary Licensure as a Practical Nurse
- Completed licensure application form Temporary License Application 2023-2024 with the appropriate fee
- Original Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check dated within six (6) months from the date of application for licensure
- Color copy of picture I.D. (Driver’s License or Passport)
- Copy of Birth Certificate (color copy)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- Jurisprudence learning module certificate
The following documents must be submitted before temporary licensure can be converted to initial licensure:
- copy of PN diploma;
- official transcript for all four semesters of the PN Program; and
Upon receipt of a passing result on the CPNRE, and provided all documentation listed above have been submitted, this license will be converted from Temporary to Initial at no charge and will expire on March 31.
Initial Licensure
Graduates who do not apply for licensure until after they pass the CPNRE will apply for INITIAL LICENSURE.
Graduates Who Apply for Initial Licensure after they Pass the CPNRE
The Initial Licensure Fee from April 1 – March 31 is $376.66 + $56.50 HST = $433.16.
ANNUAL LICENSURE RENEWAL (first annual renewal after graduation)
The Annual Licensure Renewal fee for April 1 – March 31 is $326.09 + $48.91 HST = $375.00. You are required to apply for Annual Licensure Renewal for the next licensure year before March 1, 2024.
Any LPN who does not renew their license before the license expiry deadline of March 31st will be deemed non-licensed.
LPNs who fail to complete the Annual Renewal and pay the applicable fees by the March 31st license expiry date will be considered non-licensed and will be subject to a reinstatement fee of $100.00 + $15.00 HST= $115.00 in addition to the administrative deadline late fee of $56.74 + $8.51 HST= $65.25.
Important Points to Remember
- Once a license is issued, the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
- You are not permitted to work as a LPN without a valid license. Penalty fees will apply.
- If you plan to apply for licensure in another province/territory, contact the licensing authority for that province/territory to obtain the required information regarding licensure in that jurisdiction. Your NL license is not valid in another province/territory. Contact information for the various provinces/territories is available on the Links page of this website.
- Your license with the CLPNNL provides you with $2,000,000.00 liability insurance coverage. If you are involved in an incident that may be subject to a possible claim while employed as a LPN you are to notify the CLPNNL immediately.
NATIONAL EXAM
Graduates of Practical Nursing Programs in Canada must write a registration examination before being licensed to practice. The LPN examination is the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). In consultation with the exam provider, Meazure Learning, the CLPNNL offers 6 CPNRE writing windows annually.
CPNRE results are reported as “Pass” or “Fail.” Candidates have a maximum of 4 opportunities to pass the registration examination in the 36-month period immediately following their eligibility to write and will not be permitted a further opportunity to write the exam without re-completing a full practical nursing program. There must be a 45 day break between scheduled writings.
Examination results are released to candidates from the CLPNNL office. Candidates who are unsuccessful in their first writing of the CPNRE must stop working immediately as they are no longer licensed to practice as a LPN.
CPNRE Website - Yardstick Assessment Strategies
CPNRE Testing Accommodation Form 1
CPNRE Testing Accommodation Form 2
CPNRE 2023 Testing Windows:
- January 3, 2023 - January 31, 2023
- March 1, 2023 - March 31, 2023
- May 1, 2023 - May 31, 2023
- July 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023
- September 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023
- November 1, 2023 - November 30, 2023
For additional information on the CPNRE, visit www.cpnre.ca
LPNs/RPNs from other provinces who wish to apply for licensure in Newfoundland and Labrador are required to complete the Credential Assessment process to determine eligibility.
All Licensed Practical Nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador must have education in IV Therapy, Medication Administration, Blood and Blood Products, and Health Assessment.
It is the policy of CLPNNL that all new applicants for licensure are required to complete the Jurisprudence learning module provided free of charge through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Continuing Education Portal.
Fee for Credential Assessment Application for LPNs Registered in another Canadian province/territory
- $200.90 + $30.14 HST = $231.04
Fee for Credential Assessment for LPNs NOT Registered in another Canadian province/territory
- $200.90 + $30.14 HST = $231.04
Credential Assessment Package
Complete the credential assessment package applicable to your situation. Once all required documentation and fees have been received your file will be assessed. If you are deemed eligible to apply for licensure in this province, you will be provided instructions regarding fees and requirements. While each situation is unique, the credential assessment process generally takes 2 - 4 weeks to complete.
Credential Assessment Application for LPNs registered within Canada
Complete all sections of the Credential Assessment application and Form B and submit to CLPNNL, along with the appropriate processing fee and the following documentation:
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of marriage certificate/divorce decree in the event of a name change (if applicable)
- Copy of government-issued picture identification (color copy)
- Applicants whose first language is not English and whose English proficiency was not assessed by another Canadian jurisdiction should submit IELTS or CELBAN language score
- Fee $200.90 + $30.14 HST = $231.04 (cheque or money order payable to CLPNNL or pay with credit card or debit by calling (709) 579-3843 Ext. 100
- Credential Assessment Application for LPNs registered within Canada.
- Form B (Verification of Registration)– Complete Section A of Form B and send a copy to all licensing boards where you have been licensed in the last 5 years. They will complete and send it directly to the CLPNNL.
Once deemed eligible for licensure in Newfoundland and Labrador, the applicant must:
- Provide an Original Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screen, not older than six (6) months before the date your license is to be processed.
- Pay the Initial licensure fee of $376.66 +HST ($227.00 + $34.05 HST = $261.05 after December 1).
- Submit a certificate of completion for the Jurisprudence learning module.
When all fees and required documents have been received and deemed satisfactory, the license will be processed and the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
Credential Assessment Application for LPNs NOT registered within Canada
Complete all sections of the Credential Assessment application and Forms A and B and return to CLPNNL, along with the appropriate processing fee and the following documentation:
- Copy of your birth certificate
- Copy of your marriage certificate/divorce decree in the event of a name change (if applicable)
- Copy of government issued picture identification (color copy)
- Applicants whose first language is NOT English should submit IELTS or CELBAN language score
- Fee of $200.90 + $30.14 HST = $231.04 (cheque or money order payable to CLPNNL or pay with credit card or debit by calling (709) 579-3843 Ext. 100
- Credential Assessment Application for LPNs NOT registered within Canada
- Form A (Verification of Original Registration)– Complete Section A of Form A and send to the licensing board where you first obtained a nursing license after you graduated. They will complete and return directly to the CLPNNL.
- Form B (Verification of Registration)– Complete Section A of Form B and send copies to all licensing boards where you have been licensed in the last 5 years. They will complete and send directly to the CLPNNL.
Once deemed eligible for licensure in Newfoundland and Labrador, the applicant must:
- Provide an Original Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screen, not older than six (6) months before the date your license is to be processed.
- Pay the Initial licensure fee of $376.66 + $56.50 HST = $433.16 ($227.00 + $34.05 HST = $261.05 after December 1).
- Submit a certificate of completion for the Jurisprudence learning module.
When all fees and required documents have been received and deemed satisfactory, the licensure will be processed and the LPN’s name will be found on the FIND A NURSE section on the CLPNNL website.
