Communication to Applicants
BCCNM Language Requirements
(EFFECTIVE JULY 8, 2021, AT NOON ET)
Dear Applicant,
According to our records, you have selected the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCCNM) as one of the recipients of your Advisory Report. I am writing to inform you of a recent change BCCNM has made to its process for assessing English language proficiency. This change comes into effect on July 8, 2021, at noon ET. The changes are detailed on BCCNM’s website at www.bccnm.ca.
Effective July 8, 2021, applicants to BCCNM will be able to demonstrate English language proficiency in two ways. The first way is by achieving benchmark scores on an approved English language proficiency test. This remains the most efficient way of demonstrating language proficiency. The scores can be submitted as part of the NNAS Advisory Report or deferred until after the NNAS process is complete and an application for registration has been submitted to BCCNM.
The second way for applicants to BCCNM to demonstrate English language proficiency is to provide evidence for BCCNM to consider during the application process to BCCNM. BCCNM will consider all relevant information that could inform their decision that the English language proficiency requirement is met, including:
- Language of education instruction,
- Language in practice settings,
- Likelihood of language attrition,
- Language of additional and transitional education,
- Approved English language proficiency test results that achieve the benchmark scores,
- Any other relevant details specific to the applicant.
When BCCNM completes their assessment, BCCNM will determine if the English language requirement is met or if the applicant must take an approved English language proficiency test and achieve the benchmark scores.
Because your application to NNAS is in process, you can defer the language requirement for BCCNM until after the NNAS process. This can be done at any time while your application is open, and your review is in process.
To defer the language requirement, go into the Dashboard section of your online portal and then go to the Application Status link for your BCCNM order. The Passing Language Score requirement will include a selectable option that indicates that BCCNM allows for passing of language requirements to occur after the Advisory Report is issued. Once you have selected this option you will then be asked to click on a box if you wish to defer the English language requirement for BCCNM until after you complete the NNAS process.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please feel free to contact Applicant Support at support@nnas.ca or by calling 855-977-1898, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ET. You can also review the Frequently Asked Questions on the NNAS website at www.nnas.ca in the News and Events section.
I wish you all the best.
Yours sincerely,
Gayle Waxman
Executive Director, NNAS
Frequently Asked Questions
BCCNM Language Requirements
(EFFECTIVE JULY 8, 2021 AT NOON ET)
Q1. How is BCCNM changing it process for assessing English language proficiency?
A1. Effective July 8, 2021, at noon ET, applicants to BCCNM will be able to demonstrate English language proficiency in two ways. The first way is by achieving benchmark scores on an approved English language proficiency test. This remains the most efficient way of demonstrating language proficiency. The scores can be submitted as part of the NNAS Advisory Report or deferred until after the NNAS process is complete and an application for registration has been submitted to BCCNM.
The second way for applicants to BCCNM to demonstrate English language proficiency is to provide evidence for BCCNM to consider during the application process to BCCNM. BCCNM will consider all relevant information that could inform their decision that the English language proficiency requirement is met, including:
- Language of education instruction,
- Language in practice settings,
- Likelihood of language attrition,
- Language of additional and transitional education,
- Approved English language proficiency test results that achieve the benchmark scores,
- Any other relevant details specific to the applicant.
When BCCNM completes their assessment, BCCNM will determine if the English language requirement is met or if the applicant must take an approved English language proficiency test and achieve the benchmark scores.
Q2. Does this mean I won’t have to have my language proficiency assessed?
A2. No. You still need to have your language proficiency assessed and meet the language proficiency requirement.
Q3. Do these changes apply to any other Nursing Regulatory Bodies?
A3. This change applies only to BCCNM. Please check the website of the Regulatory Bodies you are considering applying to for registration or licensure to find out about their specific requirements.
Q4. I have an application currently open with NNAS. I identified BCCNM as one the recipients of my Advisory Reports. I want to defer my language requirement until after the NNAS process. Can I do so?
A4. Yes. You can defer the language requirement until after the NNAS process at any time while your application is open, and your review is in process.
Q5. How do I defer the language requirement until after the NNAS process if I am applying to BCCNM?
A5. To defer the language requirement, go into the Dashboard section of your online portal and then go to the Application Status link for your BCCNM order. The Passing Language Score requirement will include a selectable option that indicates that BCCNM allows for passing of language requirements to occur after the Advisory Report is issued. Once you have selected this option you will then be asked to click on a box if you wish to defer the language requirement for BCCNM until after you complete the NNAS process.
Q6. I have applied to several Regulatory Bodies including BCCNM. If I defer my language requirement for BCCNM, will this impact my application to other Regulatory Bodies?
A6. You will need to meet the requirements of all Regulatory Bodies you are applying to before your Advisory Report can issued. If you have identified other Regulatory Bodies as the recipient of your Advisory Report, your Report will not be issued to those Regulatory Bodies until you meet all their requirements.
Q7. Can I port my Advisory Report to another Regulatory Body if I defer the language requirement for BCCNM?
A7. Yes, you can. However, you will be required to meet the language requirement along with all other policies and requirements of each Regulatory Body to which you are applying.
Q8. Can I still submit language test scores to NNAS even if I am applying to BCCNM?
A8. Yes. You can still submit language test scores and BCCNM will accept them as proof that you have met the language requirement. This remains the most efficient way to meet the language requirement.
