Language Proficiency Requirement Deferred to Regulatory Process for All NNAS Applicants

Effective October 14, 2022, NNAS will no longer collect language proficiency test scores as part of NNAS’s process.   Instead, all applicants will submit proof of language proficiency directly to regulatory bodies as part the regulator’s review process. This change is part of NNAS’s initiative to streamline its processes.

This change will:

• Provide applicants with more time to meet the nursing regulator’s language proficiency requirement
• Align NNAS’s requirements across all NNAS Regulatory Body members
• Provide greater flexibility to nursing regulatory body members.

 

Applicants with questions about their application to NNAS should contact Applicant Support at support@nnas.ca or by calling 1-855-977-1898, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ET. For additional information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions on the NNAS website at www.nnas.ca in the News and Events section.

 

Q. Why has NNAS removed the proof of language proficiency from its process?
A. NNAS removed the proof of language proficiency to streamline the NNAS requirements to all Regulatory Body members. Removing language proficiency will provide more time to applicants, and greater flexibility to Regulatory Body members to implement their own policies procedures.

Q. Does this change apply to all Nursing Regulatory Body members?
A. Yes. This change applies to all NNAS Regulatory Body members. Please check the website of the Regulatory Bodies to which you are applying to find out about their specific requirements.

Q. Does this mean I won’t have to have my language proficiency assessed?
A. No. You still need to have your language proficiency assessed and be required to meet the language proficiency requirement of the Regulatory Body member to which you are applying.

Q. Do I need to do anything in my NNAS application to defer the proof of language proficiency?
A. No. After October 15, 2022, NNAS will no longer be collecting proof of language proficiency test scores. Once you meet all the other NNAS requirements your application will proceed for review.

Q: I submitted successful proof of language proficiency test scores prior to October 15, 2022, will NNAS include that in my Advisory Report?
A: Yes. Any proof of language proficiency test score submitted to NNAS prior to October 15, 2022, will be included in your Advisory Report

 

 

 

National Newcomer Navigation Network – N4, has developed this new program to help Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs) overcome barriers to finding healthcare jobs in Canada.

For more information please visit here

NNAS is seeking to fill a newly created role of Director, Strategic Initiatives.

Reporting to NNAS’ Executive Director, the Director of Strategic Initiatives provides strategic leadership, technical expertise, tactical direction and support to further the development and implementation of innovative strategies to strengthen and streamline NNAS’ processes and services. Serving as an advisor to and providing coverage for the Executive Director as required, you will provide leadership, supervision and guidance to a dedicated virtual team while playing a key role in ensuring NNAS delivers successfully on its operational goals and targets through planning, performance management, risk assessment, and the negotiation and management of contracts.

As the ideal candidate, you possess 5+ years of progressively responsible experience including at least two years of team leadership experience. NNAS will benefit from your expertise in strategic planning, project management and business development as well as your skill in contract risk analysis, negotiation, and execution. You have a proven track record of meeting operational and fiscal goals and a demonstrated ability to strategize, operationalize, prioritize, delegate, lead and manage change. Entrepreneurial, customer focused, forward thinking, creative, solutions and action oriented are all terms peers would use to describe you. Political acuity, excellent communication and relationship management skills will be key to your success in working effectively with a diverse board, membership, and stakeholder groups. Previous experience with regulatory bodies and/or an understanding of Canada’s nursing regulation model is an asset. Experience successfully leading and optimizing a geographically dispersed team working in a virtual office environment would be ideal.

For more information, please click here

 

To meet the increasing demand for nurses in British Columbia, the Province is making it easier for eligible internationally educated nurses (IENs) to enter the province’s health system so they can support British Columbians’ health-care needs sooner. Read more

As of January 12th, CARNA will be operating under a new name and brand – the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) .

This renewed single mandate will allow CRNA to focus on protecting the public through excellence in nursing regulation.

Their new website can be found here:  www.nurses.ab.ca

NNAS congratulates CRNA.

Applicant Letter, click here: Applicant Expiry Date Extension – Dec 20, 2021 – EN

Update for Applicants, click here: Update for Applicants – Dec 20, 2021 – EN

Q&A Expiry Date Extension, click here: Q&A Expiry Date Extension – Dec 20 2021 – EN

                                         Communication to Applicants CRNNL Language Requirements

                                              (EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2021 AT 9:00 am ET)

 

Dear Applicant,

 

According to our records, you have selected the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL) as one of the recipients of your Advisory Report. I am writing to inform you of a recent change CRNNL has made to its application process. This change comes into effect on December 1, 2021. Visit the CRNNL website at https://crnnl.ca for more information.

Under CRNNL requirements, applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in English. Achieving benchmark scores on an approved English language proficiency exam remains the most effective way of demonstrating proficiency.

An applicant whose first language is not English is required to demonstrate proficiency by:

1. Achieving the required scores on one of the accepted English language proficiency tests (IELTS or CELBAN); or
2. Registration and licensure as a Licensed/Registered Practical Nurse (LPN / RPN) in another Canadian province/territory and employed as an LPN / RPN in Canada, during the previous 2 years, where the primary language of the practice setting and clients are English.

An applicant whose first language is English may be able to demonstrate proficiency by:

1. Primary language where you live, and work is English and evidence of language of instruction in theory and clinical in English in the nursing program(s) completed. Verification required from your school of nursing; or
2. Evidence of safe practice within the last 2 years as a RN, where services were provided in English and where the primary language of the practice setting, and clients was English. Verification required from your employer(s).

 

CRNNL is currently reviewing its English language proficiency requirements.

Because your application to NNAS is in process, you can defer the language requirement for CRNNL 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 CRNNL order. The Passing Language Score requirement will include a selectable option that indicates that CRNNL 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 CRNNL 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
CRNNL Language Requirements

(EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2021 AT 9:00 am ET)

 

Q1. What are CRNNL’s language requirements

 

A1. Applicants to CRNNL are required, under the RN Regulations, to demonstrate proficiency in English language. An applicant whose first language is not English is required to demonstrate proficiency by:
1. Achieving the required scores on one of the accepted English language proficiency tests (IELTS or
CELBAN); or
2. Registration and licensure as a Licensed/Registered Practical Nurse (LPN / RPN) in another Canadian province/territory and employed as an LPN / RPN in Canada, during the previous 2 years, where the primary language of the practice setting and clients are English.

An applicant whose first language is English may be able to demonstrate proficiency by:
1. Primary language where you live, and work is English and evidence of language of instruction in theory and clinical in English in the nursing program(s) completed. Verification required from your school of nursing; or
2. Evidence of safe practice within the last 2 years as a RN, where services were provided in English and where the primary language of the practice setting, and clients was English. Verification is required from your employer(s).

CRNNL is currently reviewing its English language proficiency requirements.

 

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 CRNNL. 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 CRNNL 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 CRNNL?

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 CRNNL order. The Passing Language Score requirement will include a selectable option that indicates that CRNNL 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 CRNNL until after you complete the NNAS process.

 

Q6. I have applied to several Regulatory Bodies including CRNNL. If I defer my language requirement for CRNNL, 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 waived the language requirement for CRNNL?

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 CRNNL?

A8. Yes. You can still submit language test scores and CRNNL will accept them as proof that you have met the language requirement. This remains the most efficient way to meet the language requirement.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

CLPNNL Language Requirements

(EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2021 AT 9:00 am ET)

 

 

Q1. What are CLPNNL’s language requirements?

A1. Applicants to CLPNNL are required, under the LPN Regulations, to demonstrate proficiency in English language.

An applicant whose first language is not English is required to demonstrate proficiency by:

 

1. Achieving the required scores on one of the accepted English language proficiency tests (IELTS or CELBAN)

 

An applicant whose first language is English may be able to demonstrate proficiency by:

 

1. Primary language where you live, and work is English and evidence of language of instruction in theory and clinical in English in the nursing program(s) Verification required from your school of nursing; or
2. Evidence of safe practice within the last 2 years as a nurse, where services were provided in English and where the primary language of the practice setting, and clients was English. Verification required from your employer(s).

 

CLPNNL is currently reviewing its English language proficiency requirements.

 

 

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 CLPNNL. 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 CLPNNL 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 CLPNNL?

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 CLPNNL order. The Passing Language Score requirement will include a selectable option that indicates that CLPNNL 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 CLPNNL until after you complete the NNAS process.

 

 

Q6. I have applied to several Regulatory Bodies including CLPNNL. If I defer my language requirement for CLPNNL, 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 be 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 waived the language requirement for CLPNNL?

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 CLPNNL?

A8. Yes. You can still submit language test scores and CLPNNL will accept them as proof that you have met the language requirement. This remains the most efficient way to meet the language requirement.

December 1, 2021

The CPNNL & CRNNL language requirements implementation is being delayed due to technical difficulties, applicants who wish to defer the language requirement will be notified when they are able to do so via the applicant portal.

CPNNL Language Requirements Q&A: CPNNL Languague Requirement 2021 11 01 Q&A

CRNNL Language Requirements Q&A: CRNNL Language Requirment 2021 11 01 Q&A

 

September 24, 2021

COVID-19 Update for Applicants, click here: Update for Applicants – Sep 24, 2021 – EN

COVID-19 Q&A, click here: COVID-19 Q&A – Sep 24 2021 – EN

Letter to Applicants, click here: Letter to Applicants Expiry Extension – June 21, 2021