November 25, 2025 | British Columbia

The Regulatory Exam Practical Nurse (REx PN) is the final major requirement for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in British Columbia and Ontario. Launched in 2022 to replace the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), the REx PN is administered by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, the College of Nurses of Ontario, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. 
 

The REx PN confirms that aspiring LPNs can deliver safe, ethical, and effective nursing care. One of the biggest differences from the old CPNRE is the exam format. The CPNRE limited test writers to three attempts. The REx PN uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) and has no lifetime limit on attempts. Candidates only need to wait 60 days between exam writes. This flexible approach is designed to more accurately measure nursing competence and support the increasing number of nursing graduates across Canada. 
 

Who Has to Write the REx PN 

According to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, you must take the REx PN if you: 
 

• are a new graduate from a BC practical nursing program who wants to practise in BC 
• completed a Canadian practical nursing program but have never held practising registration 
• are an internationally educated nurse who has not previously registered to practise in Canada 
• have been instructed to complete the exam due to the length of time since you last practised 
   

If you already hold an active LPN licence from another Canadian province, you generally do not need to write the REx PN to practise in BC. 

Rex PN Registration and Eligibility 
 

1. Apply for LPN Practising Registration 

Create a BCCNM account, apply for practising LPN registration and request exam accommodations if needed. 
 

2. Register with Pearson VUE 

Once BCCNM confirms your eligibility, you will receive instructions to register with Pearson VUE. You will need your program code, email address, and an accepted form of payment. 
 

3. Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT) 

After registering and paying the exam fee, Pearson VUE will email your ATT. You cannot schedule an exam appointment until this email arrives. The ATT is valid for 90 days. 
 

4. Schedule Your Exam Appointment 

First time writers are offered an appointment within 30 days. Repeat writers receive an appointment within 60 days. Booking early is essential. Waiting too long may result in losing your spot and having to pay the exam fee again. 

REx PN Exam Fees 
 

 
 
The registration fee is non refundable. Failure to cancel within 24 hours, duplicate registrations or missed appointments all result in loss of fees. 

REx PN Exam Structure and Format 

Computer Adaptive Testing 

The REx PN uses computer adaptive testing which selects each question based on your performance. The system chooses items that you have roughly a 50 percent chance of answering correctly. It continues until there is enough evidence to determine whether your ability meets or falls below the passing standard. 

Exam Length and Timing 
 

• Between 90 and 150 questions 
• Includes 30 unscored pretest items 
• Total exam time is 4 hours including the tutorial and breaks 
• Recommended pacing is 1 to 2 minutes per question 
   

Question Types 
 

The REx PN may include: 
 

• multiple choice questions 
• select all that apply 
• fill in the blank calculations 
• graphics and exhibits 
   

All items are scored correct or incorrect until January 2026 after which select all that apply questions will begin using partial scoring. 

Passing and Failing Rules 

The exam ends under one of these three conditions: 
 

1. The 95 Percent Confidence Rule 

The computer stops when it is 95 percent certain your ability is above or below the passing standard. 
 

2. Maximum Length Rule 

If your ability stays close to the passing standard, you will receive the full 150 questions. Your final ability estimate determines whether you pass. 
 

3. Run Out of Time Rule 

If time expires before you answer 90 scored questions, you automatically fail. If you answer at least 90, your final ability estimate determines your result. 
 

Read More: How to Pass the REx-PN Exam 
 

REx PN Retake Policy 

There is no limit on the total number of attempts. However: 
 

• you may write up to six times per year 
• you must wait 60 days between attempts 
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Your provincial regulatory body may require additional steps before retesting. 

REx PN Test Plan and Content Breakdown 

The test plan organizes competencies into eight major clients' needs categories. The exam also assesses integrated processes such as communication, teaching and learning, clinical judgement, documentation, culture and spirituality, and client safety. 
 

2025 REx PN Content Distribution 
 

This breakdown can guide your study strategy. 

Scheduling and Test Locations 

You cannot schedule your exam until you receive your ATT email. 
 

• First time writers are offered an exam date within 30 days 
• Repeat writers within 60 days 
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Domestic Test Centres 

Located throughout Canada and the mainland United States. 
 

International Test Centres 

Available in many countries including Australia, Brazil, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. International exams require the $150 scheduling fee and changes must be made by calling Pearson VUE. 
 

Changing or Canceling Appointments 

You must reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment. Voicemail does not count as proper notice. 
 

Exam Day Rules and Required Identification 

Bring one valid, physical, government issued ID that includes: 
 

• your full name 
• a clear photograph 
• your signature 
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Acceptable options include a passport, driver licence, provincial ID card, permanent residence card or military ID. International test centres require a passport. The name on your ID must match the name on your ATT email. 

Candidate Rules and Misconduct 

On exam day, you must agree to the Candidate Statement which includes consent to audio and video monitoring. Reasons for dismissal include: 
 

• giving or receiving assistance 
• possession of unauthorized items including electronics 
• impersonation 
• not following instructions 
• disruptive behaviour 
• attempting to tamper with the testing computer 
  ​​​​​​​

Dismissal can result in loss of exam fees and disciplinary action. 

Candidate Performance Report (CPR) 

If you do not pass, you will receive a CPR that explains: 
 

• how CAT works 
• how many questions you answered 
• your performance in each content category labelled as Below, Near or Above the standard 
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Use this report to strengthen your preparation before retesting. 

How CDI College’s Practical Nursing Program Helps You Succeed 

CDI College’s Practical Nursing diploma is designed to help students build the knowledge and hands on skills needed to confidently pass the REx PN. 

Extensive Clinical Experience 

Students complete: 
 

• 475 hours of clinical practice 
• 180 hours of preceptorship 
  ​​​​​​​

These placements build the real-world decision making and patient care experience that the REx PN evaluates. 
 

Supportive Instructors and Environment 
 

• Experienced nurse instructors 
• Personalized support 
• Small class sizes 
• Modern simulation and training labs 
• A spiralling curriculum that strengthens skills gradually 
   

Comprehensive, Exam Aligned Curriculum 
 

The program includes courses in: 
 

• anatomy and physiology 
• pharmacology 
• variations in health 
• health promotion 
• nursing fundamentals 
• communication 
• clinical decision making 
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These subjects closely match the REx PN client needs framework. 

Accreditation and Results 
 

• Fully recognized by the BCCNM and PTIRU 
• CDI College Surrey campus achieved a 92.31 percent REx PN pass rate in 2023 
• Graduates also receive certifications such as First Aid Level 1 and WHMIS 
   

Additional Benefits 
 

• Career services support for six months 
• Cohort based learning and networking 
• Pathways to bridging programs for Registered Nursing 

Final Thoughts 

The REx PN is a rigorous exam designed to ensure new practical nurses are prepared for safe and effective practice. With the right study plan and the solid foundation provided by CDI College’s Practical Nursing program, students can approach the exam with confidence.