November 13, 2025 | British Columbia

If you are preparing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in British Columbia, the REx-PN exam is the final step you need to pass before starting your nursing career. This exam can feel like a major hurdle, but with the right study strategies, mindset, and support, success is absolutely achievable. 

In this guide, we will walk you through how to pass the REx-PN exam by breaking down what it actually tests, how to study for it effectively, and how your choice of practical nursing program can help set you up for success. 
 

Let’s dive in. 

What Is the REx-PN Exam? 

The REx-PN, which stands for Regulatory Exam for Practical Nurses, is a standardized exam required for all aspiring LPNs in British Columbia. Introduced in 2022, it replaced the former Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). 

The exam is a joint effort between the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It is used to confirm that new practical nurses are competent and ready to provide safe, effective, and ethical care in real-world healthcare settings. 

Unlike traditional exams that ask the same questions to all test takers, the REx-PN is computer-adaptive. This means the difficulty of the questions changes depending on how you respond. The more questions you get right, the more challenging the next ones become. The test will stop once it has enough information to determine whether you meet the passing standard. You could receive anywhere from 90 to 150 questions and have up to four hours to complete the exam. 

What the REx-PN Exam Is Really Testing 

To pass the REx-PN, you need to understand what the exam is actually assessing. It is not about memorizing lists or textbook facts. Instead, the exam tests your ability to think like a nurse and apply your knowledge to realistic patient care situations. 

The REx-PN exam evaluates four major content areas: 
 

• Safe and Effective Care Environment 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
   

These categories include everything from pharmacology and infection control to managing patient stress and prioritizing care. The exam focuses on how well you can use your clinical judgment, make safe decisions, and deliver competent nursing care under pressure. 

If you understand the logic behind patient care, can assess risks, and know how to take the next best step for your patient, you are already thinking the way the REx-PN expects you to think. 

Tips and Study Strategies to Pass the REx-PN Exam 

Here are the top tips that will help you prepare effectively for the REx-PN exam and feel confident on test day. 

1. Get to Know the REx-PN Test Plan 

Start by reviewing the official REx-PN test plan. This document is available through the CNO and BCCNM websites and shows how the exam is structured. It outlines which topics are tested and how much weight each area carries. Use this guide to build your study schedule and allocate your time accordingly. 

2. Create a Smart Study Schedule 

Give yourself six to eight weeks of focused preparation time. Break your study plan into sections that match the test plan categories. Focus on one topic at a time and review consistently. Studying for short, focused sessions over a longer period is far more effective than cramming everything into one or two weeks. 

Balance your study time between reading course materials, making flashcards, taking notes, and applying what you learn to real patient scenarios. 

3. Make Practice Questions Your Best Friend 

Answering practice questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the REx-PN. Look for question banks that mirror the computer-adaptive format of the real exam. Aim to complete full-length practice exams under realistic conditions. Turn off distractions, set a timer, and do not look up answers. 

After each test, review every question and understand why each answer is right or wrong. This helps you develop the critical thinking skills needed to succeed on the actual exam. 

4. Focus on Application Over Memorization 

Memorizing facts like drug names or lab values might get you part of the way, but what the REx-PN really wants to see is whether you can apply that knowledge to patient care. Ask yourself questions like “What would I do in this scenario?” or “Which patient should I assess first?” 

By practicing with case studies or thinking through patient scenarios from your clinical training, you’ll start to develop the mindset the exam is looking for. The goal is to think through each question logically and choose the response that promotes safe and effective care. 

5. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health 

You cannot study effectively if you are running on caffeine and stress. Make sleep, exercise, and good nutrition a part of your study routine. Try not to burn out before exam day. 

Take regular breaks. Use breathing exercises or quick walks to manage stress. A healthy body and calm mind will help you stay focused during your exam and improve your memory during preparation. 

Choose a Training Program That Sets You Up for Success 

While your personal effort plays a huge role in passing the REx-PN, the nursing program you choose can make all the difference. Look for a program that combines classroom theory with practical, hands-on training and mentorship. 
 

The Practical Nursing program at CDI College is a strong example of this balanced approach. Students receive real-world experience through a 475-hour practicum and an additional 180-hour preceptorship, where they work directly with healthcare professionals in various care settings. CDI College also provides access to state-of-the-art training labs and small class sizes, creating an environment where students can ask questions, get feedback, and build strong clinical skills. The college’s curriculum includes courses in pharmacology, health promotion, variations in health, and nursing practices  all aligned with the REx-PN exam content. 
 

In 2023, CDI College’s Surrey campus celebrated a 92.31 percent REx-PN pass rate, surpassing the BC average. This success highlights the strength of its faculty and the effectiveness of its exam preparation support. The program is officially recognized by the BCCNM and approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of British Columbia. Graduates also earn certifications like First Aid Level 1 and WHMIS, giving them a solid start in the workforce. 
 

Final Words 

Passing the REx-PN exam is not just about clearing a test — it is about proving you are ready to care for others with skill, compassion, and professionalism. With a smart study plan, consistent effort, and the right training, you can pass the exam and take the first big step toward a fulfilling career as a practical nurse. Start by understanding what the exam is really testing. Use practice questions to sharpen your thinking. Study consistently, not just intensely. Focus on applying your knowledge in patient care scenarios. Take care of your health and surround yourself with support. 
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And when you are choosing a practical nursing program, choose one that will prepare you not just to pass, but to thrive in the field. Programs like the one at CDI College are designed to give you the tools, guidance, and experience needed to become a confident, competent LPN. If you are ready to start your nursing journey, reach out to CDI College to learn more about their Practical Nursing diploma and how it can help you reach your goals.