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Registered Practical Nurse · Ontario

REx-PN: complete Ontario candidate guide

The current Ontario registration exam for Registered Practical Nurse applicants, with exam structure, content framework and official links.

Length
90–150

questions in a variable-length computer-adaptive exam.

Time
4 hours

including optional breaks and exam administration time.

Pretest
30

unscored pretest questions embedded in the exam.

Ontario retakes: CNO states there is no overall limit on REx-PN attempts until you pass, although repeat-exam rules and required waiting periods still apply.

REx-PN content framework

The official test plan organizes practical-nurse entry-level practice around Client Needs.

Safe & Effective Care Environment

Management / coordinationSafetyInfection control

Priorities, assignments, collaboration, client rights, safety, hazards and infection prevention.

Health Promotion & Maintenance

Growth and development, prevention, family teaching, maternal/newborn concepts and health promotion.

Psychosocial Integrity

Mental health, coping, crisis, therapeutic communication, substance use, abuse and supportive care.

Physiological Integrity

Basic carePharmacologyRisk reductionAdaptation

Physical care, medications, diagnostics, complications and care of acute/chronic health alterations.

Ontario RPN application sequence

Open your RPN registration application with CNO.
Submit any accommodation request before exam registration when applicable.
Wait for CNO's notice that you are eligible to write.
Register with Pearson for the REx-PN.

Your identity details should match your CNO application and test-centre identification.

Schedule, write the exam and complete all remaining registration requirements.
CNO REx-PN pageOfficial REx-PN registration

RPN study syllabus

Study plansREx-PN official materials