How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Brunswick
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses to work as a licensed practical nurse in New Brunswick or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN), is the regulatory authority for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in New Brunswick.”
From anblpn.ca/about-anblpn, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 2 steps
- Licensed in another province: 7 steps, listed one-time fees $40 (3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 8 steps, listed one-time fees $2,075.50 (3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Annual fees
-
- Active license renewal: $350 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Non-Practicing license renewal: $40.25 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Active license renewal (late): $465 (December 1–31)
- License Fees (Oct. 1 – Nov. 30): $350
- Late Renewal Fees (Dec. 1 – 31): $465
- Lapsed License Fees (After Dec. 31): $640
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 2 done
- 2 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,455
-
You must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program.
Source
“For initial licensure, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal -
You must successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam.
Source
“For initial licensure, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,455 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Active license renewal: $350 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Non-Practicing license renewal: $40.25 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Active license renewal (late): $465 (December 1–31)
- License Fees (Oct. 1 – Nov. 30): $350
- Late Renewal Fees (Dec. 1 – 31): $465
- Lapsed License Fees (After Dec. 31): $640
Licensed in another province
0 of 7 done
- Listed one-time fees: $40
- 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,455
-
Before starting the application, you should request Verification of Registration from each province where you have been licensed as an LPN.
Source
“To minimize delays, it is recommended that you request Verification of Registration from any province(s) in which you are/have been licensed as an LPN before beginning the application process.”
anblpn.ca/transfers -
You create an online ANBLPN account where you can update your information, pay fees and complete applications.
Source
“Your ANBLPN account is an online portal where you can: Update your personal information (email address, mailing address, phone numbers, etc.) Complete your annual license renewal Pay fees, access invoices and receipts”
anblpn.ca/transfers -
You review the Jurisprudence module and complete it before submitting your application.
- NB Jurisprudence: $40
Source
“Once you have created your account, go to the Jurisprudence page under the [Applicants] tab to review the Jurisprudence module. Read all information and instructions on the Jurisprudence page before beginning”
anblpn.ca/transfers -
You log into your account, open the Transfer application, complete the form and upload the required documents.
Source
“Log into your account and click on the [Transfer] application to begin. Complete the application form and upload the required documents into the application.”
anblpn.ca/transfers -
You submit the completed transfer application and pay the non-refundable application fee online.
- Application Fee: $115 (non-refundable)
Source
“SUBMIT – Once your application for transfer is complete, click the [Submit] button at the bottom of the page. PAY – Don’t forget to pay the application fee! All fees can be paid online through your account using a credit card or Visa-debit.”
anblpn.ca/transfers -
Once your application is submitted, paid and all documents are received, it is reviewed and you are notified of the decision by email.
Source
“Once submitted, paid, and all documents are received, your application will be reviewed. If additional information or adjustments are needed, your application may be returned to you for correction, and resubmission, or you may be contacted by phone or email. When a decision has been made regarding your application for transfer, you will be notified of the decision and next steps by email.”
anblpn.ca/transfers -
If your application is approved, you must pay the prorated license fee before you can begin practicing in New Brunswick.
- License Fees: $350 (application approved between Dec 1 – May 31)
- License Fees: $175 (application approved between Jun 1 – Nov 30)
Source
“If your application is approved, you MUST PAY for you license BEFORE you can begin practicing in NB.”
anblpn.ca/transfers
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $40
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $40 | 100% |
| One-time total | $40 | 100% |
3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,455 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Active license renewal: $350 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Non-Practicing license renewal: $40.25 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Active license renewal (late): $465 (December 1–31)
- License Fees (Oct. 1 – Nov. 30): $350
- Late Renewal Fees (Dec. 1 – 31): $465
- Lapsed License Fees (After Dec. 31): $640
Trained outside Canada
0 of 8 done
- Listed one-time fees: $2,075.50
- 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 3 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,455
-
You must apply to the IEHP Navigation Service and receive a response before applying to the NNAS or ANBLPN.
Source
“All Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) must apply and have a response from the IEHP Navigation Service before applying to the NNAS or ANBLPN.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses -
After receiving a response from the IEHP Navigation Service, you submit an application to the National Nursing Assessment Service and request your report be released to ANBLPN.
- Main Application (Expedited Service): $750 (for multiple professions and regulators)
Source
“After receiving a response from the IEHP Navigation Service, you must submit your application with the NNAS.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses -
You go to the ANBLPN website, click Member Login, and sign up to create your account.
Source
“Go to www.anblpn.ca and click on [Member Login] Choose [Sign Up] to create your account Once you create your account, you will use your email address as your username and your new password to log in.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses -
You review the Jurisprudence module and complete the exam before you can submit your application form.
- NB Jurisprudence: $40
Source
“Once you have created your account, you will need to review the Jurisprudence module and complete the exam before you are able to submit your application form.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses -
You log into your account, open the IEN application, complete the form and upload the required documents.
Source
“Log into your account and click on the [IEN application] to begin. Complete the application form and upload the required documents into the application.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses -
You submit your application and pay the non-refundable application fee, after which review of your application begins.
- Application Fee: $230 (non-refundable)
Source
“STEP 4 - Submit and Pay for Your Application Fee: $230* (non-refundable)”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses
Source
“Review of your application will only begin once it is submitted AND paid in full.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses - Application Fee: $230 (non-refundable)
-
You follow the instructions in the email about the decision on your application and complete the assigned education upgrading program, then wait for ANBLPN to confirm successful completion.
- Education Upgrading: $287.50 (determined by ANBLPN, minimum cost)
Source
“Education Upgrading (determined by ANBLPN): Minimum $287.50”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses
Source
“Follow the instructions provided to you in the email regarding the decision on your application and the education upgrading program you will follow.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses - Education Upgrading: $287.50 (determined by ANBLPN, minimum cost)
-
Once your education program is complete and all requirements are confirmed, you pay the exam invoice and may be eligible to write the CPNRE.
- CPNRE exam invoice: $930.25
- CPNRE exam invoice (upper range): $1,105.25
Source
“Once you have completed your education program and ANBLPN has received/compiled confirmation of all requirements being met, you may be eligible to write the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam).”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $2,075.50
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $2,075.50 | 100% |
| One-time total | $2,075.50 | 100% |
3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,455 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Active license renewal: $350 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Non-Practicing license renewal: $40.25 (renewal Oct 1 – Nov 30)
- Active license renewal (late): $465 (December 1–31)
- License Fees (Oct. 1 – Nov. 30): $350
- Late Renewal Fees (Dec. 1 – 31): $465
- Lapsed License Fees (After Dec. 31): $640
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Pathways to Licensure Program: $287.50 (for applicants with education and work experience that closely align with Canadian standards)
Source
“Pathways to Licensure Program: A 10-week online program offered by ANBLPN for applicants with education and work experience that closely align with Canadian standards. ($287.50)”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses - Re-Entry program: $6,000 (for applicants whose education contains significant gaps, cost $6000+)
Source
“Re-Entry program (click here for more info): Approximately 38-week blended delivery offered by accredited colleges to applicants whose education contains significant gaps. ($6000+, funding may be available)”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses - CPNRE exam cost: $600 (non-refundable if you do not pass the CPNRE)
Source
“If you do not pass the CPNRE, the active license fees are reimbursed to you. the cost of the exam ($600) and administrative fees ($65.25) are non-refundable.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses - CPNRE administrative fees: $65.25 (non-refundable if you do not pass the CPNRE)
Source
“If you do not pass the CPNRE, the active license fees are reimbursed to you. the cost of the exam ($600) and administrative fees ($65.25) are non-refundable.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses - Late Renewal Fees: $465 (on/after Dec. 1)
- Reinstatement application fee: $115 (non-refundable; applied toward license fees if returning from parental or medical leave)
Source
“Fees: $115 application fee* (non-refundable) If you are returning from parental or medical leave, the application fee will be applied toward your license fees upon approval of your application.”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/reinstatement - Reinstatement license fee (from parental/medical leave): $194.75 (reinstatement approved on/before May 31)
Source
“$194.75 for reinstatement approved on/before May 31 OR”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/reinstatement - Reinstatement license fee (from parental/medical leave): $19.75 (reinstatement approved on/after June 1)
Source
“$19.75 for reinstatement approved on/after June 1”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/reinstatement - Reinstatement license fee (general): $309.75 (reinstatement approved on/before May 31)
Source
“$309.75 for reinstatement approved on/before May 31 OR”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/reinstatement - Reinstatement license fee (general): $134.75 (reinstatement approved on/after June 1)
Source
“$134.75 for reinstatement approved on/after June 1”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/reinstatement - Shift fine: $25 (per shift worked after November 30 without a valid license)
Source
“Additional fines apply to shifts worked after November 30 without a valid license ($25/shift).”
anblpn.ca - Re-Entry Program Cost (NBCC): $6,395 (tax exempt, includes 7 courses, paid on a per course basis)
Source
“Program Cost (tax exempt) $6395 – (includes 7 courses), paid on a “per course” basis”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/lpn-re-entry - Preceptorship (NBCC): $1,777 (unsubsidized)
- Textbook Costs (NBCC): $600 (approximately, plus HST)
- Uniforms (NBCC): $140 (approximate cost for 2 uniforms)
- Shoes (NBCC): $50
- Immunization/Health Clearance (NBCC): $500 (if applicable, $500+)
Source
“Immunization/Health Clearance* (if applicable) $500+”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/lpn-re-entry - Réadmission complète (CCNB): $895.50
- NNAS Main Application (Expedited Service): $750
- NNAS Reactivation of expired application (Expedited Service): $240 (reactivation of expired application)
- NNAS document translation (per page): $115
- NNAS Appeals (Expedited Service): $500
- Exam Fees: January, March, or November: $1,105.25
- Exam Fees: May, July, or September: $930.25
Requirements
Education
For initial licensure, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program.
Source
“For initial licensure, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal
Experience
Internationally educated applicants must provide proof of a minimum of 1000 practice hours over the most recent 5 years.
Source
“Verification of Hours: Proof of a minimum of 1000 practice hours over the most recent 5 years.”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nursesTransfer applicants need an active license requiring 1000 practice hours accumulated over the most recent 5 years, or a note explaining why they do not meet the hours requirement if recently licensed.
Source
“An active license requires 1000 practice hours accumulated over the most recent 5 years. If you are recently licensed, you may apply with less than 1000 hours by uploading a note/document stating why you do not meet the hours requirement.”
anblpn.ca/transfers
Police check
Internationally educated applicants must provide a criminal record check that is current within the past 3 months.
Source
“Criminal Record Check: Must be current within the past 3 months”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nursesTransfer applicants must provide a criminal record check current within the past 3 months from local police/RCMP or Sterling Backcheck.
Source
“Criminal Record Check: Must be current within the past 3 months, from local police/RCMP department or Sterling Backcheck (online). Online criminal record checks from other sources will not be accepted.”
anblpn.ca/transfers
Other
Applicants must successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).
Source
“For initial licensure, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewalInternationally educated applicants must provide language proficiency results in English or French, such as IELTS, TEF, or CELBAN.
Source
“Language Proficiency: English or French (results of IELTS, TEF, CELBAN, or equivalent)”
anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Applicants licensed in another Canadian province can transfer to NB by submitting a transfer application with verification of registration, documents and fees, without retaking the entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment. Source
“Follow this process if you have never held and LPN license in NB and, you are or have been licensed in another Canadian province.”
anblpn.ca/transfers
Request verification of registration
Source
“To minimize delays, it is recommended that you request Verification of Registration from any province(s) in which you are/have been licensed as an LPN before beginning the application process.”
anblpn.ca/transfersComplete the transfer application
Source
“Log into your account and click on the [Transfer] application to begin. Complete the application form and upload the required documents into the application.”
anblpn.ca/transfersPay for your license
Source
“If your application is approved, you MUST PAY for you license BEFORE you can begin practicing in NB.”
anblpn.ca/transfers
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
Credential assessment
NNAS Advisory Report
Assessment of internationally educated nursing credentials sent to the regulator
Source
“The NNAS Advisory Report includes all the documents that have been submitted and verified by NNAS and any correspondence you have had with NNAS. Once you receive your Advisory Report, you can apply to the regulatory body of your choice.”
nnas.ca/application-process-timeline
Exams
-
Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE)
Source
“For initial licensure, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).”
anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | $27.00 | $31.50 | $35.00 | Very good (5 of 5) |
| Canada | $25.00 | $31.32 | $38.00 | — |
Licensed practical nurses in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Licence required
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Licence required
Sources checked
- About ANBLPN – Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses anblpn.ca/about-anblpn · fetched October 10, 2026
- Licensure and Renewal – Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal · fetched October 10, 2026
- Transfers – Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses anblpn.ca/transfers · fetched October 10, 2026
- Internationally Educated Nurses – Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses anblpn.ca/internationally-educated-nurses · fetched October 10, 2026
- Fees - National Nursing Assessment Service nnas.ca/fees · fetched October 10, 2026
- Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses – The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN) was first created in 1965 as the Association of New Brunswick Registered Nursing Assistants. They became the regulatory body in 1977 when the Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA) Act was proclaimed. In 2002 the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Act was proclaimed and RNAs became LPNs. anblpn.ca · fetched October 10, 2026
- Reinstatement – Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/reinstatement · fetched October 10, 2026
- LPN Re-Entry – Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses anblpn.ca/licensure-and-renewal/lpn-re-entry · fetched October 10, 2026
- Application Process & Timeline - National Nursing Assessment Service nnas.ca/application-process-timeline · fetched October 9, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a licensed practical nurse in New Brunswick?
Yes. Registration with the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses is required to practise in New Brunswick.
Which exams are required?
Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.