How to register for the NCLEX in Northwest Territories and Nunavut
To work as an RN in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut you register with the College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CNNN, formerly RNANT/NU and CANNN, a single-mandate regulator since April 1, 2026). Applications go by email: the NCLEX-RN & New Graduate form (CA$42 CNNN fee) with program confirmation, an instructor reference and a vulnerable sector check, at least 30 days before your exam date. An optional New Graduate licence (CA$228.90 incl. CNPS) lets you work while you wait.
✓ Checked against CNNN's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
RegulatorCollege of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CNNN), formerly RNANT/NU and CANNN
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE; test centres in Yellowknife and Iqaluit
CNNN exam feeCA$42 (CA$40 + GST), plus Pearson VUE CA$360
New Graduate licenceCA$228.90 (CA$150 + CA$68 CNPS + GST), optional
Active practising feeCA$900.69 (initial, reinstatement, renewal)
The steps, in order (graduates of a Northwest Territories and Nunavut program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
8 steps
If you were educated outside Canada
The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.
6 steps
Documents to have ready
NCLEX-RN & New Graduate application form and the payment authorization form
Two government-issued IDs in colour, at least one with a photo, with signature and valid expiry date
Criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening dated within six months of the application
Form G(1) Confirmation of Program Completion sent directly by the Dean or Chair
Form C Instructor Reference sent directly by your instructor
Verification of Registration from any regulator you were ever registered with
Internationally educated: Inspire application form and report, proof of English proficiency, verifications from every past regulator
Fees
NCLEX-RN application (CNNN fee only)CA$40 + GST
CA$42
NCLEX-RN exam fee (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable; CA$50 NCSBN change fee. CA$570 from Feb 1, 2027.
CA$360
New Graduate licenceCA$150 + CA$68 CNPS + GST; optional; takes effect on payment
CA$228.90
Active practising fee (initial, reinstatement, renewal)
CA$900.69
Inspire Global Assessment (internationally educated)CA$2,300 + GST, paid through CNNN
CA$2,415
Administrative processing fee
CA$65.63
Late renewaladded to the renewal fee
CA$100
How long it takes
Both the CNNN and the Pearson VUE applications must be received at least 30 days before the requested exam date.
A denied exam application is notified by email within 14 days.
The criminal record check must be dated within 6 months of the application.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule); the ATT is valid about 90 days.
Final registration is issued 5 to 7 business days after approval (internationally educated).
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Thirty days is the hard rule: send CNNN's package and your Pearson VUE registration a month before the date you want, or you will be writing later than planned.
Use colour scans of your IDs; black-and-white copies are not accepted.
The New Graduate licence is optional: if you do not have a job lined up before the exam, skip the CA$228.90 and pay the practising fee after you pass.
Internationally educated from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand or another Canadian-recognized jurisdiction with recent hours: you may not need the CA$2,415 Inspire assessment at all, so check pathway 1 first.
Questions people ask about Northwest Territories and Nunavut
How do I register for the NCLEX in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut?
Email the NCLEX-RN & New Graduate application form, payment authorization (CA$42), two colour government IDs and a vulnerable sector check to info@cannn.ca, and have your school's Dean or Chair send Form G(1) and an instructor send Form C directly. Register with Pearson VUE (CA$360). Both must arrive at least 30 days before your exam date; CNNN then declares you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.
How much does it cost to become an RN in the NWT or Nunavut?
CA$42 to CNNN for the exam application, CA$360 to Pearson VUE, optionally CA$228.90 for a New Graduate licence (CNPS included), and CA$900.69 for the active practising licence. Internationally educated nurses on the Inspire pathway add CA$2,415.
Can I work in the NWT or Nunavut before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
Yes, on the optional New Graduate licence (CA$228.90, takes effect when paid) while you wait to write and for your results. It covers an initial period and can be extended on request to CNNN.
Is RNANT/NU the same as CNNN?
Yes. The Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut became the College and Association of Nurses of the NWT and Nunavut (CANNN) under the 2023 Nursing Profession Acts, and on April 1, 2026 it became a single-mandate regulator, the College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CNNN), regulating RNs, NPs, LPNs and RPNs. Advocacy moved to the new NTNAN association. The website is cannn.ca.
Where can I write the NCLEX-RN in the territories?
Yellowknife (NWT) and Iqaluit (Nunavut) are listed on CNNN's form; you can also choose any other Pearson VUE centre in Canada or the US.
Does an internationally educated nurse always need the Inspire assessment for CNNN?
No. Nurses with 1,125 hours in the last five years or 450 in the last two in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand or the UK, or graduates of a recognized Canadian bridging program, go straight to the Initial Registration application. The CA$2,415 Inspire assessment is for applicants who meet neither.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on CNNN's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:
This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
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