Updated 2024

Hi Kim,

Thanks for the welcome message. I’d like to ask if its possible to take celban test and pass first prior to NNAS application. I’m not pretty confident to pass the english test and registering for NNAS is very expensive and it has an expiration. Financial resources is very limited as well. Please advise.

Thank you,

K

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Dear K,

Embarking on a journey to a new country and a new career can often feel like navigating through uncharted waters. As a guide who has accompanied hundreds of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) over a decade, I deeply understand the mix of hope, uncertainty, and the thirst for success that drives each one of you. Today, let me illuminate the path of the CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses) and how it intertwines with your licensure journey in Canada – a journey of transformation, not just in your career but in your very life.

Before January 2021: A Time of Strategic Planning

In the past, the advice I often dispensed was straightforward: take the CELBAN exam first, then proceed to register with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). This recommendation stemmed from observing the challenges faced by many IENs. While some, already familiar with Canadian culture or with higher IELTS scores, met the one-year deadline to submit their CELBAN score, many others struggled. These IENs, often busy, adapting to new environments, or scoring lower in English proficiency tests, found themselves in a race against time. The pressure was immense, often leading to decreased performance and the added financial burden of extending their NNAS file.

Since January 2021: A New Landscape

The landscape has shifted significantly since then. With the introduction of the CELBAN-CBT (Computer-Based Test) and the removal of the limit on the number of attempts, the dynamics have changed. Additionally, as of October 2022, NNAS no longer mandates CELBAN or IELTS scores upfront! This is a game-changer, as it allows you more flexibility in timing and preparation.

My Current Recommendation: Empowering Through Knowledge

Here’s what I suggest now:

1. Take the CELBAN Exam First: Understand where you stand.
2. Receive Feedback: Particularly for speaking and writing.
3. Make Informed Decisions: Decide if you need further training to boost your scores.

The beauty of this approach lies in empowerment. By understanding your strengths and areas for improvement, you can strategically plan your preparation. The feedback from CELBAN serves as a roadmap, guiding you to the resources and training that can transform your weaknesses into strengths.

Personal Insight: The Value of Preparation

Speaking from personal experience, I resonate with those who prefer to be thoroughly prepared. It’s not just about passing a test; it’s about building a foundation for your career in healthcare in Canada. That’s why I created CELBANPrep – a suite of resources designed to not only help you succeed in the exam but also to equip you with skills that will serve you throughout your professional journey.

CELBANPrep Silver and Gold: Tools for Mastery

• CELBANPrep Silver: This is for those who have taken the CELBAN and need specific improvements. It focuses on enhancing your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, paying special attention to grammar and sentence structure.
• CELBANPrep Gold: Tailored for those who are ready to invest in their future, this advanced level course prepares you comprehensively for a career in Canadian healthcare.

Your decision to reach out is the first step in a journey filled with growth, challenges, and ultimate success. As you navigate this path, remember that every choice you make brings you closer to your dream. I’m here to guide you through each step, ensuring your journey is not just about reaching a destination, but about growing as a professional and as an individual.

Together, let’s embark on this journey of transformation and success.

Warm regards,

Kim

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🔹 If you are looking for personal guidance and heartfelt advice on your CELBAN journey, then ‘Dear Kim’ is a perfect choice. Follow Dear Kim for a wealth of insights and answers to your questions. 

🔹 If you are aspiring to perfect your healthcare writing and speaking skills, particularly for the Canadian context, then ‘CELBANPrep’s Mastering HealthCare Writing‘ ‘CELBANPrep’s Mastering HealthCare Speaking’ by Kim Kara is an indispensable resource. Dive into this guide at Amazon to enhance your writing proficiency in the healthcare field.

🔹If are looking for specialized online courses to boost your skills,  and you’re committed to excelling in your healthcare career in Canada, then head over to www.CELBANPrepUniversity.com. There, you’ll find a wealth of information, resources, and courses specifically designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals like you, ensuring your journey in Canadian healthcare is both successful and fulfilling.

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NOTE: The links listed above are to Amazon.ca. These English Language Mastery for Health Professionals books are also available in the following marketplaces:  

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