As of October 13, 2022 Internationally Educated Nurses, also known as IENs, are no longer required to submit their English proficiency scores to NNAS, the National Nursing Assessment Services for practice in Canada.
In a news release, NNAS announced:
Language Proficiency Requirement Deferred to Regulatory Process for All NNAS Applicants
Effective October 14, 2022, NNAS will no longer collect language proficiency test scores as part of NNAS’s process. Instead, all applicants will submit proof of language proficiency directly to regulatory bodies as part the regulator’s review process. This change is part of NNAS’s initiative to streamline its processes.
This change will:
- Provide applicants with more time to meet the nursing regulator’s language proficiency requirement
- Align NNAS’s requirements across all NNAS Regulatory Body members
- Provide greater flexibility to nursing regulatory body members.
They have also answered the following questions:
- Q. Why has NNAS removed the proof of language proficiency from its process?
- Q. Does this change apply to all Nursing Regulatory Body members?
- Q. Does this mean I won’t have to have my language proficiency assessed?
- Q. Do I need to do anything in my NNAS application to defer the proof of language proficiency?
- Q: I submitted successful proof of language proficiency test scores prior to October 15, 2022, will NNAS include that in my Advisory Report?
For more information go to: NNAS News & Events
What does that mean for you as an IEN?
Traditionally the process with NNAS involved 6 steps. They are:
- Overview of the Application Process
- Step 1: Create your online account
- Step 2: Submit your proof of Identity documents
- Step 3: Submit your Nursing Education form
- Step 4: Submit your Nursing Registration form
- Step 5: Submit your Nursing Practice/Employment form
- Step 6: Submit your Language Testing results
However, with this announcement, the last step will be deferred to the Colleges of Nurses and Practical Nurses across Canada.
Does that mean I still need to prepare for the CELBAN or IELTS?
YES! You will still be required to provide English Proficiency scores at a later stage of your licensure process.
The fact is that the College of Nurses of Ontario has always had applicants providing English Proficiency scores as a later step in their process. The only difference now, as a result of the implications of the pandemic, is that other provinces are doing this too. And, because the role of NNAS is at the beginning stages of your process – a documentation stage – they are no longer responsible for obtaining these results.
The responsibility of collecting and reviewing your English scores is once again with the provincial colleges of nursing across Canada.
In other words, when you take the CELBAN, your results will be sent directly to the college of nursing of your choice rather than the NNAS.
How does this change make my life better?
In the past, many IENs were held up in the processing of their documents. One of two things happened:
- The process of an IEN would be lengthened because of the inability to get the required score. So, they were held back from practicing in the hospitals and medical field.
- Because the process was lengthened, as results on the CELBAN or IELTS were not obtained, it cost IENs several hundreds of dollars to reinstate and extend their application process. Having to pay extra fees was a financial burden on many.
Now, as a result of this change, you can apply to NNAS with ease, while also preparing for the CELBAN or IELTS.
This means that you have the gift of time, for it often takes three to six months to adequately prepare for the CELBAN.
What do you suggest?
Before I answer this question,
- What are you looking for: books, information, or courses?
- Have you taken the CELBAN? Have you received feedback about what you need to improve upon for CELBAN speaking and writing?
If you are looking for books check this out: Shop CELBAN Preparation Books.
Alternatively, whether you have taken the CELBAN or not => explore CELBANPrep University with material for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. They are listed below.
CELBANPREP BRONZE FOR BEGINNERS
- SELF STUDY Information
- For People who have not taken the CELBAN before, need to know more about the exam, and determine what you need to get the required score.
- EVALUATE where you are. DETERMINE where you want to go
CELBANPREP SILVER (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)
- SELF-DIRECTED Training Material
- For people who have taken the CELBAN and have feedback from Writing and Speaking so they know what they need to improve upon.
- IMPROVE your SKILLS in reading, writing, listening, and speaking by focusing-on grammar, sentence structure and more!
CELBANPREP GOLD (ADVANCED LEVEL)
- Online CELBAN Courses
- For people who have taken the CELBAN and/or are willing and able to invest time, energy, and money in PREPARING for a career in Health Care in Canada.
- ACHIEVE. EXCEL. MASTER.
What this means, at the end of the day, is this:
If you want a career as a professional healthcare provider in Canada, it is important for you to continue to improve your skills and competencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English regardless of what is happening with the process at NNAS!
The more advanced your skills and competencies are, when it comes to communicating clearly in demanding situations (like the ones you will face in the hospital) the more confidence you will have about your ability to ensure quality care and patient safety.
And that is what the CELBAN is all about!
Choose Wisely!
Kim
Dear Kim 