Application Process
- If you are an internationally educated nurse (IEN), please read the Notification – Internationally Educated Nurse Applicants.
- Inspire Global Assessments/Inspire Évaluations Mondiales (Inspire Global Assessments), formerly known as the Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) is the first stop for IENs who want to practice nursing in BC.
- Please note that Inspire Global Assessments accepts only IELTS Academic, CELBAN, PTE Academic and OET English Proficiency Tests.
Step 1 - Submit Online Application
The Registry will review your application to ensure it is complete. Additional documentation may be requested. Below are the required documents for your initial online application:
A) Proof of training from your Educational Institution(s)
As an internationally trained health care professional, you will need to provide information about your health care education and training, and supply the following accepted documents:
- Certificate / Diploma / Degree
- Official Transcript
B) English Language Proficiency
You will need to supply evidence of your English language skills.
Accepted tests and required test scores: English Language Proficiency Test Information Sheet (PDF).
If your first language is not English, upload test results that meet required scores.
If your first language is English, complete the Language Proficiency Test Exemption Form.
C) International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) Basic Evaluation Report (or equivalent)
You will need to upload a copy of your ICES basic evaluation report, or a report from an equivalent credential evaluation body*.
How to obtain an ICES evaluation (BC Institute of Technology website)
*Other accepted assessments that authenticate foreign educational credentials and determine equivalency to Canadian educational credentials: National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) / World Education Services (WES) Employment Evaluation / International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) Basic Assessment / Comparative Education Service / International Credential Assessment Service of Canada / Medical Council of Canada
D) Change of Name – Official Documentation (If applicable)
If the name on your documents does not match the name on your application, please upload official proof of your name change:
- Marriage Certificate
- Certificate of Name Change
How to apply for a legal change of name (British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency website)
Step 2 - HCA Competency Assessment
The Registry refers qualified Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals to the stand-alone HCA Competency Assessment.
i) Within 10 business days, the Registry will contact you regarding your application.
ii) Qualified applicants will be provided with an HCA Competency Assessment Referral Consent Form to complete, sign and return to the Registry.
iii) After you send the Referral Consent Form back to the Registry, we will provide your contact information to Inspire Global Assessments. Inspire Global Assessments will email you instructions on next steps (such as scheduling and payment of fees) in approximately 15 business days. For further information, visit their website: www.inspireassessments.org.
iv) After you take the HCA assessment, Inspire Global Assessments will send your Performance Report to you within 60 days. After a 15-day reconsideration period, Inspire Global Assessments releases your Report to the Registry. For the Registry to get your report sooner, you have the option of waiving the 15-day reconsideration period.
vii) After the Registry receives your Performance Report from Inspire Global Assessments, the Registry will review it and contact you within 15 business days. Depending on your results, you may be required to complete remedial education to address undemonstrated competencies prior to registration. If there are no undemonstrated competencies on your report, you will be directly registered.
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