Exam Blueprint

The CPNRE Blueprint outlines the content tested on the national exam. For the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination, the content consists of the competencies that an entry-level practical nurse is required to possess in order to practise safely and effectively in a Canadian healthcare setting.

Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Blueprint 2022-2026¹

The CPNRE Blueprint contains the following important information:

• The complete list of CPNRE competencies that candidates will be tested on
• A description of the three competency categories which make up the Competency Framework
  • Professional, ethical and legal practice
  • Foundations of practice
  • Collaborative practice


• The number of competencies in each competency category
• The percentage of exam questions from each competency category
• A description of the three cognitive levels that the exam questions are testing:
  • Knowledge/Comprehension
  • Application
  • Critical Thinking


• The distribution of questions by cognitive level
• The exam length and format
• How questions are presented on the exam
• How the pass mark is set
• A glossary of terms

^{1 The contact information for the regulatory authorities in the CPNRE Blueprint may not be up-to-date. For the most current contact information, please go to the regulatory authority website.}