Welcome back to the nursing profession in Nova Scotia. This section of the website is for you if you are returning from a leave of absence, are not currently licensed with us and have not been licensed anywhere else since last being licensed with us.
If you have held a licence somewhere else since you were last licensed with us, please click here.
Provincial and federal legislation may have changed since you were last licensed with us. We recommend that you review the jurisprudence exam preparation material for any legislative changes. For nurses renewing their licence, click here to access this information. You are not required to take the jurisprudence exam.
Even if you only work a few days or weeks into the licensure year, you are still required to pay the full licensure fee.
Application Process
To reactivate your licence with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN), please follow the below instructions:
- Log in to the Registrant Portal using your email address and password. If you cannot remember the email you have on record with NSCN, or are having difficulty logging in, please reach out to Registration@nscn.ca. Please do not click the “sign up” button.
- Once logged in, click on the “reactivate” button in the portal and complete and submit the required information.
- Once this information is received, NSCN will review your application.
- You will be notified via email if any follow-up or further documentation is required.
- Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email indicating you can login to your portal and submit payment.
- Once payment is received, your licence will automatically be processed.
- You can confirm that your licence is active by visiting our public directory on our website titled ‘Search for a Nurse’ which can be accessed here.
If you are reactivating your licence following a two-year break in licensure, submit a Criminal Record Check.
LPN Licensure Fee
If you are returning from a leave of absence between November 1 and April 30, you are required to pay the full fee for the licensure year. Click here for more details on fees.
If you are returning from a leave of absence between May 1 and October 31, you are required to pay a pro-rated fee for the remainder of the licensure year. Click here for more details on fees.
RN/NP Licensure Fee
If you are returning from a leave of absence between November 1 and June 30, you are required to pay the full fee for the licensure year. Click here for more details on fees.
If you are returning from a leave of absence between July 1 and October 31, you are required to pay a pro-rated fee for the remainder of the licensure year. Click here for more details on fees.
What happens once I have submitted my documents?
It will take up to five business days to review your application. We will notify you by email when your application has been reviewed.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca. We strive to respond to you as soon as possible. However, due to the high volumes of emails and complexity of inquiries, our response time may vary.
Please be advised that registration requirements and fees are subject to change. All registration and licensure fees are non-refundable. Click here to learn more about fees and payment options.