How to Book the REx-PN Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Candidates

Canada’s practical nursing workforce continues to expand as provinces work to close staffing gaps across acute care, long-term care, and community health settings. For new practical nursing graduates and internationally educated nurses alike, the path to registration runs through one mandatory checkpoint: the REx-PN exam. Booking it, however, is rarely as simple as picking a date on a calendar.

The process spans two organizations: your provincial regulator (the College of Nurses of Ontario, or the BC College of Nurses and Midwives) and Pearson Professional Assessments, the company that administers the test itself. Candidates frequently lose weeks, sometimes months, by misunderstanding the order of operations: confirming eligibility, paying fees, receiving an Authorization to Test, and only then scheduling an appointment.

At roughly CAD $350 per attempt, getting that sequence wrong is also an expensive mistake. This guide walks through every stage of the REx-PN exam booking process, what each step costs, how soon you can expect a test date, and the details that most often trip up first-time candidates.

Before You Book: Confirming Your Eligibility with CNO or BCCNM

Pearson cannot schedule anyone who hasn’t first been declared eligible by their provincial regulator. Ontario candidates apply through the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO); British Columbia candidates apply through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Either way, this step happens before Pearson is involved.

Candidates submit a registration application along with transcripts, proof of program completion, and identification through their regulator’s online portal. If testing accommodations are needed for a documented disability, that request must be submitted at this stage, before registering with Pearson, since accommodation review directly affects when the Authorization to Test is released.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for and Book Your REx-PN Exam

There are a few province-specific needs to be aware of, even though the RExPN application procedure is generally identical across provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario. You can prevent needless delays by following the proper order.

1. Apply Through Your Provincial Nursing Regulator

Start by using the online portal of your provincial nursing regulator to submit your application for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). You’ll also need to pay the applicable provincial application fee.

2. Request Testing Accommodations (If Required)

If you need RExPN exam accommodations, submit your request as early as possible.

• Ontario: Accommodation requests and supporting documentation should be approved before registering with Pearson VUE.
• British Columbia: Accommodation needs are identified during the registration application process with the regulator.

3. Wait for Eligibility Confirmation

Your provincial regulator will review your application and determine whether you’re eligible to take the REx-PN exam. Once approved, you’ll receive instructions for the next step.

4. Register With Pearson VUE

Create your account and register through Pearson VUE’s official REx-PN website. Ensure your name matches exactly with your regulator’s records and your government-issued ID. Even minor discrepancies can prevent you from taking the exam.

5. Pay the REx-PN Examination Fee

After registering, pay the REx-PN exam fee directly to Pearson VUE. This payment is separate from the application fee you paid to your provincial regulator.

6. Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once your registration is processed, Pearson VUE will email you an Authorization to Test (ATT). You cannot schedule your exam until you receive this authorization.

7. Verify Your ATT Expiry Date

Check your ATT {Authorization to Test} carefully and note its expiration date. In many cases, the ATT is valid for approximately 90 days, and you must schedule and complete your exam before it expires. If your ATT expires, you may need to register again and pay another exam fee.

8. Schedule Your Exam

Log in to the Pearson VUE portal and choose your preferred testing centre, exam date, and appointment time. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred schedule.

9. Review Your Confirmation Details

After scheduling, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your exam date, time, test centre location, and important exam-day instructions. Review these details carefully.

10. Take the REx-PN Exam

Arrive at the testing center on time with valid government-issued identification that exactly matches the name used during registration. Failure to meet identification requirements may result in being denied entry.

11. Receive Your Results

After completing the exam, your results will be released by your provincial regulator.

• Ontario: Results are typically available within about one week through the regulator’s online portal.
• British Columbia: Results are generally sent by email within a few days.

Following these steps in order helps ensure a smooth registration experience and allows you to focus on preparing for the REx-PN exam with confidence.

How Much Does the REx-PN Exam Cost?

Candidates writing in Ontario or British Columbia pay CAD $350 per attempt. Testing at an international center adds a CAD $150 scheduling fee, and minor administrative changes, such as updating a date or location, can carry small additional service charges. All fees paid to Pearson are non-refundable, so it’s worth confirming eligibility, identification, and test-center availability before paying. For a fuller breakdown of what’s included and how costs compare across repeat attempts, see our REx-PN Exam Cost guide.

How Soon Can You Schedule Your Exam Date?

Once the ATT is in hand, timing depends on whether this is a first attempt or a retake. First-time candidates are typically offered an appointment within 30 days of requesting to schedule, while repeat candidates are offered a slot within 60 days. Candidates aren’t obligated to accept the first date offered; they can choose a later appointment instead.

However, waiting too long narrows the pool of available test centers and time slots, and an ATT that expires before a seat is booked means reapplying and paying the fee again. Ontario candidates planning around specific windows can cross-check our REx-PN Exam Dates Ontario overview before locking in a date.

Choosing a Test Center: Domestic and International Options

The REx-PN is offered at permanent and temporary test centers across Canada and the mainland United States, along with international locations including Australia, the United Kingdom, India, the Philippines, and several other countries. International appointments carry the added CAD $150 fee, and unlike domestic bookings, changes to an international appointment can only be made by phone with Pearson Candidate Services, not online. International test centers also require a valid passport, regardless of which ID types are accepted domestically.

REx-PN Exam Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

If your plans change, you can reschedule or cancel your REx-PN exam appointment, but you must follow Pearson VUE’s deadlines to avoid losing your exam fee.

• Tuesday through Friday appointments: Changes must be made at least 24 hours (one full business day) before your scheduled exam time.
• Saturday, Sunday, or Monday appointments: You must reschedule or cancel no later than the preceding Friday, while still meeting the 24-hour business-day requirement.

All appointment changes must be completed through the Pearson VUE REx-PN portal or by contacting Pearson VUE Customer Support directly. Simply leaving a voicemail does not count as a valid cancellation or rescheduling request.

If you miss the required deadline or fail to appear for your exam, your appointment will be treated as a no-show. In most cases, this means you’ll forfeit your exam fee and must complete a new registration and payment before you can schedule another exam.

Reviewing the rescheduling policy in advance can help you avoid unnecessary costs and keep your licensing timeline on track.

Common Mistakes That Delay REx-PN Booking

Even small oversights during the registration process can lead to unnecessary delays, added costs, or missed exam opportunities. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using a name that doesn’t exactly match your regulator records and government-issued ID.
• Waiting until your ATT is about to expire before scheduling your exam, limiting your choice of dates and test centers.
• Assuming testing accommodations can be requested after registering with Pearson VUE. Accommodation approvals should be completed before booking your exam.
• Forgetting to budget for the international testing fee of CAD $150 if you’re taking the exam outside Canada.
• Missing the rescheduling or cancellation deadline, which could result in forfeiting your exam fee.

Reviewing these details before booking can save you time, reduce stress, and help ensure a smooth REx-PN registration experience.

Preparing for REx-PN Success Once Your Date Is Set

Booking your REx-PN exam is just the first step. Your preparation for the RExPN is what ultimately determines your success.

A strategic study plan that includes computer-adaptive practice questions, regular performance tracking, and focused review of weaker competency areas can make a significant difference. To maximize your readiness, prioritize:

• Learning how Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) adjusts to your performance
• Identifying and improving weaker competency areas early in your preparation
• Measuring your progress through performance trends rather than simply completing more questions
• Taking full-length practice exams under realistic testing conditions

Remember, passing the REx-PN isn’t about studying longer. It’s about studying strategically and aligning your preparation with the REx-PN exam blueprint. A focused, data-driven approach will help you build confidence and walk into exam day fully prepared. Many candidates ask whether the REx-PN exam has 90 questions. Since it uses CAT, the number of questions varies depending on your performance rather than following a fixed format.

Final Thoughts

Booking your REx-PN exam doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Start your application early, ensure your personal details match across all documents, and keep track of your Authorization to Test (ATT) validity period, which is typically around 90 days. Once you receive your ATT, schedule your exam promptly to get your preferred test date and location.

Since the exam fee is generally non-refundable, it’s best to approach the registration process with careful planning instead of rushing at the last minute. A well-organized booking process lets you focus on what truly matters: preparing confidently and performing your best on exam day.

FAQ’s

Q. How do I book the REx-PN exam?

Ans. Apply through your provincial regulator (such as Ontario or British Columbia). Once eligibility is confirmed, register with Pearson, pay the fee, receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), and then schedule your exam.

Q. How much does the REx-PN exam cost?

Ans. The standard fee is CAD $350 per attempt in both Ontario and British Columbia. Testing internationally adds a CAD $150 scheduling fee, and all payments to Pearson are non-refundable.

Q. How soon can I get an exam date after registering?

Ans. First-time candidates are usually offered a slot within 30 days of requesting to schedule; repeat candidates within 60 days. Booking promptly after receiving the ATT keeps more test centres and times available.

Q. Can I take the REx-PN outside Canada?

Ans. Yes. International test centres operate in countries including Australia, the UK, India, and the Philippines, though these appointments carry an added CAD $150 fee and require a passport for identification.

Q. What happens if I need to reschedule?

Ans. Changes must be made at least 24 hours before a Tuesday–Friday appointment, or by the preceding Friday for a Saturday–Monday appointment. Voicemail isn’t accepted as notice, and missed windows generally forfeit the fee.