![\"Step-by-Step:](\"https:\/\/sulcuslearning.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Step-by-Step_-How-to-Apply-for-and-Book-Your-REx-PN-Exam-1024x762.webp\")
<\/p>\nCanada\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Pearson cannot schedule anyone who hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Candidates submit a registration application along with transcripts, proof of program completion, and identification through their regulator\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If you need RExPN exam<\/a> accommodations, submit your request as early as possible.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Create your account and register through Pearson VUE’s<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Check your ATT {Authorization to Test}<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n After completing the exam, your results will be released by your provincial regulator.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s included and how costs compare across repeat attempts, see our REx-PN Exam Cost guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t obligated to accept the first date offered; they can choose a later appointment instead.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> overview before locking in a date.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Reviewing the rescheduling policy in advance can help you avoid unnecessary costs and keep your licensing timeline on track.<\/p>\n Even small oversights during the registration process can lead to unnecessary delays, added costs, or missed exam opportunities. Avoid these common mistakes:<\/p>\n Reviewing these details before booking can save you time, reduce stress, and help ensure a smooth REx-PN registration experience.<\/p>\n Booking your REx-PN exam is just the first step. Your preparation for the RExPN is what ultimately determines your success.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Since it uses CAT, the number of questions varies depending on your performance rather than following a fixed format.<\/p>\n\n
3. Wait for Eligibility Confirmation<\/h3>\n
4. Register With Pearson VUE<\/h3>\n
5. Pay the REx-PN Examination Fee<\/h3>\n
6. Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT)<\/h3>\n
7. Verify Your ATT Expiry Date<\/h3>\n
8. Schedule Your Exam<\/h3>\n
9. Review Your Confirmation Details<\/h3>\n
10. Take the REx-PN Exam<\/h3>\n
11. Receive Your Results<\/h3>\n
\n
How Much Does the REx-PN Exam Cost?<\/h2>\n
How Soon Can You Schedule Your Exam Date?<\/h2>\n
Choosing a Test Center: Domestic and International Options<\/h2>\n
REx-PN Exam Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy<\/h2>\n
\n
Common Mistakes That Delay REx-PN Booking<\/h2>\n
\n
Preparing for REx-PN Success Once Your Date Is Set<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Start](\"https:\/\/sulcuslearning.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/CTA-Image-9-1024x309.webp\")
<\/a><\/p>\n