Communicating effectively in English or French is a critical factor to provide safe nursing practice. All applicants are required to demonstrate language proficiently prior to attaining registration.
French and English language tests are one way CNO assesses language proficiency required for registration. Benchmark scores set the minimum language proficiency score required for each test. The benchmark scores are scientifically defensible and align with the language demands required for safe, ethical and effective nursing practice.
Applicants can meet the language proficiency requirement by achieving the minimum scores for one of the following tests:
- Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): General Training and Academic versions and One Skill Retake
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic
- Test d’évaluation de français(TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF)
Applicants must achieve the minimum benchmark scores for all test components during one complete attempt of the test, unless there is an approved option to attempt one component of a specific test, such as the IELTS One Skill Retake. If necessary, applicants can re-take tests, in full, to demonstrate language proficiency.
Visit the examination websites to learn more about testing locations and times, fees and re-takes.
NOTE: CNO accepts Language Proficiency tests approved under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) once CNO-approved benchmarks are set. Please note that if the applicant writes an approved test through their immigration process, they must meet CNO's minimum benchmark for this test to be accepted as a registration requirement. We will update this page when additional tests are benchmarked and approved by CNO. Please check back often.
Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN)
| Test Component | CELBAN Scores |
|---|---|
| Writing | 7 |
| Speaking | 8 |
| Listening | 9 |
| Reading | 8 |
These are the minimum benchmark scores that must be achieved; they include the standard error of measurement.
CNO accepts scores from both the General Training and Academic format of the IELTS test, or a score from the One Skill Retake written within 60 days of the original test date as follows:
Website: Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General training and academic, including the one skill retake
| Test Component | IELTS Scores |
|---|---|
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 7 |
| Listening | 7 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Total | 7 |
These are the minimum benchmark scores that must be achieved; they include the standard error of measurement of 0.5.
CNO accepts scores from both the General Training and Academic format of the IELTS test, or a score from the One Skill Retake written within 60 days of the original test date as follows:
- Results from the IELTS General Training test or from an IELTS General Training test along with the IELTS General One Skill Retake will only be accepted when written within two years prior to applying for registration. CNO will not accept results from IELTS General if you write it any other time.
- Results from the IELTS Academic test or from an IELTS Academic test along with the IELTS Academic One Skill Retake will be accepted when written any time within two years of registering.
- Results from the IELTS One Skill Retake will be accepted with the original IELTS test (General Training or Academic). If you retake a test component (e.g. skill) within 60 days of the original test, the retake score will replace the corresponding score from the original test.
Website: International English Language Testing System
Occupational English Test (OET)
| Component | Minimum benchmark letter score | Minimum benchmark scaled score |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | C+ | 320 |
| Speaking | B | 350 |
| Listening | B | 350 |
| Reading | C+ | 330 |
| Total | Not applicable | Not applicable |
These scores are the minimum benchmark scores that must be achieved. CNO accepts OET results if the test is written at any time within two years of registering.
Website:Occupational English Test
Pearson Test Of English (PTE): Academic
| Test Component | Minimum benchmark score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 68 |
| Speaking | 75 |
| Listening | 73 |
| Reading | 6 |
| Total | Not applicable |
These are the minimum benchmark scores that must be achieved. CNO accepts PTE: Academic results if the test is written at any time within two years of registering.
Website: Pearson Test of English
Test d'evaluation de francais(TEF)
| Component | Minimum benchmark scores |
|---|---|
| Writing | 400 |
| Speaking | 500 |
| Listening | 400 |
| Reading | 400 |
| Total | Not applicable |
These scores are the minimum benchmark scores that must be achieved.
CNO accepts TEF Canada test results if the test is written either two years prior to the date of applying, or within two years of the date of registering.
Website: Test d’évaluation de français
Test de connaissance du français pour le canada
| Test Component | Minimum benchmark scores |
|---|---|
| Writing | 10 |
| Speaking | 12 |
| Listening | 503 |
| Reading | 453 |
| Total | Not applicable |
These scores are the minimum benchmark scores that must be achieved.
CNO only accepts TCF test results written within two years prior to applying for registration.
Website: Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF)
