Employer Zone

The CNA Certification Program is Canada’s only bilingual, nationally recognized nursing specialty credential. More than 13,000 nurses across Canada are CNA certified.

We have certification in 22 nursing practice specialties and offer 19 exams. In 2019, we introduced our first certification for licensed/registered practical nurses and in 2020, registered psychiatric nurses can become certified in their specialty.

Top health-care employers across Canada support certification because they want nurses who are confident in their skill and have expertise in the latest standards of practice and care. 

Promote CNA specialty certification in your workplace!

Looking to inspire your team to pursue their specialty credential from the CNA Certification Program? We’ve got you covered!

We offer downloadable posters designed specifically for employers and organizations. These eye-catching and professional materials are perfect for printing and displaying in staff rooms, units, or common areas to encourage and support certification within your workplace.

Impact of certification

• Having CNA-certified nurses in your organization means improved patient safety and outcomes.
• For detailed evidence, see the Impact of Certification infographic.
• Learn what nurse leaders are saying about CNA certification.

Initial and renewal certification

To become certified, nurses must meet important eligibility requirements and then write an exam. The exams are bilingual and rigorously validated by subject matter experts from across Canada. These experts collaborate with testing and measurement consultants from Meazure Learning, which ensures the exams reflect the latest evidence-based practices.

Nurses must renew their credential every five years. They can do so by submitting a record of continuous learning or by rewriting the exam.

There are two exam windows annually (see important dates).