Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I have a CNA account?
Because CNA membership used to be automatic, it’s possible we already have a CNA account created for you! And if you are CNA-certified, you definitely have an account already. If you are unsure of your login details, you can email members@cna-aiic.ca and we will be happy to help get you back into your account. Please be sure to provide as much information as possible — old email addresses, other names (nicknames or maiden names) — to help us find you.
I have forgotten my password. What do I do?
The first step to getting back into your account is to try resetting your password. Enter the email address used for your account to have your password reset for you. You can also email members@cna-aiic.ca and we will be happy to reset your password for you.
I have been locked out of my account. What do I do?
We take your privacy seriously. After too many attempts to log in to your account using incorrect information, our system will lock your account. Email members@cna-aiic.ca and we will unlock your account for you.
How do I change my username and/or password?
When you log in to your account, from your profile page you can update your username and/or password. Under the Security section, select the Change password and/or username. Your username must be in email format. We recommend verifying your contact information as well. Under the Addresses section, click or tap the pencil icon to update your mailing address and/or email address.

How do I access my certification record or online renewal application?
Log in to your CNA account with your email and password. Select My Account in the upper right-hand corner. Select Certification and then View My Certification Dashboard. You will see the link to the renewal application. If you hold a CNA certification, but do not see it on your account, it is likely you have a duplicate account. Please contact certification@cna-aiic.ca for assistance. Please note there is a brief period each year (between December and January) where renewal applications are not accessible.
How do I purchase a certification pin?
If your certification pin got lost or damaged, you can replace it at a cost of $30. Please contact certification@cna-aiic.ca directly to purchase a pin. We will mail it to you.
How do I get a copy of my certificate?
Log in to your CNA account, select Certification and then View My Certification Dashboard. Under Certification History, download or print the file under the Certificate column. Please note that the former certificate and the gold seals are no longer available.
What exam preparation and study resources are available besides the online practice test?
Please visit the Exam Preparation section on our website. It contains important resources that will help you get ready for the exam. We encourage you to contact your national nursing specialty association, find a mentor, and join available study groups.
What are the exam fees?
CNA offers a discounted fee for CNA members. Please review the initial exam fees and the booking exam fees. Visit the Financial Support section on our website for information on funding opportunities.
What certification exams are available for licensed practical nurses and registered practical nurses?
Gerontological and medical surgical exams are available for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs). Please note that LPN and RN hours of experience cannot be combined if you are applying to write the exam.
Is international experience acceptable to apply to write the certification exam?
CNA certifications are developed based on Canadian nursing practice. Exams contain test questions that reflect Canadian law and Canadian nursing best practices. They are not intended to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities of nurses who live and practise outside of Canada, and at this time we are not able to offer our examinations internationally.
If you are an internationally educated nurse who is now living and working within a specialty in Canada, you may be eligible to write an exam. Please contact certification@cna-aiic.ca for more information.
When and how do I get my exam results?
Your exam results will be emailed to you four weeks after the exam’s last day of administration and will also be posted in your CNA account. Your results will be reported as pass or unsuccessful.
As a retired nurse, can I maintain my certification credentials?
Yes, but to renew your certification, you must hold a current nursing licence.

Is my CNA membership paid through my provincial regulator?
No. For years, CNA membership fees were built into the fees that provincial and territorial regulatory bodies charge for nursing licensure. The membership fees were then transferred to CNA, automatically giving you CNA membership. Now, however, if you want to be a CNA member you must join directly. There are two membership options — general or premium — available to all regulated nurses. See what each option offers and choose the one that works best for you.
I am a member of another nursing association. Does this include my CNA membership?
No. Other associations do not collect fees for CNA. To become a CNA member, you join CNA directly. There are two membership options — general or premium — available to all regulated nurses. See what each option offers and choose the one that works best for you.
I have paid fees to the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS). Is this the same as CNA membership?
No. CNPS provides professional liability protection. CNA provides national representation at the federal level for all regulated nurses in Canada. Learn more about what we do.
Does CNA membership include professional liability protection?
No. CNA does not offer professional liability protection to our members.
I am CNA-certified. Does my credential include or affect my CNA membership?
No. The CNA Certification Program and CNA membership are separate entities. Holding a CNA certification does not provide a CNA membership, and CNA-certified nurses are not required to be CNA members. However, CNA members receive discounted rates when they write the exam to become initially certified and when they renew their certification credentials.
I am retiring from nursing, but still would like to support CNA. What options are available?
Congratulations on a well-earned retirement! We appreciate your commitment to the nursing profession. Supporting CNA during your retirement will likewise help us support the nurses of today and the future. We have a retired nurse membership option available. Details are available on our membership webpage.
Can I change my member type during my membership term?
Yes. If you are a general member, you can log in to your account at any time and select Upgrade to a Premium membership. Changes for all other membership types, including switching to a retired member , can only be done during your renewal window. Please email members@cna-aiic.ca and we can update your member type option.
How long is a CNA membership term?
Your membership will be active for one year from the time of purchase. You will be able to renew 90 days before your expiry date.
How do I access my CNA benefits?
Log in to your CNA account to access your member benefits. Once signed in, most benefits are available on the professional and personal benefits webpages. To access Longwoods, ProQuest, and NursingSKL, for example, click or tap Hi, your name to log in to your profile and select My Benefits from the left side navigation.
I am an internationally educated nurse. How can I practise in Canada?
Nursing in Canada is regulated at the provincial level. You will need to review the requirements of the province for which you would like to practise. We have a full list of the regulatory bodies for your reference. You can also reach out to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). They assist internationally educated nurses coming to Canada.