CNO Practice Test

The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the governing body for nurses in Ontario, Canada. It runs the Registered Practical Nurse Examination (REx-PN) for practical nurses seeking to practice in Ontario. This guide is here to offer support and advice for those preparing for the CNO test. Practice with the free CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (100+ questions with answer explanations).

CNO Exam at a Glance

What changed for CNO in 2026

• Oct 24, 2026: Other (update 2026-07-01) changed to From July 1, 2026, CNO no longer issues NP specialty certificates; NP certification moves to a single classification without specialties. (previously From July 1, 2026, CNO no longer issues NP specialty certificates, because NP certification moves to a single classification without specialties.).^[3]
• Oct 24, 2026: Other (update 2027-02-01) changed to The NCLEX-RN fee for CNO applicants rises from $360 to $570 CAD on February 1, 2027. (previously The NCLEX-RN fee for Canadian candidates increases from $360 to $570 CAD on February 1, 2027. Candidates who register and pay before that date keep the old fee.).^[5]
• Oct 24, 2026: Delivery (NCLEX-RN) changed to In person at a testing centre (previously In person at a Pearson test centre).^[5]
• Oct 24, 2026: Delivery (REx-PN) changed to Any Pearson Professional Center testing location (previously Pearson Professional Center test locations).^[6]
• Oct 24, 2026: Eligibility (NCLEX-RN) changed to CNO notifies you via the portal when eligible (previously Open a CNO RN application first; CNO confirms eligibility).^[5]
• Oct 24, 2026: Exam fee (NCLEX-RN) changed to $360 CAD; rises to $570 on Feb. 1, 2027 (previously $360 CAD (rises to $570 on Feb. 1, 2027)).^[5]
• Oct 24, 2026: Exam fee (CNO application fee) changed to $433 CAD (2026); $454 (2027) (previously $433 CAD (2026); $454 (2027) — General/Extended Class).^[3]
• Oct 24, 2026: Time limit (Jurisprudence Examination) changed to Untimed; 30 days to complete after payment (previously Untimed; 30-day access window after payment).^[1]
• Oct 24, 2026: Retake policy (NCLEX-RN) changed to Up to 8 times/year; 45 days between attempts (previously Up to 8 times/year, 45 days between attempts).^[5]
• Oct 24, 2026: Retake policy (REx-PN) changed to 60-day wait; up to 6 attempts/year (previously 60-day wait, up to 6 attempts/year).^[8]
• Oct 24, 2026: Score release (NCLEX-RN) changed to Within one week via MYM portal (previously Within one week via the MYM portal).^[5]
• Oct 24, 2026: Score release (REx-PN) changed to Within one week via MYM portal (previously Within one week via the MYM portal).^[8]

Free CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario Study Tools

Interactive CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• Free CNO Safe and Effective Care Environment Questions and Answers — 11 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
• CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to College of Nurses of Ontario, “Each jurisprudence examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through CNO questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: A nurse has been charged with an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada that is unrelated to their nursing practice. According to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, what is the nurse's reporting obligation to the CNO?

1. The nurse must report the charge to their employer, who is then responsible for reporting to the CNO.
2. The nurse is only required to report the charge if they are found guilty.
3. The nurse has no obligation to report the charge as it did not occur in the workplace.
4. The nurse must self-report the charge in writing to the CNO.

Answer: D. The nurse must self-report the charge in writing to the CNO.

Explanation:

The correct answer is D. A nurse charged with an offence must report it to the CNO in writing, and this applies even when the charge has nothing to do with nursing practice.

A is wrong because the duty is personal. An employer cannot take it over. B is wrong because the duty begins at the charge and does not wait for a guilty finding. C is wrong because the workplace connection does not decide whether you must report.

Rule to remember: reporting duties to the regulator belong to the nurse, and they are triggered by the charge itself, not by the outcome or the setting.

Example 2

Question: During a head-to-toe assessment, a CNO-registered nurse notes that a client has unequal pupils. What is the nurse's priority action?

1. Document the finding and continue the assessment
2. Notify the physician immediately as this may indicate a neurological emergency
3. Administer prescribed pain medication
4. Reposition the client and reassess in one hour

Answer: B. Notify the physician immediately as this may indicate a neurological emergency

Explanation:

The correct answer is B. Unequal pupils can point to a neurological emergency such as raised pressure inside the skull, so the physician needs to hear about it immediately.

A is wrong because documenting and carrying on delays action on a possible emergency. C is wrong because pain medication does not address the finding and could hide further changes. D is wrong because waiting to reassess leaves a possibly deteriorating client unattended.

Rule to remember: a new, unexpected finding that may threaten life or neurological function calls for immediate escalation. Document it afterwards.

Example 3

Question: According to the CNO's Code of Conduct, what is the primary accountability of a nurse when they identify a conflict between their personal beliefs and a client's care plan?

1. To transfer care of the client to another nurse immediately.
2. To inform the client about the personal conflict and offer alternative care options.
3. To provide safe, compassionate, and timely care until other arrangements are made.
4. To document the conflict in the client's chart and seek guidance from the ethics committee.

Answer: C. To provide safe, compassionate, and timely care until other arrangements are made.

Explanation:

The correct answer is C. When personal beliefs conflict with a care plan, the nurse keeps providing safe, compassionate and timely care until other arrangements are in place, so the client is not left without service.

A is wrong because handing the client over immediately can leave a gap in care. B is wrong because it focuses on the nurse's conflict and puts the client's needs second. D is wrong because documenting and consulting an ethics committee may be useful, but neither is the primary accountability.

Rule to remember: the client's well-being comes first, and care must continue without interruption while the conflict is resolved.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official CNO page for your exam so you know the delivery method, retake rules and time limit that apply to you. Then work through the practice sets in this order.

1. Begin with the scope of practice and legal and regulatory framework sets, because many other topics depend on them.
2. Move to ethical practice, consent and capacity and documentation.
3. Add the clinical sets: health assessment, safe medication administration and infection prevention.

After each set, read the explanation for every question you missed and write down the rule behind it in your own words. Retry those questions a few days later. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to check your reasoning and not to predict what will appear. When you feel steady, take the full practice test in one sitting under exam-style conditions.

Key Takeaways

• The CNO is the nursing regulatory body in Ontario, Canada.
• The CNO administers the REx-PN exam to assess the competency of practical nurses.
• This guide offers strategies and resources for the CNO test.
• Passing the CNO test is essential for nursing in Ontario.
• Being ready and knowing the test details are crucial for success.

Take English or French Language Courses

Strategies for Preparing for the REx-PN

The first big step is to go through the REx-PN practice materials from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). These will help you understand how the exam is set up and what you need to know. Knowing this can make your study plan more effective.

For internationally educated nurses, taking programs focused on current nursing practices in Ontario is key. These programs dive deep into what regulatory requirements, nursing standards, and professional nursing practice look like in the province. They help bridge any knowledge gaps.

If English or French isn’t your first language, consider language courses. They’ll boost your communication skills. This is crucial for understanding exam questions and showing your nursing competency.

Join Nursing Peer Support Groups

Being part of a nursing peer support group is a great idea. It offers a chance to swap stories, questions, and tips with others also preparing for the REx-PN. You can learn a lot from their experiences with the Ontario nursing board and nurse certification.

Study the Test Plan and Exam Preview

Don’t forget to glance over the REx-PN Test Plan to see what topics and skills you’ll be tested on. The exam preview is also handy as it gives you a feel for the real test with sample questions. It all helps you get used to the testing style.

Consider Exam Preparation Courses

Some people opt for third-party exam preparation courses besides their own studies. While the CNO can’t vouch for them, they can be a good supplement. These courses usually give you a structured plan, practice, and extra support to boost your confidence for the REx-PN.

By making use of these ways and resources, future practical nurses can up their odds of acing the REx-PN. This shows they’re ready to join the nursing field in Ontario, Canada.

Pearson Vue Registration Process

Registering for the NCLEX-RN

To work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The CNO (College of Nurses of Ontario) makes this a requirement. On the Pearson Vue website, you can find details to register for the NCLEX-RN. Also, they provide a Candidate Bulletin. This document has everything you need to know about the exam, like content, format, and how it’s scored.

If you’re planning to take the NCLEX-RN in Canada, you first need to sign up on the Pearson Vue website. This site is in charge of all the testing. You’ll need to make an account, send in your application and documents, and pick a place to take the test.

NCLEX-RN Candidate Bulletin

The NCLEX-RN Candidate Bulletin is a must-read for anyone looking to become an RN. It has the exam’s outline, format, scoring method, and more. This guide is key for your prep and to ace the NCLEX-RN exam in Canada.

Test Plans and Content Outlines

CNO (College of Nurses of Ontario) Test Preparation Resources

The CNO supports future nurses in getting ready for their exams. This includes the REx-PN and NCLEX-RN tests. They give study materials that cover all important exam areas. This helps students really understand what the test will be like.

The CNO has detailed plans and outlines for exams. They show what nursing skills will be tested. This allows students to focus their studying on what’s truly needed. Knowing these details helps nursing exam takers prepare better for the cno (college of nurses of ontario) test.

Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT) Format

Both the REx-PN and NCLEX-RN tests are in a CAT format. The CNO explains how this type of test works. It adjusts the question difficulty based on how well you’re doing. Understanding this helps nurse licensure candidates plan their test-taking strategies.

Practice Tests and Sample Questions

The CNO also provides practice tests and questions. These materials let students see what the real exam will be like. They can practice and see where they need to improve. This makes them more confident and ready for the nursing licensure and ontario nursing registration tests.

Sample CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. A client writes to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) stating that a nurse assaulted him during care. What action may CNO take in this situation?

   • A. Report the nurse to the employer
   • B. Investigate the allegation
   • C. Request that the nurse's employment be terminated
   • D. Refer the complaint to local law enforcement

Answer: B. Investigate the allegation

Explanation: When a client reports an allegation of assault by a nurse, the appropriate action for the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is to investigate the allegation. The CNO is responsible for investigating complaints against nurses to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. This investigation process involves gathering information, interviewing relevant parties, and determining whether disciplinary action or further steps are necessary to address the complaint. Referring the complaint to the nurse's employer, requesting employment termination, or involving law enforcement may occur depending on the outcome of the investigation and the severity of the allegation, but the initial step is to investigate the allegation internally.

Answer: C. Establishing requirements for entry to practice to ensure public safety.

The CNO's primary mandate, as dictated by provincial legislation, is to protect the public. [29] This is achieved by regulating the nursing profession, which includes setting the standards and requirements for individuals to enter the profession. [4, 29] Advocating for nurses' working conditions and negotiating salaries are roles of a union, like the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), while offering liability protection and other professional development are often functions of a professional association, like the RNAO. [29, 32]

Answer: C. Court-appointed guardian of the person with treatment authority

A court-appointed guardian of the person who has been granted authority to make treatment decisions ranks highest in the HCCA substitute decision maker hierarchy.

Answer: C. The Consent and Capacity Board

The Consent and Capacity Board is an independent tribunal that reviews capacity findings, resolves SDM disputes, and can authorize treatment in certain circumstances.

Take the full CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario practice test

Sources & last verified

1. College of Nurses of Ontario — number of questions, time limit, exam fee, validity (official source). “Each jurisprudence examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
2. nclex.com — time limit (official source). “Candidates have five hours to complete the NCLEX, including breaks.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
3. College of Nurses of Ontario — exam fee, other (official source). “General Class (RPN or RN) and Extended Class (NP) are $433.00 for 2026 and $454.00 for 2027.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
4. College of Nurses of Ontario — retake policy, delivery, score release, testing window (official source). “You will have three chances to successfully complete the exam.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
5. College of Nurses of Ontario — retake policy, exam fee, delivery, eligibility (official source). “You must wait at least 45 days between each attempt.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
6. rexpn.com — time limit, delivery (official source). “While there will be a time limit of 4 hours to complete the overall exam.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
7. rexpn.com — exam fee (official source). “$350 CAD” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
8. College of Nurses of Ontario — retake policy, eligibility, score release (official source). “You must wait at least 60 days before you retake the exam.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.