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CPNRE exam study guide

What's on the exam and how to study for it. Free to read, no sign-up.

The exam at a glance

Multiple choice. Used by practical nurse regulators outside BC and Ontario.

Main topic areas

Area
AProfessional, ethical and legal practice
BFoundations of practice
CCollaborative practice

How to study

  1. Know when a client is no longer stable and you need to consult.
  2. Two client identifiers before every medication.
  3. Respect refusals: explore, document, report.
  4. Practise every day in short sets. When you miss one, work out why each wrong option is wrong.

Try 3 sample questions

Original practice questions from our CPNRE bank, not real exam questions.

Question 1

What is the main purpose of a nursing regulatory body?

  1. A. To protect the public
  2. B. To advertise nursing careers
  3. C. To negotiate nurses' wages and benefits with employers
  4. D. To run hospitals across the province
Show the answer

A. To protect the public

Regulators set standards, register nurses and handle complaints in the public interest.

Question 2

Which situation must be reported to the regulator under mandatory reporting rules?

  1. A. A nurse who takes a vacation
  2. B. A nurse who changes their home address within the same city
  3. C. A nurse terminated for professional misconduct or incompetence
  4. D. A nurse who switches from full-time to part-time hours on the same unit
Show the answer

C. A nurse terminated for professional misconduct or incompetence

Employers must report terminations for misconduct, incompetence or incapacity.

Question 3

A PN is asked to perform a task outside the PN scope of practice in their province. What should the PN do?

  1. A. Ask another PN to do it instead
  2. B. Decline and explain that it is outside the PN scope
  3. C. Do it once to help out
  4. D. Do the task if a physician gives a verbal order for it
Show the answer

B. Decline and explain that it is outside the PN scope

Scope is set by legislation and regulators; employers cannot expand it.

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Source

Checked October 2026. Exam details change, so confirm with your provincial regulator before you write. MedTestCoach is an independent study tool and isn't affiliated with any exam owner or regulator.