Professional exam
General informations
Background
In June 2012, the OIIAQ obtained authorization from the Office des professions du Québec (OPQ) to modify the professional admission conditions set out in the Regulation respecting terms and conditions for the issuance of permits by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec by adding a professional exam.
This regulatory project is under development and must be approved by the OPQ. Once the new provisions have taken effect, the OIIAQ will be able to implement the professional exam. It is hoped that the first exam session will be held in March 2016.
This new requirement will apply to future graduates of the SASI program (health, assistance and nursing) and to eligible individuals granted diploma/training equivalency.
LPNs will be better prepared
In light of the fact that healthcare needs are constantly changing in line with advances in scientific knowledge, technology and clinical practices, the OIIAQ will thus be able to ensure, in keeping with its public protection role, that the individuals to whom it issues LPN permits have the required skills to practice professionally and to meet people’s needs.
Professional exam
The process of putting together the professional exam is focused on content development, as well as on administrative terms and conditions. In particular, the exam will evaluate the integration and application of candidates’ knowledge and skills in various clinical situations with a view to determining if they have the required capability to practice professionally. The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, either “stand alone” questions or pertaining to certain clinical situations.
The exam will be administered via an online platform in authorized exam centres located in all administrative regions of Quebec.
Based on the planning for the various preliminary steps, we anticipate that the first exam session will be held in March 2016. The OIIAQ has decided to hold four exam sessions per year.
Individuals in graduating classes who will be completing the SASI program on or after November 2015, in addition to individuals whose diploma or training equivalency is recognized on or after that date, may be required to pass the exam in order to receive a permit.
You are advised to consult this section regularly for further information on the implementation of the professional exam.
