CCP Frequently Asked Questions

As part of the CRNS’s continuous quality improvement, the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) was reviewed. After extensive consultation and environmental scanning, several changes were made to the existing CCP.

The CRNS’s mandate is to protect the public through the regulation of registered nursing practice. In The Registered Nurses Act, 1988, one of the requirements of the CRNS is to have a process by which members continue to learn and grow throughout their careers. This is supported by the implementation of a continuing competence requirement for RNs.

The CCP measures the ongoing ability to integrate and apply knowledge, skills, judgment, and expertise required topractice safely and ethically in a designated role and setting. Yearly participation continues to be mandatory; however, with the proposed changes, the program will be more flexible and allow each registrant to reflect and focus on what isimportant to their practice.

Completion of the mandatory components of the CCP and linking the components to achieve a specific goal demonstrates the RN’s commitment to ongoing education and maintaining competency.

CCP FAQs

What are the changes to the CCP? 

• An online CCP platform whereby registrants can record their efforts to meet the mandatory requirements will be implemented.
• Self-assessment will be a reflective exercise. Registrants are no longer required to check off each of the indicators in the Practice Standards. Registrants that have more than one designation [NP or RN(AAP)] will no longer be required to complete both the RN and NP or AAP self-assessment. They may focus their CCP learning on the highest designation for which they are licensed or where learning will have the greatest impact.
• Registrants will no longer be required to use the learning plan templates. There is a list of learning activities available as options on the online platform.
• Peer Feedback is no longer required.
• Registrants will still be required to complete a reflective evaluation of the learning goals and objective that they have chosen.
• In the online platform, registrants will attest that they have reviewed the Practice Standards document as part of the CCP requirements.

When will the changes take effect?

Implementation of the new CCP requirements will begin on December 1, 2022, for the 2023 registration year.

Can I still use the paper forms to complete their CCP? 

During the consultation process, registrants were clear that they wanted an online platform to complete their CCP. Hearing this, the CRNS has developed and implemented the online platform, which will be integrated with the registrant’s registration renewal requirements. Information on how to use the online platform will be provided to registrants. If you, for some reason, do not feel comfortable using the online platform, please get in touch with a Practice Advisor for assistance.

 What is the timeline for completing the CCP? 

The CCP will continue to be ongoing throughout the registration year. Registrants must complete their mandatory requirements for the preceding year before submitting their registration renewal form for the upcoming licensure year (i.e., complete 2022 requirements before renewing for the 2023 licensure year).

What resources are available regarding the CCP? 

• Information on CCP requirements, including how to complete the CCP requirements, can be found on the CRNS website under License and Membership.
• Webinars, communication, and social media posts will also be available to provide information/instructions on how to complete the CCP.
• Practice Advisors are also available to respond to questions: practiceadvice@crns.ca.

How do I choose my learning goal? 

• One to two learning goals are suggested, and each must be linked to a practice standard; however, the number of goals chosen is a personal decision. Caution should be exercised when selecting the number to ensure that the learning plan goals can be accomplished in the time frame.
• Registrants may focus their CCP learning on the highest designation they are licensed or where learning will have the most significant impact.
• The online platform lists many learning activities you may consider to assist you in achieving your goal.

How do I create my learning plan?

There is no right or wrong way to create your learning plan.  The learning plan outlines tangible goals to meet your identified learning needs and how they can be achieved.  Please see the CCP section of our website for an example of a learning plan and resources that you may find helpful.  Log onto the registrant portal to input your learning goal(s) and to find examples of learning opportunities.

What is the responsibility of my employer with CCP? 

• The CCP is the professional responsibility of all RNs. The employer is not obligated to provide resources (paid registration, time off) to support CCP activities.
• Some employers may provide you with opportunities to work with other colleagues to complete projects or activities that may benefit the organization and be used as a CCP learning goal(s).
• The employer cannot require you to share your CCP documents with them.

I have been on a leave of absence from work for an extended period (maternity, disability, etc.). What do I need to complete to be eligible for registration? 

Complete a personal assessment and learning plan prior to registration renewal.

I am a GN licensed with the CRNS. What do I need to complete? 

• New graduates are not required to complete any CCP requirements if requesting a GN license for the first time, as upon successful completion of your nursing program, you have met your entry-level competencies.
• If you request a second GN extension, you must complete the personal assessment and develop a learning plan.

I am a retired RN. Do I have to keep my CCP documents? 

• Registrants must retain their CCP documents for the past five (5) years, including retirees, non-practicing, inactive and those on leave from an employer.
• With the implementation of the online platform, CCP documents will automatically be saved within the CRNS database.
• If you decide to register as an active practicing RN, you must complete a personal assessment and learning plan prior to registration renewal.

I am an RN in my first year of practice. What do I have to complete?

• If you register as an RN at the beginning of the registration year (December 1-May 1), you must complete all components of the CCP.
• If you register as an RN after May 1, you need to complete a personal assessment and develop a learning plan to be eligible to register.

I am an RN with an inactive license and am returning to work. What do I have to complete before I can renew my license?

Complete a personal assessment and learning plan prior to registration renewal.

I am a practicing RN, working outside of Saskatchewan. What do I need to complete?

If you are licensed in Saskatchewan, you must complete all the CRNS CCP requirements in addition to any other CCP documents required by other provinces in which you are registered.

Does the requirement to complete CCP include RNs practicing in education, administration, or research?

Yes, RNs practicing in all domains must complete CCP.

Are annual mandatory requirements (CPR, WHMIS, PART, FIRE SAFETY) considered a part of CCP?

These can be included upon initial completion of the course. Learning requirements identified as an ongoing requirement of your job description (e.g., renewing CPR is only included if there is new knowledge/change in practice).

Can my CCP learning plan goal(s) be revised during the year if I change jobs/roles/ duties?

• Your learning plan is a living document that can be changed throughout the year.
• Look at creative ways to learn and develop professionally while remaining focused on the provision of safe, competent care.

How does the CRNS monitor registrant involvement in the CCP? 

• Registrants will be required to complete the CCP components on the online platform and attest that they have done so prior to being eligible for registration renewal. Once you have renewed your license, you cannot go back into the previous registration year’s CCP and make any changes but will be required to start your CCP plan for the current registration year.
• Annual CCP verification is completed using a random sample of practicing RNs, RN(AAP)s, and NPs pulled from the CRNS register.
• Registrants must retain their CCP documents for the past five (5) years, including retirees, non-practicing, inactive and those on leave from an employer.
• With the implementation of the online platform, CCP documents will automatically be saved within the CRNS database.
• The Registrar determines the criteria for the CCP verification.