Annual license renewal is an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to the values of registered nursing. It is also required to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Registered Nurse with Additional Authorized Practice [RN(AAP)] in Saskatchewan.
Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the renewal process to help guide you through each step.
Table of Contents
CRNS Portal
- Your username which is your email address.
- Your password (case sensitive).
- Access to your email. For security reasons, when you sign in, you may be prompted to submit a verification code. Copy the verification code, from your email and then input this code exactly as shown into the web browser. Click “Validate” and you will be logged in to the CRNS Portal.
- The number of eligible RN hours you are counting from Dec. 1, 2024, through Nov. 30, 2025. Please remember to report your eligible RN or NP hours for each employer. If you didn’t work any hours for a particular employer, just enter 0.
- Continuing Competence Program (CCP) must be completed. CRNS registrants are required to select at least:
- One Practice Standard to focus on;
- One related learning goal; and,
- At least one completed activity with completed evaluation.
- A credit card to complete online payment.
In the top right-hand corner of the CRNS.ca website near Registrant Area, click “Sign In”. Once in the Portal, click “Renewal” for the registration type you want to renew.
When logging into your account, you must use the email address the license renewal notice was sent to. This is the email address in your profile. If you use an email address different than the one listed in your profile, the system will not recognize you as a CRNS registrant and you will not be able to move forward.
Please remember to update your profile with any new contact information to ensure a smooth renewal process.
As part of the two-factor authentication process, you will be prompted to submit a verification code when you log in. The code will be sent to your email address. Go to your inbox, copy the verification code, and then input this code exactly as shown into the web browser. Click “Validate” and you will be logged in and able to access the Portal.
If you have any questions, click here to submit a support ticket.
If you have forgotten your password it will need to be reset.
- Request a password reset by clicking forgot your password on the CRNS Portal log in screen.
- You will be directed to enter your email address that is tied to your CRNS profile, as well as the verification code sent to that same email address.
- After you enter this information and click “Submit” you will receive an email with a link to reset your password.
- Follow the instructions provided in the email to create a new password for your account.
To update your legal name in Alinity:
- Sign in to the CRNS Portal.
- Click “My Profile” on the left side of the page.
- In the “Current Name” section of your profile, click on the “Add” button to request a change to your legal name.
- You will be required to upload a proof of name change document (marriage/divorce certificate, etc.).
To update your mailing address and your email address in the CRNS Portal:
- Sign in to the CRNS Portal.
- Click “My Profile” on the left side of the page.
- Click “Edit Profile” at the top of the page.
- In the “Current Address” or “Email” section of the profile, click on the “Add” button to change your information.
- Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page when you’re done.
This section is for you if you do not meet the minimum hourly requirement for RN licensure:
- 1125 hours in the previous five (5) years, or
- 450 hours in the previous two (2) years.
Requirements for Re-Entry
- Are in good standing with the CRNS.
- Are interested in taking the Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Re-Entry to Practice through Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Program information can be found on the Saskatchewan Polytechnic website.
- Are able to complete the re-entry program within three (3) years from the date you are referred to the program.
NOTE: For information about RN(AAP) or NP re-entry options please contact the CRNS at renew@crns.ca.
Referral Process
Prior to initiating the referral process, contact the CRNS at renew@crns.ca to arrange for a brief interview to discuss your request.
If you are deemed eligible for referral, you will be required to:
- Send a signed and dated letter to the CRNS with your name, mailing address and RN number, and request the CRNS to refer you to the Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Re-Entry to Practice at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In the letter include a brief outline of what nursing professional development you have engaged in since you last practiced. Send to renew@crns.ca or postal address at: 1-3710 Eastgate Dr, Regina, SK S4Z 1A5.
- Provide consent for the CRNS to discuss your progress with you and the faculty with the Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Re-Entry to Practice at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The consent form will be emailed to you.
- Pay referral fee invoice.
- Contact Saskatchewan Polytechnic to register for the program, upon receiving a copy of the referral letter from CRNS.
Communication with CRNS
The CRNS will send email updates on the renewal process to the email address listed in your CRNS Portal with instructions on how to complete your license renewal.
If you use an email address different than the one listed in Alinity, the system will not recognize you as a CRNS registrant and you will not be able to renew.
Please make sure you check your junk mail folder for emails if you are not able to find them. If your email address has changed, please update your profile to include your new email address.
Ensure you are checking the correct email account. The CRNS will only send emails to the address that is defined in your CRNS Portal account.
In some cases, email may not be delivered to you due to it being marked as spam. Check your email spam and junk folders.
If you still are unable to receive emails from the CRNS or Alinity, submit a ticket so we can best resolve your issue.
Licensure Status
Once you have submitted a completed license renewal form, you will receive an email indicating if it is under review or there is any further action required. Once the application is reviewed and/or approved, and you’ve paid the licensing fee, you will receive an email indicating that your license has been renewed for the coming year. Please check your junk mail folder if you are not receiving updates.
There is also a dashboard in the CRNS Portal that will automatically update your current license renewal status.
You can also confirm that your registration has been renewed for the licensure year via the Nurse License Check prior to working on and after December 1.
You can check your status and confirm that your registration has been renewed for the licensure year via the Nurse License Check prior to working on and after December 1. It is each registrant’s responsibility to ensure that they are licensed.
Yes, the registration year is from December 1 to November 30. If you license any time during the current licensure year including during the license renewal period (October 1 - November 30), even if it is for a few weeks/months, you must renew your license for the upcoming registration year.
If you do not, your current license expires, and as of December 1, you are practicing without an RN license and may be subject to reinstatement fees at the time of renewal. Click here for more information about fees and the fee schedule.
If you are unable to complete the license renewal form, click the “Save for Later” button so that your changes will be saved. When you return to the CRNS Portal, you can continue from where you left off.
If you are going on leave (maternity, sick or other) or you do not wish to hold a Practicing Membership for the upcoming year, we recommend you renew as a Non-Practicing Member. Choose the “Renew” button with the Non-Practicing designation, complete the form, submit and pay the fee.
This membership entitles you to hold office and be appointed to committees at the membership level, attend the annual meeting and receive the CRNS News Bulletin.
There is an annual fee associated with this type of membership. You are not authorized to practice nursing with a Non-Practicing Membership.
When you return from leave, you will need to complete a re-instatement by going into Alinity and selecting the Practicing Membership.
If you choose to become a Retired Member, you must still complete your CCP and submit your renewal form and fee. We recommend this option if you do not intend to return to practice. If you are unsure about your return to practice in the future, you may consider renewing as non-practicing at this time.
A retired membership offers you some privileges with the CRNS, including the ability to use the title Registered Nurse (retired), RN (retired), Nurse Practitioner (retired) or NP (retired). You must have been in good standing at the time you were last registered.
There is a one-time fee to apply as a Retired Member and no requirement to renew in future renewal years.
Yes, the registration year runs from December 1 to November 30. All Registered Nurses (RN) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) must complete their license renewal application and pay the annual fee to maintain their practicing status.
Please note that if your renewal is not completed and paid for by the deadline, your RN or NP license will become inactive as of December 1, and you will no longer be authorized to practice in Saskatchewan - even if you've only recently obtained your initial license.
If you do not renew your license, you will be switched to an “Inactive” status. All registrants who intend to continue to work during the 2026 licensure year must renew their license within the renewal period (October 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025). You are not authorized to practice Registered Nursing until you have met all the requirements, including payment of the reinstatement, late fee (if applicable) and license renewal fees.
If you choose to become “Inactive”, there are no privileges with the CRNS. Inactive registrants that decide to revert to a Practicing Membership will be subject to a $157.50 reinstatement fee in addition to their licensing fees.
Payment Options
License renewal can be paid online with:
- any major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express);
- e-transfer (receivables@crns.ca); or,
- a cheque mailed or delivered in-person to the CRNS office.
If paying by e-transfer or cheque, please include your RN number or invoice number. If you are not paying with a credit card, please allow up to four (4) weeks for processing. Your license will not be renewed until the payment has been processed.
The CRNS does not issue refunds for any application, including license renewal fees. Please check with your employer on the process for applying for reimbursement of fees paid.
You may print or save your receipt at the time you pay your invoice. If you need a receipt later in the licensure year:
- Sign in to the CRNS Portal.
- Click “Home” on the left-hand side of the page.
- In the “My Invoices” section, check the box “Include paid.”
- Click the “Receipt” button beside the invoice you want to print.
- It will open in a new tab and can be saved or printed from there.
Maintaining Practice Hours
To maintain eligibility for licensing, the registrant must complete the hourly bylaw requirement of acceptable nursing activities specific to their licensure for the period immediately preceding the license year for which renewal is sought.
- Registered Nurse (RN) – 1125 hours in a five (5) year period OR 450 hours in a two (2) year period
- Registered Nurse with Additional Authorized Practice [RN(AAP)] – 900 hours in a three (3) year period
One hour worked = one hour counted even if the pay is time and a half/double/in lieu.
One hour worked = one hour counted even if the pay is time and a half/double/in lieu.
Only actual hours worked in approved nursing activities may be counted.
- One overtime hour is considered one nursing hour, regardless of how you were paid.
Do not include the following:
- on call/standby (hours you are paid but not practicing)
- traveling to or from your job
- on vacation
- on paid or unpaid leaves (sick, maternity, disability, sabbatical, bereavement, family, etc.)
- caring for friends or family members.
Nursing practice that occurs outside of Saskatchewan may be counted if:
- the person is actively registered in that province, state, or county; or,
- the person has maintained a practicing membership with the CRNS and is using practice hours to count towards eligibility for licensing in a country that does not have a nurse registration.
Please note proof of license status will be requested.
Continuing professional nursing education hours will be recognized in the following:
- Nursing Certificate/Certification Courses: Equivalent hours of nursing practice will be accepted. Check with the course provider to determine the number of assigned hours.
- Nursing Workshops/Conferences: Equivalent hours of nursing practice will be accepted.
- Part-time or full-time study: Part-time or full-time study outside of CRNS RN, RN(AAP) and NP approved programs or courses towards advanced nursing education will be assessed course-by-course.
- Full-time study towards a nursing degree, Masters/PhD, which builds on RN/NP competencies, is recognized as equivalent to full-time nursing hours practiced.
- Part-time study towards a nursing degree, Masters/PhD is recognized as follows: 60 hours per credit unit. For example, three credit class – 3 X 60 = 180 hours.
- Other Degrees: Nurses enrolled in courses in other professional disciplines will have their courses assessed course-by-course.
Considerations when counting professional development hours:
- Registrant must maintain a practicing membership with the CRNS.
- Keep all agendas and certificates of participation for workshops and certification programs.
- For approved courses of study, registrants must provide course syllabi and transcripts.
Unpaid registered nursing activities, while holding a practicing license with CRNS, may count for up to 20 percent of the current bylaw requirement of acceptable employment in the given period. Volunteer hours may include, but are not limited to, volunteer positions with medical/health/government/missionary organizations, activities with regulatory and professional body committees and/or other health care/government committees and/or boards. The volunteer activities must be revalidated annually as part of licensing renewal, and the registrant may be required to have a job description and/or a letter from the agency.
You must be licensed while volunteering in order to count the hours.
- RN – 225 hours in five (5) years (20 percent of 1125 hours)
- RN – 90 hours in two (2) years (20 percent of 450 hours)
- RN(AAP) or NP – 180 hours in three (3) years (20 percent of 900 hours)
No, only the hours worked as a practicing Registered Nurse (RN) count towards the hourly bylaw requirement. Hours worked as a GN do not count and should not be added to your renewal application.
You can input your practice hours under the employer section of the renewal form.
The number must be a whole number, with decimals rounded up or down (i.e., no decimals 700 vs 700.3 or 701 vs 700.6).
If you work on more than one unit in the same facility add the hours together. For example, I work at Regina General Hospital. My primary unit is the emergency department, but I also work in the same hospital casually in the NICU. I report Regina General Hospital as my employer's facility and click the box beside the two areas I work in. I worked a total of 950 hours in the ER and 250 hours in the NICU. I will report the total sum of worked hours (1200) for that facility.
If you work for more than one employer, input the number of hours worked for each employer separately. For example, I work for Pasqua Hospital and SK Polytechnic; I input 750 hours for Pasqua and I input 500 hours for SK Polytechnic.
If you are self-employed, input the number of hours worked under your business.
If you cannot find your employer in the drop-down or work under your own business (that has not yet been recorded), leave the drop-down menu blank and add the name, street address, postal code, website and phone number to the open text box. When you submit, CRNS staff will be able to add the employer to the list.
If you are reporting volunteer hours, chose the employer organization you worked with from the drop-down menu and declare your “employment” as a Nurse Volunteer. Please note that a maximum of 225 hours of volunteer hours in the previous five (5) years or 90 hours of volunteer hours in the previous two (2) years.
Registrants who do not have enough practice hours to meet the hourly bylaw requirement at the time of license renewal should submit a support ticket.
Self-employed nurses should report their practice to the CRNS through the confirmation of nursing practice process. All self-employed RNs and NPs are responsible for tracking eligible nurse practice hours and determining how to have them independently verified (lawyer, accountant, tax specialist, designated person in authority).
Supervised Practice Experience
The SPE supports eligible registrants to regain entry level competence and prepare them for general practice and employment. It offers a way to demonstrate competence for those who have not met the hourly bylaw requirement to maintain their eligibility to practice.
Registrants hold a practicing license with the CRNS during the SPE.
Registrants must complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practice in a paid RN position, excluding orientation, with an employer selected supervising RN. The CRNS will determine the level of supervision on a case-by-case basis.
Direct supervision means that a Registered Nurse must be with the registrant at all times during the provision of duties as a Registered Nurse.
Indirect supervision means that a Registered Nurse must be available to the registrant at all times for consultation during the provision of duties as a Registered Nurse.
The registrant shall not be in charge or work independently.
Once started, the SPE must be completed without interruption. The SPE should be completed as soon as possible, however must be completed no longer than three months from the start date.
The Registrar has the discretion to lower the minimum number of hours and level of supervision required on a case-by-case basis or to add additional hours when necessary.
- A declaration that they have reviewed the applicable current CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, 2017 and RN Practice Standards, 2024;
- A self-assessment of their competencies and a learning plan. The learning plan will be shared with their preceptor; and,
- A Voluntary Non-Practicing (VNP) Agreement must be signed as a condition of the SPE being granted. Should the participant fail to meet the requirements of the SPE, by signing the VNP, the participant agrees to cease practicing until such time as the requirements for licensure are met.
The employer is responsible to:
- Ensure the onboarding requirements have been met;
- Hire, develop and implement a site-specific orientation;
- Select the supervising RN;
- Determine the suitability of the practice setting for the participant; and,
- Submit an evaluation at the mid-point and end of the SPE.
Employer Information
There are questions required by the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI). They collect data regarding health care professionals to inform National Health Human Resource (HHR) planning. The drop-down lists may be auto populated and may not be reflective of your personal work situation. Please choose the option(s) that most accurately reflects your work situation for the practice year.
If you work in more than one area, choose the response(s) that best reflect your overall work situation. CIHI has created the questions and the available options, and the CRNS cannot revise them.
Continuing Competence Program
CCP is mandatory and all registrants must complete the CCP annually to be eligible for license renewal – this includes all practicing registrants even if retiring or on leave. For more information on the CCP, visit: Continuing Competence Program.
Renewal Support
If you require assistance with setting up your profile, navigating the license renewal process or paying your fees, please submit a support ticket.
Your request will be forwarded to a CRNS staff member who is best able to assist you. While we aim to respond within two business days, due to the large volume of calls during the license renewal period there may be a delay in returning your call.
How can you reach us?
Contact a CRNS Advisor by email at register@crns.ca or by phone at 1.800.667.9945.
