LPN News

Every year during registration renewal, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are required to develop and report on continuing competence learning plans. This includes:

• Reporting on activities completed by December 1.
• Developing a learning plan for the following year.

This article explains what is expected of LPNs when meeting learning plan requirements.

Where Do LPNs Complete Their Learning Plans? What Is the Process?

LPNs will complete learning plans as part of the registration renewal process. Renewal opens on September 8, and you can complete your learning plans on the form.

First, you’ll need to provide information on the continuing competence goals that you completed or will complete by the end of November. These goals may be the same as the ones you set at renewal last year, or they may have changed. We recommend reporting on three goals, with two goals being the minimum.

In the next section, you’ll develop continuing competence goals for the next year. This is an opportunity to reflect on topics that you’d like to learn more about.

Please note that activities completed between December 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026, must count towards Learning Plan 2026. Activities completed between December 1, 2026, and November 30, 2027, must count towards Learning Plan 2027.

For more complete guidance, please view our video on the Learning Plan sections of the Registration Renewal form.

What Kind of Activities Can LPNs Complete for Their Learning Plans?

There are no restrictions on the format of learning that LPNs can take. Examples of formats for learning include:

• Formal courses from universities and colleges
• Webinars and seminars, online and in-person
• Conference attendance, online and in-person
• Reading current nursing peer-reviewed journals, research articles, or evidence-informed practice guidelines
• Participating in quality improvements or patient safety projects
• Engaging in research, policy development, or committee work that requires LPN participation

In terms of topics, LPN learning plans need to connect to one of the standards in the Standards of Practice for LPNs in Canada. The Standards of Practice cover a wide range of practice areas for LPNs, including but not limited to clinical skills, leadership, policy development, fitness to practice, and learning related to regulatory responsibilities.

You can complete CLHA modules or webinars or watch videos to meet requirements.

• View upcoming webinars
• View modules and videos

Please note that certificates for completing CLHA modules are available on your accounts.

How Do LPNs Connect Their Activities to the Standards of Practice?

Your learning plans need to connect to one of the standards in the Standards of Practice for LPNs in Canada. These four standards each have multiple indicators underneath.

For technical reasons, the name of the standards or indicators are shortened in the renewal form. We recommend accessing the Standards of Practice to read the full document. This also can help you determine the best selection for your learning plan.

You’ll need to be able to describe a connection between the learning you completed and the standard and indicator that you selected. There is not a single right answer for which standard and indicator applies to your learning. The standards are broad concepts, and the learning that you select may fit under more than one standard. What is important is that you are able to explain how your learning relates to the standard and indicator that you selected.

What If My Learning Goals Changed?

You can change your current year learning goals during the registration year, including when you renew. We understand that your needs and opportunities may change, and you always have the option to update your goals.

Why Do I Have to Develop Learning Goals in Advance?

The purpose of planning your learning for the next year is so that you can consider your learning needs and make a plan.

An important part of the Continuing Competence Program is self-assessment. Self-assessment is an ongoing process for LPNs, through which they reflect on the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments that they currently draw on in their practice and where improvements could be made.

Renewal is an opportunity to pause and consider where your learning will take you next. The purpose of making a learning plan is not to make sure you complete specific learnings, but to give you a chance to reflect on your knowledge and look in to learning you might want to complete.

Do I Need to Upload Proof of Learning Activity Completion?

You do not need to upload proof of learning activity completion during the registration renewal process, but you need to keep your proof of completion in case you are audited.

Every year in May, 10% of LPNs are randomly selected to take part in a Continuing Competence Program Audit. During this process, you will need to upload any transcripts, certificates, journal articles, etc. as proof that you completed the learning component of the Continuing Competence Program.