Common Questions

	Question: When will Substantially Equivalent Competency (SEC) Assessments start in BC?
	Answer: SEC Assessments will start in October, 2008.

	Question: What is a Substantially Equivalent Competency Assessment SEC?
	Answer: To learn more about the SEC Assessment and the assessment strategies click here .

	Question: What is an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)?
	Answer: To learn more about the OSCE click here .

	Question: What is clinical judgment?
	Answer: To learn more about the clinical judgment assessment click here.

	Question: What should I do to study for a SEC?
	Answer: It is recommended you prepare for your SEC Assessment. click here to learn about preparing for your SEC Assessment.

	Question: How much does an assessment cost?
	Answer: At this time, there is no charge for an assessment. However, there are other costs you will be required to cover such as travel, food and/or accommodation. Additionally, you will be required to cover the costs of coursework after the assessment IF it is identified as a requirement for you to meet registration requirements.

	Question: What do I need to do to have a SEC assessment?
	Answer: You must be referred by the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) to have an assessment. Click here for more information on applying for nursing registration with CRNBC.

	Question: I have received a letter from CRNBC telling me I have been referred for a SEC assessment. What should I do next?
	Answer: Now it is time to book your SEC assessment. You will need to contact the IEN Assessment Coordinator. You will be asked to provide evidence of travel permission (VISA) if applicable. The IEN Assessment Coordinator will work with you to schedule a time for your SEC assessment.

	Question: How do I book my SEC Assessment?
	Answer: After you have contacted the Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) Assessment Service and all necessary documents have been received, your SEC assessment will be scheduled based on the particular type of SEC that you are referred for and availability of appointments on the SEC calendar.

	Question: I have taken my English language test already, but it expires before my SEC. Do I have to take another language test?
	Answer: Yes, your language test results must be current in order to have a SEC assessment.

	Question: Why do I have to take another English language test?
	Answer: The English language test is required so that we know that we are assessing nursing knowledge and not English comprehension in your SEC assessment. For this reason we need current results of your English test.

	Question: How many days does an assessment take?
	Answer: For a “Complete” Assessment which includes a general medical surgical assessment and 3 focused assessments in Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Mental Health, we book five consecutive work days. General SEC we book 2 days. For each specialty assessment: Obstetrics, Pediatrics or Mental Health we book 1 day each.

	Question: How many hours each day does it take to do an SEC assessment?
	Answer: The SEC assessments are scheduled for a total of 8 hours each day including a one hour lunch. Morning: 8:30 – 12:00 Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Afternoon 1:00 – 4:30

	Question: I am a registered nurse living abroad and I need a VISA to travel to Canada for my SEC assessment.
	Answer: If you require a travel permission VISA to come to Canada to attend an SEC assessment you will be required to contact the Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your country of residence for application procedures.

	Question: Do you help with the VISA application?
	Answer: The IEN Assessment Service of BC is not involved directly in visa applications.

	Question: Can I get a VISA letter saying I am booked for an SEC?
	Answer: We can offer a letter of invitation to do an SEC assessment once you have received a letter stating that you require a SEC assessment from CRNBC.

	Question: May I book an SEC before I get my VISA?
	Answer: No. Once we book your SEC assessment, a place in the schedule is held for you and assessment staff are booked to perform your assessment. If there is a delay in your VISA process, or your VISA is declined these dates (previously held for you) are not available for another person to book.

	Question: I have been denied a VISA to come to do my SEC what do I do now?
	Answer: Unfortunately, the IEN Assessment Service is not involved in the VISA application process. We do provide, for the Canadian Embassy in your country of residence, a “letter of invitation” confirming you have been referred by the CRNBC to do an SEC assessment.

	Question: Will you offer SEC assessments in other countries?
	Answer:At this time we do not have plans to do SEC assessments outside of Canada.

	Question: Someone I know does not need a SEC assessment, why do I need a SEC?
	Answer: CRNBC looks at each IEN application on an individual basis. Nursing education, direct work experience in nursing specialties, length of service, and currency of nursing practice are some of the factors taken into account before CRNBC will refer a candidate for a SEC assessment.

Question: What if I ‘fail’ the SEC? How many times can I do an SEC?

Answer: The SEC is not a test or examination. You cannot fail your SEC assessment. The purpose of the SEC assessment is to assess your knowledge and skills against entry-level competencies of registered nurses in BC. If knowledge or skill gaps in areas of nursing are identified through the SEC assessment, then CRNBC may require that you take further theory and/or clinical nursing courses to meet your nursing knowledge and/or skill gaps.

	Question: What should I bring for an SEC assessment?
	Answer: You will need to bring your lunch, snacks, water or drinks. Pencils, erasers, calculator and paper will be provided.

	Question: Do I have to show identification?
	Answer: You will be required to show a piece of photo ID (i.e. passport) for the SEC assessment.

	Question: Do you provide daycare while I do my SEC assessment?
	Answer:No.

	Question: Do you provide accommodation?
	Answer:No.

	Question: What should I do if I need to cancel my SEC assessment appointment?
	Answer: Please contact the IEN Assessment Service of BC immediately if you need to cancel your SEC appointment. We will reschedule your SEC assessment at the time of cancellation.

	Question: Where is the IEN Assessment Service located?
	Answer: Assessments will take place at Kwantlen University College, located in Surrey BC.

	Question: How do I get there?
	Answer: Kwantlen is located at 12666 72nd Avenue, Surrey BC. Google Maps