Prepare

Preparing for Nursing in Canada

Preparing for CELBAN helps nurses prepare for nursing in Canada. Canadian nursing practice can be quite different from nursing practice in other countries. This might include the scope of practice (what a nurse is allowed to do and expected to do with and for patients) and standards for communication. Canadian healthcare is patient-centred and team-oriented, requiring nurses to understand patients’ needs and desires for their health care and wellbeing, as well as to communicate with patients and their families about shared healthcare goals and priorities. This means that strong communication competencies are required by all nursing professionals.

That’s why CELBAN is a made-in-Canada exam that reflects nursing practice in Canada. CELBAN scoring criteria are referenced to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), a communicative language proficiency scale. CELBAN is a task-based assessment that assesses one’s communicative ability to perform certain communication tasks in English. Therefore, preparing for CELBAN means reflecting on and practising how nurses communicate in Canada. Unlike other language proficiency assessments, which may move away from an occupation-specific subject area, CELBAN grounds itself in healthcare – our examinees’ area of expertise.
 

CELBAN Centre Resources

Policies and Procedures

When preparing for CELBAN, it is important to read the Policies and Procedures for the exam. This document explains critical information relating to the test experience.
 

Test Information

Review the Test Information sections on our website to learn about the test format, test taking strategies, and rating criteria for each section of the test.

 

Practice CELBAN Computer Based Test

The CELBAN Computer Based Test (CBT) consists of the Listening, Reading, and Writing Tests. Online practice resources have been developed to allow prospective examinees to familiarize themselves with the CELBAN CBT test format and functionalities prior to attempting the official test. To learn more about the CELBAN CBT practice resources, click here.
 

Practice Speaking Test

The Practice Speaking Test is intended to introduce the different types of speaking tasks that examinees will encounter in the Official CELBAN Speaking Test. In each practice interview, there will be one role play and two discussion questions. These practice interviews are free, and there is no limit to the number of times they can be accessed for practice. To learn more about the Practice Speaking Test, click here.
 

Test Taking Tips and Strategies

The CELBAN Tip Sheets focus on the different skill areas and general test-taking strategies. Sample questions feature tasks that will have to be completed as part of the CELBAN and in nursing practice.
 

CELBAN Practice Handbooks

CELBAN Practice Handbooks are available for each section of the test and can be purchased from our website. They provide an opportunity to engage with relevant nursing material while practising skills that need to be demonstrated on CELBAN and when communicating in nursing in general.

Other Resources

English as a Second Language (ESL) Training Programs

The best way to gain accuracy in language use is to get some professional instruction. An ESL program, a private tutor, or online self-directed learning programs are all good options. When pursuing language training, be sure to focus on the key language skills identified in the Test Information section of our website.
 

Nursing Bridging Education

There are many programs available across Canada that provide orientation and language and communication training to internationally educated nurses. If the opportunity is available, joining one of these programs is always recommended. Participation in such a program is great practice for CELBAN, especially when the program offers the Institutional CELBAN.
 

Working in a Health-Related English-Speaking Environment

Being immersed in English will help one’s fluency and confidence, and is an excellent way to learn by interacting with other professionals. If an opportunity to work in a health-related professional context arises, be active and ask questions.
 

Test Preparation Programs

Although there are some test preparation courses available at school boards, colleges, and through private providers, we do not endorse any CELBAN test preparation programs. If the decision is made to invest in such a program, make sure that the program is reputable and that good references have been obtained from others who have attended.