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I am Canadian Trained

If you are a physician with training from a Canadian medical school and you meet the requirements for all licence applications you may be eligible to apply for the following licence types:

Full Licence

The Full licence is issued to physicians who meet the necessary requirements to practise medicine independently. If you have passed all Canadian licensing and certification examinations, you may qualify.

Temporary Licence (Locum)

The Temporary licence is issued to physicians or surgeons who want to practise for a short-term in Nova Scotia, up to a maximum of 6 consecutive months. Note: If you previously practiced with a Restricted – Special Case licence, you will apply for the Temporary licence going forward.

Defined Licence

A Defined licence is issued to physicians who do not yet meet the Canadian standards for a full licence. Physicians must practise under the sponsorship and supervision of another physician as they work towards Canadian licensing (or alternative) and certification examinations.

Academic Licence

The Academic licence is issued to physicians who have been hired by the Dean of Medicine at Dalhousie University to teach, do research, or take on clinical duties.

For more information, refer to our registration policy on Academic licensure.

Restricted Licence

The Restricted licence is typically issued to physicians who meet the criteria for a Full licence and have conditions and restrictions on their practice imposed by the College. This may happen during an investigation process, review by the Registration Committee, or at the discretion of the Registrar.

Clinical Assessment Licence

A Clinical Assessment licence is issued if the College determines there is a need for supervision or assessment.

We are here to help. 
Please contact us if you have any questions at: registration@cpsns.ns.ca
Phone: 902-482-5825 or Toll-Free: 1-877-282-7767


Applications sent to the Registrar or Registration Committee

When a physician does not meet the requirements set out in the Medical Act and Medical Practitioners Regulations, your application is referred to the Registrar.

The Registrar may:

  • approve your application and grant a licence, with or without conditions;
  • deny your application and give you information about how to appeal this decision;
  • order a competency assessment; and/or
  • refer your application to the Registration Committee.

Read more about applications sent to the Registrar or Registration Committee.