What’s Changing for Naturopathic Medicine Applicants: New National CANRA Examination
A new national entry-to-practice examination is being introduced for the naturopathic medicine profession in fall 2026.
The Canadian Alliance of Naturopathic Regulatory Authorities (CANRA) has introduced the CANRA Qualifying Examination (CANRA-QE), which will provide a national approach to assessing clinical competency for applicants seeking registration in participating Canadian jurisdictions.
For applicants seeking registration with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) component of the CANRA-QE will replace the College’s Oral Practical Examination as the clinical competency assessment for naturopathic medicine applicants.
What does this mean for applicants?
Applicants seeking registration as a naturopathic physician in BC will need to successfully complete the College’s Jurisprudence Examination and the CANRA-QE OSCE, along with the other registration requirements.
The College will publish an examination transition policy specifying the period during which results from the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) examinations including NPLEX Part I, NPLEX Part II, and Minor Surgery will continue to be recognized for licensure purposes.
Applicants who are already practising naturopathic medicine in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction and are seeking registration with CCHPBC are only required to complete the College’s Jurisprudence Examination, subject to meeting the applicable registration requirements.
The first CANRA-QE OSCE for applicants seeking registration in BC is scheduled for October 18, 2026, in Vancouver. For information on upcoming exams, visit https://www.canra.ca/canra-qe.
What happens after the examination?
Examination results may take at least six weeks and will be emailed to the address provided by the candidate. Candidates should make sure their contact information remains current throughout the examination process.
Passing the examination does not, by itself, authorize an applicant to practise naturopathic medicine in BC. Applicants must obtain full practising registration with the College before practising naturopathic medicine or using the restricted titles “physician,” “doctor,” or “Dr.” in BC.
Candidates planning to apply for registration should review the College’s current licence application requirements and examination guidelines.
Have questions?
If you have questions about the new examination process, eligibility, accommodations or applying for registration, contact the College at applications@cchpbc.ca.
The College will continue to provide updates as information about the CANRA-QE becomes available.
