The New Nursing Registration process comprises of 5 steps:
Step 1 – Self Check
If you are an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM) who wishes to register in Australia, you will need to complete the Self-check before applying for registration. This is an online check where you will need to enter your qualification information into the Self-check. Based on your qualification you will be assigned to one of three streams for registration.
The three streams are:
- Stream A – IQNMs who hold a qualification considered to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved qualification
- Stream B – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is relevant to the profession, but is not substantially equivalent, nor based on similar competencies to an approved qualification
- Stream C – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is not substantially equivalent or relevant to an approved qualification
- Download a PDF copy of this Fact sheet: Transition to a new assessment model for internationally qualified nurses and midwives
- Visit the Internationally qualified nurses and midwives section of the NMBA website
- Visit the Registration standards section of the NMBA website
There is no fee to use the Self-check.
IQNMs that do not hold a relevant qualification (under section 53 of the National Law) or do not meet the required assessment criteria will need to upgrade their qualification in Australia before being eligible to apply for registration. Click here to know more.
Step 2 – IQNM Assessment Process
Those who successfully complete the self-check must proceed in the IQNM assessment process.
For IQNM assessment process students will need to pay a non-refundable assessment fee of $640 AUD.
This fee contributes towards AHPRA’s costs in checking IQNM documentation provided, and for the IQNM to undertake their orientation.
Step 3 – Orientation
This is an online learning course that is an introduction to Australia and the Australian healthcare context.
There is no fee for this Orientation.
Step 4 – NCLEX-RN (Multiple Choice Questions)
Multiple choice questions exam, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is an online test taken through Pearson VUE test centres in most countries.
For registered nurses, the NCLEX-RN registration fee is $200 USD (Approx. AUD 288), plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD (Approx. AUD 216) ($350 USD in total) (Approx. AUD 504).
Step 5 – OSCE
A clinical exam to assess whether candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competence of a graduate-level nurse or midwife from an Australian NMBA-approved program of study.
The OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and “patient” scenarios which Registered Nurses are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. Nurses are expected to utilise a contemporary evidence base and effectively demonstrate the safe practical application of nursing skills.
The fee for sitting the OSCE is $4,000 AUD. The OSCE fee replaces previous bridging program fees from private providers. This fee pays for AHPRA’s costs in running and maintaining the OSCE. AHPRA and the NMBA are funded only by fees, which must cover all costs of assessing IQNMs for registration in Australia.