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Assessment Process

Assessment Criteria

English Language Proficiency

As of 1 July 2009, all internationally-qualified nurses and midwives without current Australian or New Zealand registration will be required to complete an English proficiency test. 

IELTS / OET Levels

All nurses and midwives who do not meet the above criteria must prove English Language Proficiency by completing and passing one of two accepted tests in one sitting. This ensures that they are able to communicate competently and safely with healthcare consumers and their families, colleagues and other health professionals.

These tests are:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Test
    Nurses and midwives must achieve a score of 7 or more in Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking with an overall band score of 7 or more of the IELTS test.
    Visit the IELTS Australia website
     
  • Occupational English Test (OET) for Nurses or Midwives
    Nurses and midwives must achieve a B pass or greater in all four sections of the OET test.
    Visit the OET website

Please complete your English Language Proficiency Test and make sure you have passed at the standard required before sending in your Migration Skills Assessment application to the ANMAC. Please note that results must be sent from the testing centre directly to ANMAC. Results sent by you will not be accepted.
Test results are valid for 2 years. 

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Competency Criteria

All nurses and midwives (including direct entry midwives) working in Australia must demonstrate the national competency standards to be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Therefore, internationally trained nurses and midwives must also be able to demonstrate these competency standards in order to be eligible for migration to Australia.

 

Waiver of Competency Based Assessment Program

Some nursing and midwifery qualifications may meet the requirements for migration. This means that these nurses will not need to complete a Competency Based Assessment Program.

The Competency Based Assessment Program may be waived for:

  • Nurses who have completed recognised program and have gained initial registration in the following countries: United Kingdom, Ireland, United States of America, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands (HBO programs).
  • Nurses who have completed a nursing education program in a member state of the European Union which is consistent with the European Union standard for the education of “nurses responsible for general care” (EU directive 2005 / 36 / EC).

Current list of countries that are currently member states of the European Union

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