Qualification and registration requirements

The NMBA uses the following three (3) criteria to assess a qualification (which can include one or more), to determine whether an IQNM holds a qualification that is:

• substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to an NMBA-approved qualification, or
• relevant, or
• neither relevant or substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to an NMBA-approved qualification.

For more information about the documentation required, please see the Supporting documentation section on the NMBA website.

Qualifications that are likely to meet criterion 2

The NMBA has found that nursing and midwifery qualifications issued by education institutions in the countries listed below are likely to meet the requirements for criterion 2.The advice applies to both nursing and midwifery qualifications unless indicated:

Qualifications that may meet criterion 2

The NMBA has found nursing and midwifery qualifications issued by education institutions in the countries listed below may meet the requirements for criterion 2.The advice applies to both nursing and midwifery qualifications unless indicated:

Qualifications that are unlikely to meet criterion 2

The NMBA has found nursing and midwifery qualifications issued by education institutions in the following countries are unlikely to meet the requirements for criterion 2. The advice applies to both nursing and midwifery qualifications unless specified otherwise:

Registered nurses (RN) with a relevant entry to practice qualification that does not meet criterion two or three may be registered if:

• their entry to practice qualification was completed in and led to registration in one of the following countries/provinces only:

• they have a minimum of 1,800 hours of clinical practice as an RN; and
• they meet all the NMBA’s mandatory registration standards.

Many qualifications have previously been assessed by Ahpra and will be available to select from a picklist in the Self-check. If your qualification is listed in the Self-check, as soon as you complete the Self-check you will be advised of the steps (assessment stages) you need to complete before applying for registration.

If your qualification has not yet been assessed by Ahpra, it will not be available to select from the Self-check. You can still proceed by indicating on the Self-check that you cannot find your qualification. Ahpra will advise you of the steps you need to complete for you to have your qualification assessed.

See Completing the Self-check for more information.