English language skills registration standard (2019) takes effect for nurses and midwives

01 Mar 2019

Today the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language skills registration standard (2019) took effect.

All applicants for general registration as a nurse or midwife in Australia need to meet the NMBA English language skills registration standard.

What’s changed?

The NMBA English language skills registration standard (2019) amends the Extended Education Pathway of the standard. The amendment to the Extended Education Pathway has been made to clarify the existing requirement to complete at least five (5) years (full-time equivalent) education as continuous education.

The requirement for education to be continuous over five years (full-time equivalent) aligns with the approach across all professions in the National Scheme.

Does this apply to me?

If you are applying for registration as a registered nurse, enrolled nurse or midwife, the following applies:

• If you submitted your application for registration before 1 March 2019 you were required to meet the NMBA English language skills registration standard (2015).
• If you enrolled in an NMBA-approved program of study before 1 March 2019 and you complete your NMBA approved program of study and are applying for initial registration between 1 March 2019 and 1 March 2020 you are required to meet the requirement of the policy for the transitional arrangements for the NMBA English language skills registration standard (2019).
• All other applications for registration submitted on or after 1 March 2019 are required to meet the NMBA English language skills registration standard (2019).

Further information

Updated versions of supporting documents have also taken effect today. These documents can help potential applicants decide if they meet the standard and include:

• English language skills registration standard policy (105 KB,PDF)
• English language skills evidence guide for nurses and midwives (491 KB,PDF) 
• Fact sheet: English language skills registration standard, and (152 KB,PDF)
• Pathways diagram for nurses and midwives (491 KB,PDF)
• English language skills registration standard transition policy (183 KB,PDF)

For more information

• Visit www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au and view the English skills registration standard page.
• For online enquiries visit www.ahpra.gov.au/enquiry.
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 8708 9001 (overseas callers).
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200.