English language skills

Registration standard

The English language skills registration standard came into effect on 1 March 2019. 

This registration standard applies to all nurses and midwives applying for initial registration, regardless of whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. It does not apply if you are applying for non-practising registration or if you are a student.

FAQ

Do you meet the English language skills registration standard?

The English language skills registration standard outlines pathways for nursing and midwifery applicants to demonstrate evidence of their English language skills. Diagrams of how these work are included in the English language skills pathways diagram listed below.

Approved English language test

A full list of English language tests accepted by the NMBA and National Boards is available on the Ahpra website.

Consultation process

The revised English language skills registration standards for all professions were developed after a review of the existing standards, which included a public consultation. The consultation report provides a summary of responses, rationale for any changes and sets out the proposed way forward, including areas where further work is planned. The report, as well as the letter from Ministerial Council approving the new standards is available on the Ahpra website.

Retired version

The previous version of the registration standard which is no longer in effect.