NCLEX Australia: Understanding the Application Process

Have you ever dreamt of pursuing your career in the country down under? Or specifically, are you considering fulfilling your nursing goals and other prospects in Australia? Well, great news, Australia expects its job outlook for the healthcare sector to grow continuously, and employment will likely reach around 331,000 by 2026. 

Being a nurse in Australia opens various opportunities that overseas nurses may want to grab. The country is home to world-class healthcare facilities and ranks 6th among the best healthcare systems worldwide. In that regard, it is no surprise that nurses seek the country for its benefits like salary, job security, career development, etc.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Australia

To work for Australia as a nurse, Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) undergo the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) Pathway. This process assesses an overseas nurse’s nursing qualifications and experience. 

The OBA Pathway involves three (3) stages to complete to obtain an Australian nursing registration. These stages are NCLEX Australia, OSCE, and License Registration. 

Australia Application and Registration Criteria

Before you can work as a nurse, ensure that you meet the Nursing and Midwifery of Australia (NMBA) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) ‘s criteria for assessing your application registration:

1. Proof of Identity

As part of the verification process, you must provide your “proof of identity” documents—official documents issued by the government of origin that certifies your identity. Once you complete the necessary document prerequisites, you can proceed with your NCLEX Australia application.

2. English Language Proficiency

The AHPRA and NMBA require you to demonstrate the needed score in any of the English Language Proficiency tests. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are some English proficiency exams you can take. 

3. Meet NMBA and AHPRA Standards – Educational Standards and Professional Practice

Part of the NMBA and AHPRA assessment is for you to have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You will be providing transcripts and graduation certificates as proof and, in addition, providing evidence of experience in the field before your application is required.

4. Criminal History

Lastly, you must prove that you haven’t had any previous disciplinary proceedings against you or criminal history. 

Stage 1: NCLEX-RN Australia

If you’re a registered nurse outside Australia, you must complete exams that evaluate your knowledge and skill in the nursing field. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) established the standardized exam for nurses, including IQNMs, to determine one’s competence and eligibility to practice as an entry-level nurse.

Taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) – Australia is your foremost requirement. It’s important to note that the exam is similar to its NCLEX USA and NCLEX Canada counterparts. This means the exam content, its testing center, review materials, and the number of items are the same. They only differ in how they are processed.

NCLEX Australia Requirements

To take the exam, you need to gather the necessary documents before you can apply to take the exam. The NCLEX Australia’s requirements are scanned copies of the following documents:

1. Nursing Diploma

2. Transcript of Records 

3. RLE (Related Learning Experience)

4. Active Passport (with signature on the 3rd page)

5. PRC Certificate

6. Marriage Certificate (applicable to married female applicants)

Before you submit these requirements, you double-check or triple-check them for good measure.

NCLEX Australia Processing Time 

After submitting your application and AHPRA receiving it, they will check to ensure its completeness. The processing time for NCLEX Australia can typically take 1-3 months before you receive your eligibility to sit for the exam. Once AHPRA declares your application eligible, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).

The ATT for NCLEX Australia takes 1-4 weeks before you receive it. It includes your authorization number, candidate identification number, and expiration date. In addition, the ATT is valid for six months. Lastly, after taking the exam, in 6 weeks, you will receive your NCLEX result.

Stage 2: OSCE

The second step of the OBA Pathway involves taking the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This exam requires IQNMs to demonstrate their clinical and behavioral competency practically. Meaning IQNMs must be able to simulate their nursing knowledge and abilities safely in scenarios as part of this assessment. Moreover, OSCE is held in Australia and lasts three to four hours. You will receive its results after 6-8 weeks.

Stage 3: License Registration

Once you have received and passed the exams and assessments before this stage, you can proceed with the license requisition. Along with a passing result from both assessments, there are also additional requirements such as criminal background check documents.

Summing-up

Before being a registered nurse in Australia as an IQNM, you would undergo several processes and meet standards set by the NMBA and AHPRA. This process is called the OBA Pathway. It includes three stages you must fulfill: the NCLEX Australia, OSCE, and License Registration. 

We understand that applying as a registered nurse in Australia as an IQNM may be challenging to some. However, IPASS Processing is among the agencies ready to lend you a hand with such endeavors. Committed to our mission, IPASS Processing assists IQNMs in achieving their Australian goals. 

We at IPASS have your back! IPASS Processing offers its service to nurses who wish to apply for the NCLEX in the United States and Australia. We ensure to provide and deliver you a smooth and hassle-free NCLEX application. For more inquiries, contact us now!