Nurses applying for first registration must meet the NMBA English language skills standard through an accepted education or test pathway. For tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, the common National Board standard publishes IELTS Academic overall 7 with Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 7; PTE Academic overall 63 with Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 60 and Speaking 76; plus current OET, Cambridge and TOEFL equivalents.
Find my pathway ↓Tell us what applies to you
The main routes remain visible. Choose an answer to focus the next step; you can restart at any time.
Which English pathway might apply to you?
The Board makes the final decision. Choose the route you need to investigate.
Who regulates nursing?
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and Ahpra publishes the registration and English evidence requirements that apply to this pathway.
Current Ahpra English test scores
| Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 | 7 |
| PTE Academic | 63 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 76 |
| OET | — | 350 | 360 | 350 | 360 |
| TOEFL iBT Australia | 91 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
These are the common National Board scores for tests taken on or after 23 April 2026. Transition, sitting-combination and profession-specific rules still apply. Use the official source for Cambridge scores and all detailed conditions.
Education pathways and exemptions
You may be able to demonstrate English through accepted school, combined education or advanced education pathways. The rules depend on recognised countries, the language of instruction, qualification level, duration, timing and breaks in study. Do not assume that studying partly in English is enough.
What else should I check?
The NMBA standard applies to nurses and midwives and must be checked separately from the Ahpra common-standard summary.
What does this mean for me?
Your qualification, identity, criminal history, recency and other registration evidence are assessed separately from English.
Do you also need visa English?
Meeting a professional registration standard does not automatically settle your visa requirement. Check the English level, accepted tests and test-date rules for your exact visa.
Check visa EnglishFrequently asked questions
What IELTS score do nurses need for Ahpra?
For current post-23 April 2026 test results, the test pathway uses IELTS Academic overall 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 7, subject to NMBA rules.
Does NMBA accept PTE Academic?
Yes. Current post-23 April 2026 minimums are overall 63, Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 60 and Speaking 76, subject to all test and combination rules.
Can I combine two test sittings?
The common standard can accept a maximum of two sittings within 12 months when all required scores and minimum floors are met. Check the exact official table for your test dates.
Is this the same as visa English?
No. Professional registration and visa English are separate requirements, even when the same test result might be usable for both.
Important note
Requirements can change. Check the official Board and Ahpra before applying. This page is general English-test information, not professional-registration or migration advice.
Need to reach an accepted English score?
Master English Australia provides IELTS and PTE preparation in Sydney and online. We can help you identify your current level and the skills holding your score back.