English Requirements

Every nurse and midwife seeking initial registration in Australia must meet the AHPRA English Language Skills Registration Standard, regardless of where they trained. This page sets out the current accepted tests, the minimum scores effective from 23 April 2026, the rules for combining two sittings, and the alternative pathways for candidates educated in English.

The five accepted tests

IELTS Academic · OET (Occupational English Test) · PTE Academic · TOEFL iBT · Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency).

Current minimum scores (tests sat on or after 23 April 2026)

The scores above apply to tests sat on or after 23 April 2026. If your test was sat before that date, the previous standard applies — contact us and we will check your result against the rules in force at that time.

Combining two test sittings

You may meet the standard by combining results from two sittings of the same test, provided: both sittings are of the same test with the same provider; both sittings are within a 12-month period; across both sittings, you meet every sub-score above; no single sub-score falls below the test-specific minimum (for PTE Academic post-23 April 2026: no section below Listening 53, Reading 54, Writing 60, Speaking 66). OBA will map your two results against the combining rule before you apply.

Validity of test results

Test results are generally valid for two years from the test date. AHPRA may accept results older than two years where the candidate demonstrates continuous English-medium study or professional practice in the intervening period.

The extended education pathway

You may meet the standard without sitting an English test if all of the following are true: primary, secondary and tertiary education was conducted and assessed solely in English; at least six years of that education were in one or more of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America; the six years include at least two years between Years 7 and 12 and your tertiary qualification; and your tertiary qualification was issued by an institution where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment.

What this test does not do

Meeting the English standard does not, on its own, confirm your registration. It is one of several AHPRA requirements alongside qualification assessment, NCLEX-RN (for Modified Pathway candidates), OSCE, criminal history check, recency of practice and identity verification.

How OBA Nursing Academy Helps You Meet the English Requirement

OBA works closely with our trusted English‑language partners to ensure you meet AHPRA’s English standard with confidence. Together, we support you through every stage of IELTS, OET or PTE preparation.

What You Receive

• Pre‑enrolment English Diagnostic (IELTS, OET or PTE) so you know exactly which test suits your profile
• Targeted Writing & Speaking Coaching — focused on the sub‑scores where IQNMs most commonly fall short
• Combined‑Sittings Strategy for candidates who miss the mark in just one section
• Re‑test Planning & Timeline Management so you don’t lose your 12‑month combining window

Next Steps

CTA: Book a 15‑minute English Strategy Call

FAQ 

Did AHPRA change English scores in 2026? 

Yes. From 23 April 2026 the minimum scores for PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET and the Cambridge qualifications changed to align with concordance research and Department of Home Affairs migration scores. IELTS Academic remained unchanged.

Do these changes lower the standard? 

No. AHPRA states the new scores deliver the same level of English proficiency — the numerical scores simply better reflect each test's scoring scale.

Which test should I sit? 

OET is built for healthcare contexts; IELTS Academic is widely available globally; PTE is computer-based with fast results. We map this for each candidate in their eligibility report.

Can I sit two different tests and combine them? 

No. Combining is allowed within the same test, with the same provider, within a 12-month window.

My education was in English, but in a non-listed country. Can I avoid the test? 

No. The extended education pathway only accepts education from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.