Who does what in registration
Several organisations are involved when an internationally qualified nurse registers in Australia. Each does a different job. This page shows which one you deal with at each step.
Checked against the official sources on 9 October 2026
Who they are
| Organisation | What it does for you |
|---|---|
| Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency | Runs the registration process for the NMBA. You use Ahpra's Self-check, IQNM dashboard and portal, pay Ahpra's fees, and deal with its IQNM Exams Team. Ahpra authorises you to sit the NCLEX-RN, runs the OSCE and sends your results. |
| Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia | Sets the registration standards, including English language skills, criminal history, recency of practice and continuing professional development. The NMBA makes the decision on your registration. |
| Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council | Assesses your skills for migration, which you need for some visas. It also accredits Australian nursing and midwifery courses. ANMAC does not register you. |
| NCSBN National Council of State Boards of Nursing (United States) | Writes the NCLEX-RN, the multiple-choice exam for registered nurses in Stream B, and sets its fee. |
| Pearson VUE | Delivers the NCLEX-RN at its test centres. You register, pay and book your exam date through Pearson VUE. |
| Department of Home Affairs | Decides visas. Registration does not give you the right to work in Australia, and a visa does not register you. |
| OBA Nursing Academy | Prepares you for the NCLEX-RN and the OSCE. OBA is an education provider. It is not a regulator and makes none of the decisions above. |
Who you deal with at each step
Self-check
Ahpra. A free online check of your qualification that places you in Stream A, B or C.
Assessment fee and Orientation Part 1
Ahpra. You pay the non-refundable IQNM assessment fee of AUD $410 and complete the online orientation.
Portfolio
Ahpra. Stream B candidates provide their identity, qualification and practice documents for assessment.
NCLEX-RN
NCSBN and Pearson VUE run the exam. Ahpra authorises you and sends your result.
OSCE
Ahpra. A clinical exam held in Adelaide and Melbourne.
Application for registration
Ahpra receives your application. The NMBA decides it against the registration standards, including English language skills.
The three streams
- Stream A: your qualification is substantially equivalent. Orientation, then apply for registration.
- Stream B: relevant but not substantially equivalent. Portfolio, NCLEX-RN and OSCE.
- Stream C: not relevant or equivalent. You need to upgrade your qualification first.
Migration is separate
If your visa needs a skills assessment, that is done by ANMAC. The visa itself is decided by the Department of Home Affairs. Neither is part of registration.
Things people get wrong
ANMAC and Ahpra are the same thing
They are separate. ANMAC assesses skills for migration. Ahpra and the NMBA handle registration. Many nurses need both, and passing one does not satisfy the other.
I apply to the NMBA
You apply through Ahpra. The NMBA sets the standards and makes the decision.
Passing the NCLEX-RN gives me Australian registration
It does not. It is one stage for Stream B candidates. You still need to pass the OSCE and meet every registration standard.
ANMAC's English scores are the registration scores
They are published separately and currently differ. See our English language skills page.
Registration means I can work in Australia
You also need a visa with work rights. For visa advice, speak to a registered migration agent. OBA does not give migration advice.
OBA or another course is approved by the NMBA
The Board and Ahpra do not endorse any external exam preparation programme.
Sources
- NMBA: Completing the Self-check, page reviewed 24 August 2026.
- NMBA: Information for registered nurses, NMBA: Multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam and NMBA: Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).
- NMBA fee schedule effective 18 September 2025, for the IQNM assessment fee.
This page is general information, checked on 9 October 2026. Requirements, fees and dates change. The regulator's own website is the authority for your situation. OBA Nursing Academy provides education and exam preparation. It does not register nurses and does not give migration advice.