Your dependable partner for a smooth and worry-free pathway to a nursing career in Australia.
To be eligible for nursing registration in Australia, applicants must meet several key requirements. These criteria ensure that all nurses possess the qualifications, experience, and skills necessary to provide high-quality care in the Australian healthcare system.
AHPRA accepts results from one test sitting, or from a maximum of two test sittings within a 12-month period — provided the conditions in the two-sitting rule column are met for the specific test.
Test | Overall Score | Component Scores Required | Two-Sitting Rule (if applicable) |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (Paper & computer, test centre only) | 178 | Listening: 175 Reading: 179 Writing: 180 Speaking: 194 | •  All 4 components must be taken in each sitting •  Required minimums met across two sittings •  No component below: 168 (L), 168 (R), 180 (W), 187 (S) |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (Paper & computer, test centre only) | 185 | Listening: 185 Reading: 185 Writing: 176 Speaking: 185 | •  All 4 components taken in each sitting •  Min 185 in L, R, S and min 176 in W across sittings •  No component below 176 in either sitting |
IELTS Academic (Paper & computer, test centre only) | 7.0 | Listening: 7.0 Reading: 7.0 Writing: 6.5 Speaking: 7.0 | •  Min overall 7.0 in each sitting •  Min 7.0 in L, R, S and min 6.5 in W across sittings •  No component below 6.5 in either sitting |
OET (Paper or computer, test centre only — any profession accepted) | N/A | Listening: 350 Reading: 360 Writing: 350 Speaking: 360 | •  All 4 components taken in each sitting •  Required minimums met across two sittings •  No component below: 320 (L), 340 (R), 350 (W), 350 (S) |
PTE Academic | 63 | Listening: 58 Reading: 59 Writing: 60 Speaking: 76 | •  Min overall 63 in each sitting •  Required skill minimums met across two sittings •  No skill below: 53 (L), 54 (R), 60 (W), 66 (S) |
TOEFL iBT | 91 | Listening: 22 Reading: 22 Writing: 23 Speaking: 24 | •  Min total 91 in each sitting •  Required section minimums met across two sittings •  No section below: 19 (L), 19 (R), 23 (W), 22 (S) |
At DESMA International, we offer counselling and services assistance to nurses who wish to gain registration in Australia.
Once candidates have completed their registration, if they choose to apply for a Permanent Residency Visa, DESMA’s expert team will assist them throughout the process.
Without any hesitation, I can say that DESMA International is one of the best educational consultancies that I have seen. I was a GNM nurse and with their guidance I upgraded my qualifications and started AHPRA registration as well. Personally I am really satisfied with their service. The staff are very supportive and their service charges are more affordable than any other establishments on the same line. I would recommend DESMA International to all those who wish to study or work abroad.
I am very happy with their service. I proceed my visiting visa process through DESMA international, my case was bit risky but Devika handled it very smoothly and I got my visa granted on the very next day of my application. They are always approachable and ready to address my doubts. I am very grateful for their service, support and guidance throughout my journey.
Excellent service. Always available for clearing any queries. Recommend for Nurses who are seeking Australian job/immigration.
I have approached DESMA international for booking my test date for Australian RN exam. I’m glad that I made the right choice, because they were very keen in clearing all my doubts and were really approachable and friendly. I was able to attend the exam ASAP because of their service. Thank you DESMA.
Trust DESMA International to guide you every step of the way. From document preparation to final registration, we handle every detail with care.
Need help? Fill out the form, and we’ll reach out to guide you on your nursing journey.
Your Questions Answered.
Usually 9–12 months, but it can take longer if documents are delayed, English exam is pending, or the candidate takes time to sit the NCLEX-RN and OSCE exams.
OBA means Outcome Based Assessment. It is the assessment pathway used by AHPRA for internationally qualified nurses whose qualification is considered relevant but not substantially equivalent to Australian requirements. Most Indian nursing qualified candidates usually need to complete the OBA pathway, depending on the Self-check outcome.
To start the AHPRA application, the candidate needs identity documents including passport, nursing qualification certificate, transcripts/mark lists, nursing registration certificate, etc
If your only nursing qualification is a Diploma in Nursing, you are generally not eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse in Australia. You will need to upgrade your qualification to meet the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7, which is equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
Yes. To meet the registration requirements, you must have completed at least 450 hours of nursing practice within the last five years.
Yes, both are important, but they serve different purposes. AHPRA registration gives you legal authority to practise as a Registered Nurse in Australia, while a job offer is employment from an Australian healthcare employer. To work as a Registered Nurse in Australia, AHPRA registration is mandatory. You must obtain your AHPRA registration before you can secure a Registered Nurse job offer.
