Do International Nurses Need to Sit an Exam to Work in Australia?

 Do International Nurses Need to Sit an Exam to Work in Australia?

Yes, internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) aiming to register in Australia are generally required to complete the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA), unless they qualify for the new streamlined pathways introduced in 2025.

What is the OBA?

The OBA is a two-stage process:

Stage 1 (Cognitive): A computer-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam assessing theoretical knowledge. 

Stage 2 (Behavioral): An OSCE, a structured clinical examination where IQNMs demonstrate their clinical skills and decision-making in simulated patient care scenarios.

• Requirements:

  IQNMs must pass Stage 1 (MCQ exam) before proceeding to Stage 2 (OSCE). 
• Assessment:

  The OSCE evaluates the IQNM's ability to apply knowledge, perform clinical procedures, and make decisions in a safe and competent manner. 
• Importance:

  Successfully completing the OBA is a crucial step for IQNMs to be eligible for registration and practice as nurses or midwives in Australia. 

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Streamlined Pathways:

As of April 2025, nurses from countries with comparable healthcare systems (e.g., UK, Ireland, USA, Singapore, Spain, parts of Canada) who have practiced for at least 1,800 hours in the past eight years may be eligible for a streamlined registration process, potentially bypassing the OBA citeturn0search2.

For detailed information, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) website.