The Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia has moved to a new OUTCOME- BASED ASSESSMENT (OBA) from the previously followed Bridging/IRON Program.

The new model of assessment includes:

1. Self check

The online Self-check for all IQNMs (Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives) . All IQNMs need to submit their qualification information at Self- check (ONLINE). IQNMs will then be advised of the steps (assessment stages) they must successfully complete before being eligible to apply for registration.

2. NMBA’s orientation program

The NMBA’s orientation program has two parts:

Orientation Part 1- online learning which introduces the Australian healthcare context. Part 1 must be completed as part of the IQNM assessment process, after completing the Self-check.

Orientation Part 2- online learning giving a more in-depth orientation to the Australian healthcare context. For all IQNMs who register with the NMBA, it is a requirement of registration to complete Part 2 within 6 months of becoming registered

3. OUTCOME BASED ASSESSMENT
(NCLEX & OSCE)

The OBA is a two-stage assessment process: a multiple-choice question exam (MCQ) and an objective structured clinical exam. IQNMs must pass the first stage before moving to the next stage.

Stage one is a cognitive assessment, which is a computer-based MCQ exam. IQNMs must pass the exam to move to part two of the OBA. The MCQ exam is computer-based and is delivered at dedicated test centres. There will be separate exams for IQNMs seeking registration as a registered nurse, enrolled nurse or midwife:

• Registered nurseswill sit the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops and administers the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE test centres located in most countries.
• Midwives will sit an MCQ exam managed by the NMBA, which will be delivered through Aspeq test centres in most countries.

Fees for the MCQ exams are set by the providers and paid directly to them. At the time of publishing, the following fees apply:

• For registered nurses, the NCLEX-RN registration fee is $200 USD, plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD ($350 USD in total).
• For midwives, the fee is $165 NZD, plus a possible fee for overseas venues.

Stage two is a behavioural assessment in the form of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The OSCE has been developed to assess that an IQNM demonstrates the knowledge, skills and competence of a graduate level Australian nurse or midwife. The OSCE is managed by Ahpra and is delivered at the Adelaide Health Simulation in Adelaide, South Australia. The fee for sitting the OSCE is $4,000 AUD.

4. APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION:

Once internationally qualified nurses or midwives (IQNMs) successfully complete the Self-check and any required assessment stages, they are eligible to apply for registration. Once an IQNM is eligible to apply for registration, the registration application form will be made available within the IQNM candidate dashboard.

Once, the registration is approved, the overseas nurse will be a licensed RN with AHPRA .

5. Obtain employment

6. Emigrate to Australia

7. Begin working

• BSc / MSc in Nursing
• At least 36 months of clinical experience in the past five years
• IELTS / OET/ PTE - 7 / ‘B’/ 65 in each module OR TOEFLIbt – R/ L -24, W -27. S-23