What IELTS score does AHPRA require for nurses?

An overall band of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking) on IELTS Academic.

What OET grade does AHPRA require?

Grade B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking).

Can I combine two tests for AHPRA?

Yes. Two sittings of the same test within six months can be combined if no component is below 6.5 (IELTS) or C+ (OET) and you reach 7.0/B in each component across the two sittings.

AHPRA English Requirements for Nurses (2026): IELTS & OET

Q: Can I avoid the English test for AHPRA?

Possibly, via the education pathway — demonstrating several years of secondary and tertiary education taught and assessed in English in a recognised country. Check the exact NMBA conditions.

English language skills registration standard for nursing and midwifery in Australia (AHPRA/NMBA) — IELTS, OET, PTE and TOEFL scores, the two-sitting rule, and education-based pathways.

To register as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you must meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) English language skills registration standard, administered through AHPRA. You can satisfy it by test or by an education pathway.

Accepted English tests and scores

IELTS Academic

7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Achieved in one sitting, or across two sittings under the combining rule below.

OET

Grade B in each of the four components.

PTE Academic

65 in each of the four components.

TOEFL iBT

Listening 24, reading 24, writing 27, speaking 23.

The two-sitting rule

AHPRA allows you to combine two sittings of the same test if:

the two sittings are within a six-month period,
you achieved no score below 6.5 (IELTS) / C+ (OET) in any component, and
you achieved the required score (7.0 / B) in each component across the two sittings.

Education-based pathway (no test)

You may meet the standard without a test if you can demonstrate your education was conducted in English — typically at least five years of combined secondary and tertiary education taught and assessed in English in a recognised country, with your nursing qualification part of that. Exact conditions apply.

Which test for AHPRA?

Both OET and IELTS Academic are widely used. OET's healthcare-specific writing task (a letter) and clinical role-plays appeal to many nurses; IELTS is more widely available. Read OET vs IELTS for nursing to decide.

Verify before you book

AHPRA/NMBA requirements are reviewed periodically. Always confirm the current standard on the official AHPRA/NMBA website before booking a test or applying.