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—— Australian Healthcare Education Resources

Knowledge to Power Your
Journey

Free articles, guides, and resources to help you navigate the Australian healthcare education and registration landscape.

Free Downloads

Practical Guides & Checklists

AHPRA OSCE Handbook

A complete document which provides an in-depth overview of OSCE assessment criteria and process.

Free Guide

AHPRA NCLEX-RN Handbook

A complete document which provides an in-depth overview of NCLEX-RN assessment criteria and process.

Free Guide

AHPRA Application Checklist

Your Complete AHPRA Registration Application Checklist for International Applicants and Nursing Students

Free Guide

Certificate III Individual Support

Complete Guide to CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support in aged care and disability support.

Free Guide

Common Questions

NCLEX, OSCE & OBA FAQs

Get detailed guidance and answers to your most common questions about Australian Nursing Registration Pathways, including OBA, NCLEX (Next Generation NCLEX), OSCE preparation, and AHPRA requirements, with structured support across common questions and end-to-end exam preparation, along with CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support.

  • Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
What is OBA?

Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) is the new process of assessment model introduced by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNM). It is a two‑staged assessment process introduced by NMBA, AHPRA in March 2020. The OBA process includes multiple‑choice question exam (MCQ) also known as Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) or Nursing Council Licensure Examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). Before moving to the next stage, Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) should pass these stages first.

For IQNMs to be qualified for Outcome Based Assessment (OBA), they must conduct the SELF CHECK which is the first step in OBA to determine the pathway required by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). From there, candidate can determine their stream and proceed with the steps needed for Nurse registration in Australia.

For IQNMs who wish to register in Australia, they will need to complete the AHPRA Self‑check before applying for registration. It is an online check where you will need to enter your qualification information which includes personal and educational background. Based on your qualification you will be assigned to one of three streams for registration: Stream A (IQNMs who hold a qualification considered to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved qualification), Stream B (IQNMs who hold a qualification that is relevant to the profession, but is not substantially equivalent, nor based on similar competencies to an approved qualification), or Stream C (IQNMs who hold a qualification that is not substantially equivalent or relevant to an approved qualification). IQNMs who do not hold relevant qualifications or do not meet the required criteria will need to upgrade their qualification in Australia before being eligible to apply for registration.

No, there is no fee for self‑check since it will just determine your stream first. Before registering, a Self‑check needs to be completed first by anyone who is planning to apply in Australia and is considered an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM). Further information about self‑check can be found and read on Nurse Assist International webpage.

If an IQNM successfully completes the self‑check, he/she may proceed with the IQNM Assessment Process where they have to pay $640 AUD. The fee is non‑refundable and will be used by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in checking documentation so that IQNM may proceed with Orientation Stage.

This stage is an online learning course that will give information and introduction to Australia (geography, territories, languages, ethnic groups, etc.) and Australian Healthcare context. It includes watching videos, reading and some sort of question‑and‑answer portions. This stage of Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) is free of charge.

Once done with Orientation phase, IQNM will be eligible to sit for Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), a multiple‑choice question exam that is being taken online through Pearson VUE test centers in many countries.

Complete the nursing registration. Pass the TOEFL, PTE, OET, or IELTS English language competency exam. Education level equivalent to AHPRA criteria. Pass the OSCE or MCQ tests.

No, you can’t use your RN license in Australia without registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Yes, nurses can get permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

The multiple‑choice question (MCQ) exam is designed to evaluate the professional knowledge and skills of the candidates. Exams are administered separately for IQNMs who are aspiring to be licensed in Australia as a registered nurse (RN), enrolled nurse (EN), or midwife. The MCQ exam intended for RNs is administered through the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (Next Generation NCLEX‑NGN). This is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is conducted through the Pearson VUE test centers in most countries. After the completion of Orientation Part 1 and Portfolio stage, Stream B candidates should undergo the MCQ exam alternatively also referred as the Next Generation NCLEX‑NGN exam. A candidate must successfully pass the exam first before progressing to the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX‑NGN) also known as the multiple‑choice question (MCQ) is a newly introduced method of assessment by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a computer‑administered examination and consists of items ranging from 75 to 145 questions. The examination results of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) are utilized by the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) as a critical component in the decision‑making regarding registration/licensure of the nursing profession.

Multiple‑choice question (MCQ) exam is a cognitive assessment and it is computer‑based. It is also called Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses which is being administered by National Council of State Boards of Nursing or NCSBN. It is a standardized test used to test the competency of nursing graduates and determine if they are eligible to work on their own in Australia. Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is an examination that is developed to assess appropriate knowledge, skills, and capabilities critical to the profession and to practice nursing effectively. The examination is fashioned to assess the safety of a nurse at their entry‑level. They are computer generated and are considered to be adaptive tests. For Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), examinations cannot be accessed through written and oral versions. The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) examination consists of items ranging from 75 to 145 questions. This examination is taken strictly for five hours despite the number of items given. The examination results of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) are utilized by the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) as a critical component in the decision‑making regarding registration/licensure of the nursing profession.

Yes, in order to become a registered nurse (RN) in Australia, one must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). A licensure exam that evaluates a nurse’s knowledge and abilities is the NCLEX. It is administered using computerised adaptive testing (CAT) technology by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

It will be Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to decide whether you need to take Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) again or not.

The registration fee for Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) for registered nurses is $200 USD plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD. Total fee for the whole process will be $350 USD.

The registration fee for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in Australia is $200 USD, plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD, totaling $350 USD.

IQNM must register and pay the exam fee at Pearson VUE online or by calling directly Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services. Payment can be done via credit, debit or prepaid card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express). Once paid, Pearson VUE will email the candidate regarding Acknowledgement of Receipt of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Registration.

There are NO refunds of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) fees for any reason.

  1. Complete Self‑Check and Portfolio to progress with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Exam (cost AUD $640).
  2. Register and pay the exam fee online or by calling Pearson VUE. Registration valid for 365 days (cost USD $200).
  3. Receive acknowledgement and receipt from Pearson VUE via email. AHPRA makes you eligible to attempt the exam at Pearson VUE.
  4. Schedule your exam at Pearson VUE online or by calling candidate service (Cost USD $150) and appear for your exam with your passport.

Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) information for Internationally qualified nurses seeking registration in Australia has been explained to you in a very concise manner. Click on the link to understand the eight steps of booking Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) makes you eligible to test within 365 days of your Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) registration and payment.

Once eligible, you will receive an Authority to Test (ATT) to the email address you have provided when registering. You should take the exam within the validity dates of your ATT (average length of 90 days). NO EXTENSIONS given. Validity dates cannot be extended. Failure to take the exam within the dates provided will result in forfeiture and you will be needed to register and pay again another exam fee.

The ATT contains the authorization number, candidate identification number and an expiration date. You will need the ATT to schedule an appointment to take the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN).

The Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX‑RN exam in Australia is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued.

Yes. You can take Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) at any Pearson Professional Testing locations worldwide. Aside from Australia, international locations where Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is offered include USA, Brazil, Canada, UK, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa and Taiwan.

If you need to reschedule your appointment: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday appointments must be changed 24 hours in advance of the original date and time. For example, if your appointment is on Wednesday at 2:00 pm, then you must call or go online to reschedule by Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Saturday, Sunday or Monday appointments must be changed no later than the Friday before the original date and time. For example, if your appointment is on Monday at 2:00 pm, then you must call or go online to reschedule by Friday at 2:00 pm.

IQNMs should bring valid identifications and meet all requirements. If ID doesn’t meet these requirements, you cannot take the exam and are required to register and pay again another examination fee. Requirements: Government issued ID, Non‑expired, Name (in Roman Characters), Recent Photographs, Signature. Acceptable forms of ID for test centers are: Passport books and cards, Driver’s License, Provincial/Territorial or State ID card, Permanent Residence Card, Military ID Card.

Official exam results will be available and sent to candidates approximately six weeks after taking the exam.

Yes. Candidate who didn’t pass the exam needs to reregister with Pearson VUE and pay again the fee. Wait for new ATT and then schedule for next exam date.

The OSCE assesses practical competencies, whereas the NCLEX gauges theoretical knowledge for licensing. In your nursing profession, both are crucial steps!

  • OSCE Preparation
What is Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)?

Registered Nurse Objective Structured Clinical Examination (RN OSCE) is a test that examines foreign registered nurses. RN OSCE is administered to such nurses desiring to become registered as nurses in Australia. After the candidate successfully passes the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), they will proceed with OSCE which is a behavioral assessment developed to determine if the IQNM demonstrates the knowledge, skills and competence required.

Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is multiple choice while OSCE is an actual practical exam. OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and patient scenarios which Registered Nurses are likely to encounter when they assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate care. Nurses are expected to utilize contemporary evidence-based practice and effectively demonstrate the safe practical application of nursing skills.

OSCE costs $4,000 AUD. It will be used by AHPRA in running and maintaining OSCE. The fee is non-refundable regardless of reasons, similar to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) examination fee.

Yes. There are institutions offering OSCE Preparation courses. Most of them offer 6 weeks course structure and training and the fee costs around $3,500 – $5,500 AUD. Nurse Assist International provides comprehensive resources and materials to get you skilled and competent for your OSCE examination.

The RN OSCE test has ten clinical scenarios meant to evaluate persons based on the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice. RN OSCE is the minimum entry practice level for RNs in Australia. It is a regulatory and not an educational OSCE. It integrates consistency for all candidates, meaning: The candidate will not be coached, prompted or given extra explanations of responsibilities or findings by the examiners.

Once you pass the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), your OBA IQNM Dashboard will advise you of your eligibility for the OSCE exam. Successful RNs who have passed the NGN MCQ Examination will be contacted and updated from their dashboard to pay for the OSCE test.

No. It’s the candidate who will book travel for themselves including accommodation. You are responsible for all travel arrangements to attend the OSCE examination in Adelaide.

Yes. Rescheduling the exam is possible. The IQNM should make a request for a reschedule at least three (3) days or 72 hours before the scheduled date of examination. Consider Australia’s territorial and national holidays when deciding to reschedule. During these times, offices are automatically closed. A confirmation notice will be sent once the reschedule is approved.

The examination will take approximately 3-3.5 hours. It may be scheduled for morning or afternoon. OSCE has 10 individual stations, with each station having 10 minutes allocation: 2 minutes for reading and 8 minutes for interaction.

The examination result will be sent to you within six (6) weeks through registered email. Results must be calculated and ratified by the RN OSCE Examination Committee before they are released to candidates.

Candidates who fail the OSCE can apply to retake the examination as soon as they receive their result notification. First, ensure the fee for your next OSCE has been paid via the IQNM dashboard. Once the IQNM exam team has been notified of payment, a booking selection email will be sent with the next available examination schedule.

You must provide photographic ID on the registration date. The only acceptable IDs are: Australian or overseas passport, or Australian driver’s licence. The photographic ID should have the same name present in the IQNM portfolio submitted to AHPRA.

Each candidate will be tested on practical skills including but not limited to: Physiological observations, Vital signs, Calculating drug dosages, Subcutaneous/Intramuscular injection, Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT), In-hospital resuscitation, Safe disposal of sharps, Medication administration, Wound care, Hand hygiene, Therapeutic patient communication/consent, Infection control practices, Patient identification, Intravenous therapy administration/management, Risk management in the clinical environment, and Communication.

Verbal, non-verbal, and written skills will be examined including interaction with the patient (who may be acting or a manikin). The examiner will evaluate: Clear explanation of care, diagnosis and medications; Ability to involve the patient in making critical decisions; Interacting with patient’s relatives and other medical professionals; Ability to seek and acquire informed consent; Active listening; Managing anxious patients or household members; Giving clear discharge instructions; Being compassionate and empathetic; and Documenting information correctly.

Patients will be simulated patients (actors) in most stations. In other instances manikins may be used. You are expected to show empathy and interaction as you would with a real patient.

Examination cycles are the timelines for each RN OSCE test. Each cycle will handle two days of examinations including a maximum of four exam sessions (2 sessions per day) and will manage up to 40 RNs.

Upon the IQNM exams team receiving notification of payment, you must select an examination date. You are informed within five days of payment confirmation. The IQNM exams team will send a Booking selection email with information about the next available 1 or 2 exam dates. Places are limited and fill quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

These refer to special arrangements for administering the test to offer persons with an impairment complete access to the examination. Adjustments are only made based on the means for nursing practice in Australia and must not affect OSCE integrity. Candidates wishing to request reasonable adjustments should send requests to the IQNM exam team in writing within 14 days of making payment, including appropriate documentation supporting the need for adjustment. Contact: IQNMexams@ahpra.gov.au

You are assured of doing exams only when the IQNM exams team sends the RN OSCE Candidate Confirmation communication. This includes the location, specific date and time, and expectations for RNs. You must understand the specific requirements before getting to the exam center in Adelaide. A copy of the RN OSCE terms and RN OSCE Video and Audio consent form will be attached. The IQNM exams team will email a reminder two weeks before the test date.

If you need to alter your test date, contact the IQNM exams team at IQNMexams@ahpra.gov.au or on 1300 419 495 at least 72 hours prior to the test. Consider Australian National and State holidays. NOTE: A message left on an answering machine does not establish providing the mandated notice for changing or cancelling your exam appointment.

If you fail to attend your test appointment or don’t give notice to reschedule or cancel with the required notice, you will forfeit your fee. You will have to submit another OSCE fee to sit for the test later. The Exam Invigilator will note and communicate your failure to attend to the IQNM exams team.

No. Refund of examination fee will not be provided if you: Fail to give an alternative date or cancel the test more than 72 hours before the confirmed examination date, or fail to appear for an exam appointment.

The exam is held at Adelaide Health Simulation, within the University of Adelaide. AHS has two different regions where tests can be administered. The confirmation email will indicate the area where your exam will be conducted.

The invigilator will guide you to the registration desk when you arrive. You will need to provide your photographic ID and sign the candidate register. You must also sign the terms of agreement giving consent for video recording.

You are obligated to sign a Terms of Agreement document to ensure data within the OSCE stations is private. This contract will be witnessed by an AHPRA Invigilator on testing day. Signing prevents you from sharing any information about the OSCE.

You must sign video and audio consent documents. By using AHS facilities, the RN OSCE will include video and audio recording for education and research purposes, including: Maintaining quality of cases, examiners, and RNs; Examiner and simulation patient education; and Reporting during clinical scenarios. Video and audio recordings will be secured and comply with relevant legislation. Faces of RNs being tested will be blurred.

At registration you will receive your ID card. This card initiates the exam process at each phase as you progress through the examination. The information must match that in your exam communications and registration document. Raise any issues with the AHPRA Invigilator during registration.

The OSCE has ten stations, with each station running for ten minutes: 2 minutes for reading and 8 minutes for performing.

The OSCE will have different types of patients. Some are simulated (actors) and others are manikins. In testing stations requiring demonstration of application skills, you may find both a simulated patient and equipment. You should treat simulated patients as you would real patients.

An examiner will be in all stations. Their role is strictly observing and marking your performance. Unless directly stated in exam instructions, examiners are not to offer prompts during the test. An observer (audit examiner) may appear in a station for quality assurance or benchmarking purposes but will not mark your performance or interfere with the exam.

Examples of charts you may be required to be familiar with include: National Medication Charts, Rapid deterioration and response, Adult observation chart (MR59A), Adult Observation Charts (Acute, Long Stay, GP e-version), Paediatric Observation Chart (Acute, Long Stay), Neurological observation chart, Blood glucose record chart, Adult falls risk assessment chart, Pressure care risk Assessment, Mental health risk assessment chart, and Intravenous order chart. NAI has included all these forms in Moodle and the student handbook.

All candidates will be collected from the waiting room by an Invigilator wearing a bright colored tabard vest. The invigilator will call your name in alphabetical order by surname and issue you a clipboard with note paper. You will stay in this order as you process through the exam circuit.

As you’re led onto the circuit, the invigilator will call out station letters. Remain at your assigned starting station. When the exam starts, you’ll hear a bell – scan your ID on the black box to display reading material. After 2 minutes, a second bell signals entry to the room for 8 minutes of interaction. A one-minute warning will be announced. At the final bell, leave notes in the room and move to the next station. Repeat this process for all 10 stations.

If you cannot finish the station within allocated time, no extra time will be given. You must stop and move immediately to the next station. If you finish early, remain in the station room and wait for the final announcement. You cannot talk with anyone in the room during this time.

After completing all ten stations: Leave clipboards and ID cards on the chair of your exit station; Follow the invigilator back to the candidate waiting room; Listen to the 5-minute post-examination debrief; Be escorted from the exam center; Follow your Invigilator as you leave the building. Once outside, you can access your belongings, but remember: your confidence applies and no exam-related information should be shared.

While at the Simulation Centre and during OSCE, behave professionally and adhere to NMBA professional standards including Registered nurse standards for practice, Code of conduct for nurses, and Code of ethics for nurses. Deviation from professional standards may result in discontinuation of the OSCE. This includes: Simulated patient feeling unsafe due to behavior/actions, or examiner deeming behavior unsafe or unprofessional.

If you’re not feeling well, need to go to the bathroom, or cannot continue the OSCE, remain at the station door with your hand raised and an exam invigilator will assist you. If you’re in a station room and unable to attempt the station, notify the examiner immediately and remain calm until changeover time, then exit and raise your hand for assistance.

An evidence-based assessment criterion is used by trained and qualified examiners in each OSCE station. This criteria is mapped to the Registered nurse standards for practice and referenced against those listed in the recommended readings section. The examiner marks each candidate’s performance during and at the conclusion of the station.

Submit a special consideration request if exceptional circumstances beyond your control prevented attendance or completion. These include: Acute illness or injury, Loss or bereavement, Hardship or trauma, Unforeseen service call-up, Work commitments beyond control (with employer letter), Religious convictions (with religious leader letter), or Natural disaster/evacuation event. Submit the request in writing within 7 calendar days with relevant documentary evidence.

Candidates who pass the RN OSCE will progress with their IQNM journey and may apply to AHPRA for registration with the NMBA. Your IQNM dashboard will update to identify next steps in this process.

If you fail the RN-OSCE, you can retake the OSCE. Follow the steps identified in the result communication, including paying and registering for another exam attempt.

Familiarize yourself with the OSCE location and expectations; Get enough sleep the night before; Review all sections of the information module to understand requirements including what to bring and wear; Review information about OSCE format and conduct; Review Registered nurse standards for practice, Professional standards, Code of conduct and ethics; Review the reference list, recommended readings, and potential skills to be examined.

Follow appropriate dress requirements; Bring identification document; Keep time and allow enough travel time for unexpected delays; Eat prior to arriving for your session; Notify the AHPRA Invigilator of any special considerations needed (e.g., access to medications or food during OSCE).

Remember you’ll be assessed against entry level registered nurse standards; Utilize the two-minute reading time; Be prepared to use manikins, simulated patients and part-task trainers, treating them as real patients; Listen carefully to all instructions provided.

The OSCE assesses practical competencies, whereas the NCLEX gauges theoretical knowledge for licensing. Both are crucial steps in your nursing profession!

You must wait six months before submitting an application to NMC for re-registration.

You can apply for a tourist or guest visa to take the OSCE exam in Australia. International nurses must present a valid visa to the IQNM exam team within three months.

Your application will be closed and you will have to reapply if you wish to register after failing your OSCE on your third try. You must wait at least six months before retaking the 10 stations and sitting for the OSCE again.

In Australia, a candidate may retake the OSCE as many times as they choose. However, candidates should carefully evaluate their prior performance before choosing to repeat, according to the Board and AHPRA.

Complete the nursing registration; Pass the TOEFL, PTE, OET, or IELTS English language competency exam; Have education level equivalent to AHPRA criteria; Pass the OSCE or MCQ tests.

Yes, nurses can get permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

  • CHC33021 Certificate III In Individual Support
What is the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support?

CHC33021 is a nationally recognised Australian qualification that prepares individuals to work in aged care, disability support, and home care settings. It is the standard entry-level credential for support worker roles across Australia.

Graduates can work in roles such as:

  • Aged Care Worker
  • Disability Support Worker
  • Personal Care Assistant
  • Home Care Support Worker
  • Community Care Worker

These roles exist across residential facilities, home care services, and disability support organisations.

Yes. CHC33021 is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is nationally recognised across all Australian states and territories.

The full pathway typically includes structured theory training and practical placement components, including a minimum required hours of supervised work exposure depending on the delivery model.

Not always. Some programs accept beginners, while others prefer candidates with prior caregiving, nursing, or community service experience. Relevant experience can strengthen eligibility and placement outcomes.

Yes. Most CHC33021 pathways include supervised practical placement in aged care, disability, or home care settings. This is a mandatory component to achieve competency.

No. Work placement is unpaid and forms part of the training requirement under the qualification structure. It is designed for supervised practical learning only.

It can be used as a foundational pathway into healthcare careers, including preparation for further study such as Diploma of Nursing or other advanced healthcare qualifications.

Yes. International participants typically require an appropriate visa that allows study and training activities in Australia. Visa eligibility and approval are determined by Australian immigration authorities.

No. Employment outcomes depend on multiple factors including employer demand, performance, English proficiency, and visa eligibility. The qualification improves employability but does not guarantee placement.

A structured pathway generally includes:

  • Visa application support (if applicable)
  • Online theory training delivered by an RTO-registered provider
  • Practical work placement in Australia
  • First Aid certification (HLTAID011)

Upon successful completion, participants typically receive:

  • CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid Certificate

Both are nationally recognised in Australia.

It may support future pathways in aged care and disability sectors, but migration outcomes depend on Australian immigration policies, employer sponsorship, and individual eligibility.

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