AHPRA stands for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.It is the government agency responsible for regulating all health professions in Australia.AHPRA manages the national register of practitioners, checks credentials, processes applications, and ensures practitioners meet national standards.It is not specific to nursing — it regulates 16 health professions, including medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and nursing.
NMBA stands for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.It is a regulatory board under AHPRA that sets the standards, codes, and guidelines specifically for nurses and midwives in Australia.NMBA decides Who is eligible for registration.
Registration with AHPRA/NMBA is mandatory to practise in Australia — you cannot legally use the protected titles “Registered Nurse” or “Enrolled Nurse” without it.The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) manages the national registers for health professions in Australia and works with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to regulate nurses and midwives. so, you will be registered with both NMBA and APHRA.
Who is eligible for AHPRA registration?
Eligibility depends on your education, registration history and whether your qualification is Australian or international:
Australian-educated nurses: If you completed an NMBA-approved nursing program, you can apply for registration by submitting the required documents, proof of identity and paying the fees.
Internationally-qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs): You must complete the NMBA Self-Check and meet NMBA registration standards (English language, criminal history, recency of practice, etc.). Based on the Self-Check and documentary evidence, NMBA will place you in one of three streams (A, B or C) that determine the assessment pathway.
Streams how NMBA classifies IQNMs:
Stream A — qualification is substantially equivalent (or based on similar competencies): minimal additional assessment; proceed to registration stages.
Stream B (OBA pathway) — qualification is relevant but not substantially equivalent: you will be required to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA — MCQ/NCLEX then OSCE).
Stream C — qualification not relevant/equivalent: you will generally need to upgrade your qualification (further study) before registering.
Step-by-step guide to AHPRA/NMBA registration:
Step 0 — Before you begin
Read the NMBA registration standards (English language, criminal history, recency of practice, professional indemnity) and AHPRA general requirements. Prepare certified ID,qualification documents, registration history, employment history and English test results (if required).
Step 1 — Complete the NMBA Self-Check
Create an account in the NMBA IQNM Self-Check portal and complete the online Self-Check honestly and carefully — it determines Stream A/B/C and tells you which next steps you need. Do not skip this.
Step 2 — Follow instructions after Self-Check
If Stream A: Complete Orientation Part 1, prepare and lodge your registration application (upload certified documents) with AHPRA; pay application and registration fees.
If Stream B (OBA): Complete Orientation Part 1, submit your Portfolio (documentary evidence), enrol for the MCQ/NCLEX-RNexam (Stage 1 of OBA), pass it, then attend and pass the OSCE (Stage 2) in Australia. After passing both stages, lodge the registration application and supporting documents with AHPRA.
If Stream C: NMBA will advise you to upgrade your qualifications (for example undertake further study) before reapplying.
Step 3 — Examination logistics (OBA specifics)
MCQ /NCLEX-RN(Stage 1): Computer-based, separate exams for RN/EN/midwife; pass the MCQ to progress. You may sit the MCQ in your home country if available by authorised suppliers.
OSCE (Stage 2): In-person clinical assessment at approved Australian centres (book and travel to Australia for the OSCE). Demonstrates clinical skill, communication and safe practice.
Step 4 — Apply for registration with AHPRA
After meeting the pathway requirements (Stream A direct application or Stream B after OBA/OSCE, or IQRN pathway via portfolio), submit your full application in the AHPRA portal with certified documents, police checks, English evidence and pay the fees. Wait for AHPRA/NMBA decision and, if successful, you will be added to the Register of Practitioners.
Step 5 — After registration
Maintain registration by annual renewal (nurses renew by 31 May each year), complete required CPD, and ensure recency of practice and professional standards are met. If you plan to migrate, use your registration to support visa applications (employer sponsorship, skilled migration etc.).