English Test Requirements for Nursing Registration in Australia: What Nurses Need to Know
If you are planning to become a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, or midwife in Australia, meeting the English language requirement is an important step in your registration journey.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), together with Ahpra, requires nurses and midwives to demonstrate competent English language skills before they can be registered to practise safely in Australia. This is because healthcare professionals must be able to communicate clearly with patients, families, carers, and other healthcare workers, as well as maintain accurate clinical records.
Who needs to meet the English language requirement?
You may need to meet the NMBA English language skills registration standard if you are applying for registration as a nurse or midwife in Australia for the first time. This includes internationally qualified nurses and midwives who want to work in Australia.
You may also need to meet the standard if you are applying for registration again and have not used English as your main language for more than five years.
How can nurses meet the English requirement?
The NMBA provides three main pathways to demonstrate English language competence:
- Primary language pathway
- English language test pathway
- Extended education pathway
For many overseas-qualified nurses, the most common option is the English language test pathway, especially if their nursing qualification was not taught and assessed in English in a recognised country.
Accepted English tests for nursing registration in Australia
Ahpra currently accepts the following English language tests for registration purposes:
- IELTS Academic
- OET
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
PTE Academic is accepted by Ahpra and National Boards for registration purposes, provided the test is taken in the approved format and the required scores are achieved.
Current PTE Academic score requirement for nursing registration
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, the required minimum scores are:
- Listening: 58
- Reading: 59
- Writing: 60
- Speaking: 76
- Overall: 63
Ahpra states that these updated scores apply to tests taken from 23 April 2026 onwards. For tests taken on or before 22 April 2026, different minimum scores apply.
This means students must be careful when checking their eligibility. The date you took your English test can affect which score requirement applies to your registration application.
Can I combine two PTE test results?
Yes, in some cases Ahpra may accept results from a maximum of two test sittings within a 12-month period. However, you must meet the rules set by the English language skills registration standard.
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, when combining two sittings, you still need to achieve the required minimum scores across the two sittings, and no score in either sitting can fall below the minimum allowed threshold.
The minimum scores allowed in either sitting are:
- Listening: 53
- Reading: 54
- Writing: 60
- Speaking: 66
You cannot combine results from different test providers. For example, you cannot combine IELTS and PTE results.
Why English scores matter for nurses
Nursing is a communication-focused profession. In real clinical settings, nurses need to understand patient concerns, follow instructions, explain procedures, document observations, and respond quickly in urgent situations.
Strong English skills are not only important for passing the test. They are also essential for safe and confident nursing practice in Australia.
Why many nurses choose PTE Academic
Many nursing applicants choose PTE Academic because it is computer-based, structured, and allows students to prepare using clear question types and scoring criteria. With the right preparation, students can focus on improving the exact skills tested in PTE: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
However, nursing applicants should pay special attention to the Speaking requirement, as the current PTE speaking score requirement for tests taken from 23 April 2026 is higher than the other skills.
How PTE Training can help
At PTE Training, we help students prepare strategically for PTE Academic with a focus on score improvement, test confidence, and practical exam techniques.
Our PTE coaching can help you:
- Understand the latest PTE score requirements for nursing registration
- Improve your speaking fluency and pronunciation
- Build stronger listening and reading strategies
- Structure your writing responses more effectively
- Practise with real PTE-style questions
- Identify mistakes that may be reducing your score
- Create a study plan based on your target result
Whether you are preparing for nursing registration, migration, or further study, the right preparation can make a big difference.
Final reminder
English language requirements can change, and Ahpra may update accepted tests, score requirements, or transition arrangements. Always check the official Ahpra or NMBA website before submitting your registration application.
If your goal is to become a nurse in Australia, start preparing early. A strong PTE result can bring you one step closer to your nursing career.
Need help preparing for PTE Academic?
Contact PTE Training today and let our experienced trainers help you work towards your required score.