Which English Test Do You Need for AHPRA? 2025 Requirements for Nurses

If you’re an internationally qualified nurse looking to register with AHPRA in Australia, you’ll need to meet their English language requirements.

Did you know that in March 2025, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) introduced updated score rules for the five accepted tests?

Getting this wrong will impact your eligibility.

✅ Accepted English Tests & Score Requirements

You must pass one of the following English tests, with scores achieved in one or two sittings within six months:

• IELTS Academic

  • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum 7.0
    

  • Writing: minimum 6.5
    

• OET for Nursing

  • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum B
    

  • Writing: minimum C+
    

• PTE Academic

  • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum 65
    

  • Writing: minimum 58
    

• TOEFL iBT

  • Listening & Reading: minimum 24
    

  • Speaking: minimum 23
    

  • Writing: minimum 21
    

• Cambridge C1 Advanced

  • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum 185
    

  • Writing: minimum 176
    

Important: All scores must be from the Academic versions of the test (where applicable), and you must meet the minimum scores in each band. There are no exemptions based on your location or clinical experience - although for some it is possible based on the country of registration and prior English test scores.

⚠️ Mistakes That Delay or Ruin Applications

We see nurses make these common errors:

• Booking the wrong version of a test
  

• Achieving an overall score but missing one band
  

• Thinking a pass in AHPRA’s eyes = a pass for migration (they’re separate)
  

• Attempting the test without proper preparation

These mistakes can cost you months of delay, lost money, and rejected registration.

🎓 Where to Get the Right Support

When you enrol in our Nurse Registration Course, you’ll be introduced to our endorsed English preparation partner.

This isn’t just a random tutor—

They’re an official test preparation provider, aligned with the latest scoring rubrics and endorsed by IELTS, OET, and PTE themselves.

Inside the course, you’ll:

✅ Learn how to choose the right test

✅ Be referred to expert English prep (paid separately)

✅ Get step-by-step guidance to complete your AHPRA registration

💡 Want to Make Sure You’re AHPRA-Ready?

👩🏽‍⚕️ Join our Nurse Registration Course today

💻 Just $199 AUD (limited time only)

🌐 www.nurseregistration.com

Ready to Do This Properly?

At SOLVi Migration, we’re not just here to help you tick boxes — we’re an Australian immigration law firm that specialises in helping internationally qualified nurses build the right pathway to live and work in Australia long-term.

✅ We help you plan your AHPRA registration and your visa pathway side-by-side

✅ We give legal advice so you avoid costly mistakes

✅ We assess your full situation — including family, work history, and goals.