English language skills
General information only, not legal or regulatory advice; check the official NMBA page before applying.
The NMBA's English language skills registration standard (2025) came into effect on 18 March 2025. The previous version, the 2019 standard, applied from 1 March 2019 to 17 March 2025.
Who it applies to
The NMBA says the standard applies to all nurses and midwives applying for initial registration, whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. It does not apply to applicants for non-practising registration or to students.
See also Overseas-qualified nurses and Pathway 2.
Ways to show your English skills
The standard sets out pathways for showing evidence of English language skills. The NMBA page lists a pathways diagram, an evidence guide and a policy for the 2025 standard. Ahpra keeps the list of accepted English language tests.
The NMBA website notes that changes to the minimum results for accepted English tests took effect on 23 April 2026, with a transition arrangements policy. Check the current minimums on the Ahpra page before you book a test.
How EndorseMe helps
EndorseMe does not assess English language skills. If you are on the overseas pathway, the Pathway 2 units page (open in EndorseMe) helps you keep your qualification records together.