Fact sheet and frequently asked questins Revised 29 Nvember 2011 [29 Nvember 2011 additin f questins 5.2 and 5.3 (p.7) & update t transitinal prvisins (p.5); 21 September 2011 additin f last tw paragraphs f cre requirements (p. 4) & questins 8 and 9 (pp. 8-9); 29 August 2011 riginal dcument]. Registratin standard n English language skills Backgrund Since 1 July 2010, applicants applying fr registratin as a nurse and/r midwife fr the first time in Australia have been required t meet the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia s (the Bard r NMBA) registratin standard n English language skills. The Bard is cmmitted t best practice regulatin that prtects the public by ensuring nurses and midwives can cmmunicate effectively in English t prvide safe care t clients. On Mnday 19 September 2011, a revised registratin standard n English language skills came int effect. It replaced the registratin standard n English language skills and related arrangements in effect frm 1 July 2010 18 September 2011. This fact sheet aims t explain the key requirements f the revised standard and detail hw it is being implemented. Anyne applying fr registratin shuld refer t the revised registratin standard n English language skills which tk effect frm 19 September 2011. Abut the registratin standard Under the Health Practitiner Regulatin Natinal Law Act (the Natinal Law) as in frce in each state and territry, the Bard sets registratin standards which all applicants must meet befre they can be registered t practise in Australia. The Bard set a registratin standard n English language skills t ensure all enrlled nurses, registered nurses and midwives in Australia can cmmunicate effectively in English by listening, reading, speaking and in writing with their clients and with ther health prfessinals abut the care f their clients. The registratin standard n English language skills details the English language prficiency requirements that everyne applying fr initial registratin in Australia must demnstrate t be eligible fr registratin as a nurse r midwife. Cnsistent with the Natinal Law, the Bard develped the registratin standard which was apprved by the Australian Health Wrkfrce Ministerial Cuncil n 5 August 2011. The revised standard tk effect n 19 September 2011. 1
Reasns fr the review In September 2010, in respnse t stakehlder feedback, the Bard decided t review the riginal registratin standard n English language skills t make its effect clearer and its implementatin mre straightfrward. The standard was revised after extensive cnsultatin with the prfessins and the cmmunity, which helped ensure it is fair, reasnable and guided by public safety. The revised standard was als infrmed by the Bard s review f the available evidence and stakehlder feedback. In develping the revised standard, the Bard applied the fllwing principles: prtectin f the public natinal cnsistency and alignment, where pssible, with the registratin standard n English language skills f the ther Natinal Bards recgnitin f the difference in the educatin preparatin fr nursing and midwifery and the tw categries f nurse (enrlled and registered) establishment f a rigrus registratin standard that can be understd easily and the ability t implement the registratin standard effectively. Key changes The revised Nursing and Midwifery Bard registratin standard n English language skills: still requires registered nurses, midwives and enrlled nurses t cmmunicate effectively in English brings the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills in line with the standards f the ther Natinal Bards, while retaining key prfessin-specific features means that applicants wh have cmpleted a minimum f five (5) years (full-time equivalent) f cmbined secndary and/r vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin taught and assessed in English, in: Australia Canada New Zealand the Republic f Ireland Suth Africa the United Kingdm r the United States f America are cnsidered t have met the standard and therefre d nt need t sit an English language test. All ther applicants are required t submit evidence f English prficiency. recgnises the different educatin requirements fr nursing and midwifery and the tw categries f nursing (enrlled and registered): fr registered nurses and registered midwives, tw (2) f the required full-time equivalent five years f educatin must be a pre-registratin prgram f study taught and assessed in English in ne f the cuntries previusly listed fr enrlled nurses, ne (1) f the required full-time equivalent five years f educatin must be a pre-registratin prgram f study taught and assessed in English in ne f the cuntries previusly listed 2
gives the Bard flexibility in the future t cnsider and/r grant an exemptin t a defined grup by develping natinally-cnsistent plicy, if cmpelling evidence arises demnstrating English language prficiency equivalent t the standard fr the defined chrt/s and is supprted by detailed transitin prvisins fr currently-enrlled students wh are sn t cmplete their curses. Fr example, current students due t cmplete their curse by the end f 2011 r wh cmplete their utstanding curse requirements by 30 March 2012 must either meet the Bard s current (t 18 September 2011) requirements in relatin t English language skills, r they can pt t meet the Bard s new registratin standard which cmes int frce frm 19 September 2011. (Please nte the imprtant update abut the infrmatin in this paragraph n page 5 under the heading Update 21 Nvember 2011). Cre requirements The registratin standard requires all applicants wh seek initial registratin in Australia t demnstrate that they meet the registratin standard n English language skills. The evidence can be prvided t the Bard by: prviding dcumentatin that shws the applicant has cmpleted five years full-time equivalent f a cmbinatin f secndary and/r vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin, taught and assessed in English, in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm and the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard fr applicants seeking registratin as an enrlled nurse, the cmpletin f five years full-time equivalent educatin must include evidence f a minimum f ne year full-time equivalent in a preregistratin prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in ne f seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard fr applicants seeking registratin as a registered nurse, the cmpletin f five years full-time equivalent educatin must include evidence f a minimum f tw years full-time equivalent in a pre-registratin nursing prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard and fr applicants seeking registratin as a midwife, the cmpletin f five years full-time equivalent f educatin must include evidence f a minimum f tw years full-time equivalent in a preregistratin midwifery prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. Applicants wh cannt prvide the evidence that they meet these requirements need t demnstrate English language prficiency by sitting and passing t the standard set by the Bard, ne f the tw Bardapprved language tests detailed in the registratin standard. The requirements fr these tw language tests did nt change in the revised registratin standard. The tw tests fr assessment f English language prficiency apprved by the Bard currently are: i. Internatinal English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinatin (Academic) with a minimum scre f 7 in each f the fur cmpnents f listening, reading, writing and speaking and ii. Occupatinal English Test (OET) with an verall pass, and with grades A r B nly, in each f the fur cmpnents f listening, reading, writing and speaking. 3
Criteria that must be met when submitting an English language test result include: test results shuld be btained within tw years f applying fr registratin test results must be btained in ne sitting the applicant is respnsible fr the cst f the test and the applicant must make arrangements fr their test results t be prvided t the Australian Health Practitiner Regulatin Agency (AHPRA) fr verificatin. An IELTS r OET result that is lder than tw years may be accepted if accmpanied by dcumentary evidence that the applicant: has maintained active, cntinuus practice and/r emplyment as an enrlled nurse and/r as a registered nurse r midwife using English as the primary language f practice in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the standard and/r has been enrlled cntinuusly in a prgram f study taught and assessed in English and apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the standard. Applicants with registratin as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse r midwife in New Zealand are deemed t have demnstrated English language prficiency and t have met the requirements f this standard in accrdance with the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recgnitin Act 1997(Cth). If an applicant is r was previusly registered as an enrlled nurse, a registered nurse and/r a registered midwife in Australia, with the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia r a previus state r territry nursing and/r midwifery bard, s/he will be cnsidered t have met the Bard s English language skills registratin standard. When applicants n lnger hld registratin as a nurse r midwife in Australia, they will need t prvide evidence t the Bard that they have maintained their English language cmpetence. They can d this by demnstrating cntinued prfessinal practice in an English-speaking envirnment and/r cntinued residence in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. Please nte: the Bard reserves the right at any time t require any applicant fr registratin r renewal f registratin t undertake a specified English language test. The Bard can als decide at any time that an individual is nt a suitable persn t hld registratin as a nurse r midwife if it believes that the individual s cmpetency in speaking r cmmunicating in English is nt sufficient fr the individual t practise as a nurse r midwife. Transitinal prvisins Transitinal prvisins fr current and future applicants and students are in place t make the initial implementatin f the revised standard smth and fair. Standard transitin prvisins fr current students and applicants are detailed in this dcument. Educatin prviders are encuraged t cntact their lcal State r Territry Manager at AHPRA t clarify any issues arising frm the transitin prvisins. The State r Territry Manager will ensure all relevant issues are raised directly with the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia fr cnsideratin. Students currently enrlled in a Bard-apprved nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study (Please nte the imprtant update relating t the infrmatin in this sectin n page 5 under the heading Update 21 Nvember 2011). Students wh cmplete a Bard-apprved nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study by Friday 30 December 2011 will have their English language skills assessed against the registratin standard n English language skills and related arrangements in place frm 1 July 2010 t 18 September 2011. Students wh are scheduled t cmplete a Bard-apprved nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study by Friday 30 December 2011, wh are required t meet an utstanding curse requirement that can be cmpleted satisfactrily befre Friday 30 March 2012, will have their English language skills assessed against the registratin standard n English language skills and related arrangements in place frm 1 July 2010 t 18 September 2011. 4
Outstanding curse requirements may include: successful cmpletin f clinical experience placements r assessments; academic r clinical challenges; and/r resubmissin f a frmal assignment. AHPRA will assess evidence frm applicants in this chrt f students against the registratin standard n English language skills and related arrangements in place frm 1 July 2010 t 18 September 2011, unless the applicant specifically requests, in writing t AHPRA, t have his r her evidence assessed against the revised registratin standard n English language skills that has applied frm 19 September 2011. This means that students in this chrt can pt in t be assessed under the revised standard if they request this in writing t AHPRA. All ther students enrlled currently in a Bard-apprved nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study will need t meet the requirements f the revised registratin standard n English language skills that has applied frm 19 September 2011, when they cmplete the prgram requirements successfully and apply fr registratin as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse and/r midwife. Update 21 Nvember 2011: The NMBA at a meeting n 27 Octber 2011 cnsidered submissins frm three educatin prviders regarding the impact f the existing transitin prvisins. The Bard apprved a plicy whereby any student that is identified in writing by a Bard-apprved educatin prvider as having cmpleted all the apprved prgram f study requirements by 30 March 2012 will be assessed against the registratin standard n English language skills (1 July 2010-18 September 2011) and related arrangements in place prir t 19 September 2011. The identified students will have the ptin t chse t be assessed against the registratin standard n English language skills in place frm 19 September 2011. Students will need t write t AHPRA specifically t request this. Internatinally-qualified nursing and midwifery applicants. New applicants All applicatins frm internatinally-qualified nurses and midwives fr registratin as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse and/r midwife received n r after 19 September 2011 are assessed against the revised registratin standard n English language skills in place frm 19 September 2011. Existing internatinally-qualified nursing and midwifery applicants Applicatins ldged by internatinally-qualified nurses and midwives fr registratin as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse and/r midwife that were received by AHPRA befre 19 September 2011 are being r have been assessed in accrdance with the registratin standard n English language skills and related arrangements in place frm 1 July 2010 t 18 September 2011. These candidates have had t prvide dcumentary evidence t demnstrate satisfactry cmpletin f: secndary educatin taught and assessed in English t the requisite level fr entry int a nursing r midwifery prgram and a nursing r midwifery prgram taught and assessed in English r test results frm an IELTS (minimum f 7 in each f the fur cmpnents) r OET (minimum f B in each f the fur cmpnents) examinatin in the fur cmpnents f listening, reading, writing and speaking. If the applicant preferred t have his r her evidence assessed against the revised registratin standard n English language skills in place frm 19 September 2011, the applicant culd have requested this specifically in writing t AHPRA. Applicants in this chrt culd pt in t be assessed under the revised standard when they attached the written request t their applicatin and ldged it with AHPRA. 5
Applicatins ldged with AHPRA between 29 August 2011 and 18 September 2011 Applicants wh ldged an applicatin fr registratin as a nurse and/r midwife with AHPRA between 29 August 2011 and 18 September 2011 will cntinue t be assessed under the frmer English language skills arrangements, if the applicatin was cmplete and included the relevant fee. Applicants wh were nt required t submit the results f an IELTS r OET test must have included all the supprting certified dcumentatin specified n the applicatin frm t demnstrate: secndary educatin taught and assessed in English t the requisite level fr entry int a nursing and/r midwifery prgram and a nursing and/r midwifery prgram taught and assessed in English. Definitins Full-time equivalent refers t the ttal amunt f educatin studies a student has cmpleted at a secndary and/r a vcatinal and/r a tertiary institutin that is equivalent t the student undertaking fulltime study during a five-year perid. It is nt imprtant whether the student was enrlled as a part-time r a full-time student; the evidence f cmbined studies cmpleted must be equal t what a student wuld cmplete as a full-time student in a five-year perid, recgnising that the five years d nt need t be cnsecutive. The five-year perid may cnstitute a number f separate study perids that tgether ttal five years. A number f definitins are listed in the registratin standard n English language skills. 6
Frequently asked questins and answers: English language skills 1. T whm des the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills apply? The registratin standard n English language skills applies t all applicants, including internatinallyqualified applicants, applying fr initial registratin as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse and/r midwife in Australia. 2. What is an internatinally-qualified applicant? An internatinally-qualified applicant is a persn wh has btained an initial nursing and/r midwifery qualificatin in a cuntry utside Australia. 3. Des the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills apply t students? N. This registratin standard des nt apply t students f nursing r students f midwifery. When a student cmpletes a Bard-apprved prgram f study successfully and applies fr registratin as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse and/r midwife, the student will then need t meet the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills. 4. Which cuntries are recgnised by the Bard fr the purpses f this registratin standard? The Bard s registratin standard n English language skills recgnises the fllwing cuntries when an applicant has been taught and assessed in English at secndary and/r vcatinal and/r tertiary levels: Australia Canada New Zealand Republic f Ireland Suth Africa the United Kingdm and the United States f America. 5.1 What is the meaning f full-time equivalent educatin at secndary, vcatinal r tertiary levels? Full-time equivalent refers t the ttal amunt f educatin studies a student has cmpleted at a secndary and/r a vcatinal and/r a tertiary institutin that is equivalent t the student undertaking fulltime study during a five-year perid. It is nt imprtant whether the student was enrlled as a part-time r a full-time student; the evidence f cmbined studies cmpleted must be equal t what a student wuld cmplete as a full-time student in a five-year perid, recgnising that the five years d nt need t be cnsecutive. The five-year perid may cnstitute a number f separate study perids that tgether ttal five years. 5.2 Can I use failed r withdrawn subjects t cntribute t the cmpletin f five (5) years full-time equivalent requirement? N. The Bard requires evidence that applicants are able t cmmunicate effectively in English. This wuld nt be supprted by failed r withdrawn subjects. 5.3 What if I have successfully cmpleted subjects within a curse and have evidence f that successful cmpletin, but have withdrawn frm the curse prir t cmpletin? Can these subjects cntribute t the cmpletin f five (5) years full-time equivalent requirement? Yes. The successful cmpletin f subjects shuld prvide evidence t the Bard f the ability t cmmunicate effectively in English. Hwever, the NMBA has discretin in this matter. 7
Applicants cmpleting a Bard-apprved nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study leading t registratin as a registered nurse r midwife 6 I have cmpleted a three-year prgram f study apprved by the Bard (r by a previus state r territry nursing and midwifery bard) such as a Bachelr f Nursing r Bachelr f Midwifery (r equivalent). What evidence d I need t include with my applicatin fr registratin as a registered nurse r a registered midwife? Yu will need t prvide dcumentary evidence f five years full-time equivalent educatin taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. The evidence required must demnstrate: successful cmpletin f the three-year nursing r midwifery prgram f study apprved by the Bard (r by the previus state r territry nursing and midwifery bard) and an additinal tw years full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) undertaken in English at either a secndary r vcatinal r tertiary level r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. If yu are unable t prvide this evidence, yu will be required t undertake a Bard-apprved English language test (IELTS r OET). 7 I have cmpleted a tw-year prgram f study apprved by the Bard (r by a previus state r territry nursing and midwifery bard) such as a Bachelr f Nursing r Bachelr f Midwifery (r equivalent). What evidence d I need t include with my applicatin fr registratin as a registered nurse r a registered midwife? Yu will need t prvide dcumentary evidence f five years full-time equivalent educatin taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. The evidence required must demnstrate: successful cmpletin f the tw-year nursing r midwifery prgram f study apprved by the Bard (r by the previus state r territry nursing and midwifery bard) and an additinal three years full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) undertaken in English at either a secndary r vcatinal r tertiary level r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. If yu are unable t prvide this evidence, yu will be required t undertake a Bard-apprved English language test (IELTS r OET). 8 I am currently registered as an enrlled nurse in Australia, and have cmpleted a Bard-apprved nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study leading t registratin as a registered nurse and/r midwife. D I need t prvide dcumentary evidence that I have met the English language skills registratin standard? If yu are currently r have been previusly registered as an enrlled nurse in Australia with the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia r with a previus state r territry nursing and/r midwifery bard, yu will be cnsidered t have met the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills. If yu n lnger hld registratin as an enrlled nurse in Australia, yu will be cnsidered as meeting the registratin standard n English language skills if yu can prvide evidence that yu have maintained 8
cntinuus prfessinal practice in an English-speaking envirnment and/r maintained cntinuus residence in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the Bard s registratin standard. Please nte: the Bard reserves the right, at any time, t require any applicant fr registratin r renewal f registratin t undertake a specified English language test. The Bard can als decide, at any time, that an individual is nt a suitable persn t hld registratin as a nurse r midwife if it believes that the individual s cmpetency in speaking r cmmunicating in English is nt sufficient fr the individual t practise as a nurse r midwife. 9 I have cmpleted a pstgraduate midwifery prgram f study apprved by the Bard leading t registratin as a registered midwife. Will this curse meet the requirements f the registratin standard n English language skills? A Bard-apprved, pstgraduate midwifery prgram that leads t registratin as a midwife cmes under the Bard s definitin f a pre-registratin prgram f study: that is, all frms f frmal nursing and midwifery educatin beynd secndary educatin leading t initial registratin. Applicants with existing r previus registratin in Australia as a registered nurse r enrlled nurse If yu are currently r have been previusly registered as a registered nurse r an enrlled nurse in Australia with the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia r with a previus state r territry nursing and/r midwifery bard, yu will be cnsidered t have met the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills. If yu n lnger hld registratin in Australia, yu will be cnsidered as meeting the registratin standard n English language skills if yu can prvide evidence that yu have maintained cntinuus prfessinal practice in an English-speaking envirnment, and/r maintained cntinuus residence in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the Bard s registratin standard. Please nte: the Bard reserves the right, at any time, t require any applicant fr registratin r renewal f registratin t undertake a specified English language test. The Bard can als decide, at any time, that an individual is nt a suitable persn t hld registratin as a nurse r midwife if it believes that the individual s cmpetency in speaking r cmmunicating in English is nt sufficient fr the individual t practise as a nurse r midwife. Applicants with a Bard-apprved pstgraduate midwifery prgram f tw years r mre duratin If yu are nt and have nt been previusly registered as a registered nurse r enrlled nurse in Australia, and yu have cmpleted a Bard-apprved pstgraduate midwifery prgram f at least tw years full-time equivalent duratin, yu can use yur cmpletin f this prgram as evidence that yu meet the Bard s pre-registratin prgram f study requirement. T meet the Bard s registratin standard, yu will als need t prvide evidence that yu have cmpleted an additinal three years full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) in English at secndary and/r vcatinal and/r tertiary level, r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels, in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. Applicants with a Bard-apprved pstgraduate midwifery prgram f less than tw years duratin If yu are nt and have nt been previusly registered as a registered nurse r enrlled nurse in Australia, and the apprved pstgraduate midwifery prgram yu have cmpleted is less than tw years fulltime equivalent in duratin, yu will be required t sit ne f the tw Bard-apprved English language tests. 9
Applicants cmpleting a nursing and/r midwifery prgram f study apprved in ne f the recgnised cuntries (excluding Australia and New Zealand) leading t registratin as a registered nurse r midwife 10 I have cmpleted a three-year prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in Canada, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm, r the United States f America. What evidence d I need t include with my applicatin fr registratin as a registered nurse r a registered midwife? Yu will need t prvide evidence f five years full-time equivalent educatin taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. The evidence required must demnstrate: successful cmpletin f a three-year nursing r midwifery prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in: Canada; Republic f Ireland; Suth Africa; the United Kingdm; r the United States f America and an additinal tw years full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) undertaken in English at secndary r vcatinal r tertiary level r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. If yu are unable t prvide this evidence, yu will be required t undertake a Bard-apprved English language test (IELTS r OET). 11 I have cmpleted a tw-year prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in Canada, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America. What evidence d I need t include with my applicatin fr registratin as a registered nurse r a registered midwife? Yu will need t prvide evidence f five years full-time equivalent educatin taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. The evidence required must demnstrate: successful cmpletin f a tw-year nursing r midwifery prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in Canada, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America and an additinal three years full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) undertaken in English at secndary r vcatinal r tertiary level r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. Additinal evidence f secndary and/r vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin 12 My secndary educatin was taught and assessed in English in ne f the cuntries listed in the registratin standard, but I did nt cmplete secndary schl. Can I use this as evidence twards my five years f educatin? Yes. Yu need t prvide evidence f yur secndary educatin that shws what yu cmpleted, the timeframe in which yu undertk yur secndary educatin and the level yu achieved; fr example, Year 10, Year 11 r Year 12 (r equivalent). 10
13 I have undertaken further studies in a curse at vcatinal level which was taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard; hwever, I did nt cmplete the curse. Can I use this as evidence twards my five years f educatin? Yes. Yu need t prvide evidence f yur vcatinal educatin that shws the subjects yu cmpleted, the timeframe in which yu undertk this educatin and the level yu achieved; fr example, incmplete r academic transcript. This vcatinal-level educatin may be unrelated t nursing r midwifery. 14 I have undertaken further tertiary studies in a curse taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard, but I did nt cmplete the curse. Can I use this as evidence twards my five years f educatin? Yes. Yu need t prvide infrmatin f yur tertiary educatin that shws the subjects yu cmpleted, the timeframe in which yu undertk the educatin and the level yu achieved; fr example, incmplete r academic transcript. The tertiary-level educatin may be unrelated t nursing r midwifery. 15 What des the Bard mean when it refers t a pre-registratin prgram f study? The Bard defines pre-registratin t mean all frms f frmal nursing and midwifery educatin beynd secndary educatin that leads t initial registratin. Fr the purpses f the Bard s registratin standard, a pre-registratin prgram f study must be apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. Evidence f a minimum f tw years full-time equivalent studies, within a pre-registratin prgram f study, that is taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries, des nt include studies fr which the student received recgnitin f prir learning. Rather, the evidence must include nursing r midwifery subjects the student was taught and assessed in English as part f the tw years full-time study. Enrlled nurses 16 I have cmpleted a prgram f study apprved by the Bard (r by a previus state r territry nursing and midwifery bard) (such as a 12- t 18-mnth Diplma f Nursing (pre-enrlment) r a 12-mnth Certificate IV in Nursing (enrlled nursing/divisin 2)). What evidence d I need t include with my applicatin fr registratin as an enrlled nurse? Yu need t prvide evidence f five years full-time equivalent educatin taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. The evidence required must demnstrate: successful cmpletin f the prgram f study apprved by the Bard (r by the previus state r territry nursing and midwifery bard) (such as a 12- t 18-mnth Diplma f Nursing (preenrlment) r 12-mnth Certificate IV in Nursing (enrlled nursing/ divisin 2)) and an additinal three and ne half (3½) years t fur (4) years f full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) undertaken in English at secndary r vcatinal r tertiary level r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. If yu are unable t prvide this evidence, yu will be required t undertake a Bard-apprved English language test (IELTS r OET). 11
17 I have cmpleted a ne- t tw-year prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in Canada, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America. What evidence d I need t include with my applicatin fr registratin as an enrlled nurse? Yu will need t prvide evidence f five years full-time equivalent educatin taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. The evidence required must demnstrate: successful cmpletin f a ne- t tw-year prgram f study apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in Canada, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America and an additinal three t fur years f full-time equivalent educatin (in nursing and/r midwifery and/r ther studies) undertaken in English at secndary r vcatinal r tertiary level r a cmbinatin f tw r three f these educatin levels in any f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, the United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard. 18 My secndary educatin was taught and assessed in English in ne f the cuntries listed in the registratin standard but I did nt cmplete secndary schl. Can I use this as evidence twards my five years f educatin? Yes. Yu need t prvide infrmatin f yur secndary educatin that shws what yu cmpleted, the timeframe in which yu undertk it and the level yu achieved; fr example, Year 10, Year 11 r Year 12 (r equivalent). 19 I have undertaken further vcatinal studies taught and assessed in English in ne f the cuntries listed in the registratin standard, but I did nt cmplete the curse/s. Can I use this as evidence twards my five years f educatin? Yes. Yu need t prvide infrmatin abut yur vcatinal educatin that shws the curse subjects yu cmpleted, the timeframe in which yu undertk it and the level yu achieved; fr example, incmplete r academic transcript. This vcatinal educatin may be unrelated t nursing r midwifery. 20 I have undertaken further tertiary studies taught and assessed in English in ne f the cuntries listed in the registratin standard but I did nt cmplete the curse/s. Can I use this as evidence twards my five years f educatin? Yes. Yu need t prvide infrmatin abut yur tertiary educatin that shws the subjects yu cmpleted, the timeframe in which yu undertk it and the level yu achieved; fr example, incmplete r academic transcript. This tertiary educatin may be unrelated t nursing r midwifery. 21 What des the Bard mean when it refers t a pre-registratin prgram f study? The Bard defines pre-registratin t mean all frms f frmal nursing and midwifery educatin beynd secndary educatin that leads t initial registratin. Fr the purpses f the Bard s registratin standard, a pre-registratin prgram f study must be apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. Evidence f a minimum f ne year s full-time equivalent study within a pre-registratin prgram f study, that is taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries, des nt include studies fr which the student received recgnitin f prir learning. Rather, the evidence must include nursing subjects the student was taught and assessed as part f the ne t tw years full-time study. 12
Evidence 22 What evidence d I need t prvide t demnstrate that I cmpleted my secndary educatin taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard? The evidence required t demnstrate secndary educatin taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard may vary, depending n where the educatin ccurred. Yu need t prvide cmprehensive and clear infrmatin that will allw AHPRA and the Bard t make a full assessment f the evidence yu prvide, withut the need t ask fr clarificatin r mre dcumentatin frm yu. Evidence t demnstrate secndary educatin shuld include certified cpies f riginal dcumentatin that identifies clearly: the name and address f yur secndary educatin institutin/s the years and levels (fr example, Year 10, 11 and/r 12) yu attended secndary educatin the highest level yu cmpleted in secndary educatin and the studies cmpleted as a full-time student and/r as a part-time student. 23 What evidence is required t shw that I have cmpleted vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin in an area f study (ther than my nursing r midwifery qualificatin) that was taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard? The evidence prvided t demnstrate vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin taught and assessed in English in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard, may vary, depending n where the educatin ccurred. Yu need t prvide cmprehensive and clear infrmatin that will allw AHPRA and the Bard t make a full assessment f the evidence yu prvide, withut the need t ask fr clarificatin r mre dcumentatin frm yu. Evidence t demnstrate vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin shuld include certified cpies f riginal dcumentatin that identifies clearly: the name and address f yur vcatinal and/r tertiary study educatin institutin/s the year/s yu attended vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin the highest level yu cmpleted in the vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin an Academic Transcript detailing all subjects cmpleted at the vcatinal and/r tertiary level Certificate f Attainment in the vcatinal and/r tertiary curse if applicable the studies cmpleted as a full-time and/r part-time student and duratin f the curse/s. Bard-apprved English language prficiency tests 24 When d I need t undertake a Bard-apprved English language prficiency test? Yu will be required t take a Bard-apprved English language prficiency test (IELTS r OET) if yu are unable t prvide dcumented evidence f five years full-time equivalent f secndary and/r vcatinal and/r tertiary educatin, taught and assessed in English in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. 13
Registered nurses and registered midwives Fr applicants seeking registratin as a registered nurse and/r a registered midwife, the five years fulltime equivalent educatin means either: tertiary and secndary; r tertiary and vcatinal; r cmbined tertiary, secndary and vcatinal educatin; and must include evidence f a minimum f tw years fulltime equivalent in a pre-registratin prgram f study taught and assessed in English apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. Enrlled nurses Fr applicants seeking registratin as an enrlled nurse, the five years full-time equivalent educatin means either: vcatinal and secndary; r vcatinal and tertiary; r cmbined vcatinal, secndary and tertiary educatin; and must include evidence f a minimum f ne year s full-time equivalent in a preregistratin prgram f study taught and assessed in English apprved by the recgnised nursing regulatry bdy in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. This des nt apply t applicants wh hld registratin as a nurse r midwife in New Zealand, wh are deemed t have demnstrated English language prficiency and have met the requirements f the registratin standard n English language skills in accrdance with the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recgnitin Act 1997 (Cth). 25 Which English language prficiency tests are Bard-apprved? The Bard has tw apprved English language prficiency tests: the Internatinal English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinatin (Academic) (see www.ielts.rg) and the Occupatinal English Test (OET) (see www.ccupatinalenglishtest.rg). 26 What is the minimum scre required in IELTS? The Bard requires an IELTS examinatin (Academic) scre f a minimum f 7 in each f the fur cmpnents f listening, reading, writing and speaking. 27 What is the minimum scre required in OET? The Bard requires an OET scre f a minimum f B in each f the fur cmpnents f listening, reading, writing and speaking. 28 Des the minimum scre need t be achieved in ne sitting? Yes. Results frm an IELTS r OET test must be btained in ne sitting. This means the perid f time set by the testing authrity t cmplete the test. Fr example, IELTS states that the listening, reading and writing cmpnents f the test are always cmpleted n the same day. Depending n the test centre, the speaking test may be taken up t seven days either befre r after the test date. OET ffers the pprtunity t sit the listening, reading and writing cmpnents f the test tgether r separately. Fr the purpse f registratin with the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia, all fur cmpnents f the test must be taken in the ne sitting. 29 The registratin standard requires applicants t prvide the English language prficiency test results t the Bard fr verificatin. Hw d I d this? Applicants are respnsible fr arranging fr test results t be prvided t AHPRA fr verificatin. Yu can either send the results t the State r Territry AHPRA ffice when yu submit yur applicatin fr registratin, r yu can arrange fr the English language testing authrity t send the results directly t the AHPRA ffice in yur State r Territry nce yur applicatin has been submitted. AHPRA will verify yur test results thrugh the secure Internet lgin verificatin service ffered by OET and IELTS. 14
30 Can the English language prficiency test results be lder than tw years? In certain circumstances, the Bard may accept results f the Bard-apprved English language prficiency test that are lder than tw years. Fr test results lder than tw years t be accepted as current, yu must have: been enrlled cntinuusly in a prgram f study taught and assessed in English and apprved by the recgnised nursing and/r midwifery regulatry bdy in ne f the seven recgnised cuntries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic f Ireland, Suth Africa, United Kingdm r the United States f America) listed in the registratin standard r maintained active, cntinuus practice and/r emplyment as an enrlled nurse, registered nurse and/r registered midwife using English as the primary language f practice in any f the seven recgnised cuntries listed in the registratin standard. Yu will be required t prvide certified dcumentary evidence t AHPRA as required in the applicatin frm. Exemptins 31 Are there any exemptins t this registratin standard? There are tw exemptins t the revised registratin standard n English language skills. Exemptin 1: when an individual applicant applies fr limited registratin in special circumstances: t perfrm a demnstratin in clinical prcedures t undertake research that invlves limited r n patient cntact and/r t undertake a perid f pstgraduate study r supervised training while wrking in an apprpriately-supprted envirnment that will ensure patient safety is nt cmprmised. Exemptin 2: when the Bard determines, as a matter f plicy, that an exemptin t the registratin standard n English language skills applies t an identified chrt f applicants. Currently, the Bard des nt have such an exemptin plicy. 32 Hw d I knw I am eligible t apply fr Exemptin 1? When submitting yur applicatin t AHPRA fr ne f the three categries f limited registratin listed in questin 29 f this dcument, prvide all relevant infrmatin s a clear determinatin can be made by AHPRA and the Bard. 33 Can I apply as an individual under Exemptin 2? N. If, in future, the Bard makes a plicy decisin abut an exemptin fr a specific chrt f applicants, further detail abut the dcumentary evidence required will be published. 34 Wh will determine if my exemptin is successful? Staff in the AHPRA ffice f the State r Territry in which yu live r plan t live will assess eligibility fr exemptin as part f cnsidering applicatins fr limited registratin. Cmplex cases will be referred t the State r Territry Bard f the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia. 15
35 I have current registratin with the Nursing Cuncil f New Zealand and/r the Midwifery Cuncil f New Zealand. D I need t demnstrate English language skills in accrdance with the Bard s registratin standard n English language skills? N. Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recgnitin Act 1997 (Cth), the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia recgnises the registratin status f a registered nurse, midwife r enrlled nurse frm New Zealand and grants registratin with n additinal requirement t demnstrate English language prficiency. New Zealand and Australia have cmparable English language requirements fr health practitiners. 36 Can the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia require me t undertake a specified English language prficiency test at any time? Yes. The Bard reserves the right at any time t require any applicant, r a registrant n renewal f registratin, t undertake a specified English language prficiency test. Fr mre infrmatin n the Nursing and Midwifery Bard f Australia s registratin standard n English language skills Visit the Bard s website at www.nursingmidwiferybard.gv.au Ldge an nline enquiry frm at www.ahpra.gv.au under Cntact us and select Registratin Enquiries frm the drp-dwn menu; r Telephne AHPRA n 1300 419 495 frm within Australia between 09:00am 05:00pm lcal time r frm verseas n +61 3 8708 9001 between 09:00am 05:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. 16