Registration
Registering as a nurse or midwife for the first time? Here’s what you need to know.
The Lamp has collated some resources on the most frequently asked questions regarding first-time registrants into the nursing and midwifery professions.
Core registration standards
All nurses and midwives and applicants for registration must comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s core registration standards:
- Criminal History registration standard
- English language skills registration standard
- Registration standard: Continuing professional development
- Registration standard: Recency of practice
- Registration standard: Professional indemnity insurance arrangements
You can find out more about the registration standards here.
English Language Skills registration standard
All people applying for initial registration as a nurse or midwife must meet the Board’s English language registration standard and demonstrate their English language competency.
The Board has provided further information in COVID-19 frequently asked questions if English language testing is unavailable due to COVID-19.
Criminal History
In your application for registration you will be asked to declare your criminal history in Australia and overseas. An Australian criminal history check will also be completed by Ahpra as part of your application.
You can find out more about criminal history checks here.
International Criminal History Check
When applying for registration, you will be asked about your international criminal history. If you have a criminal history outside of Australia or If you have lived overseas as an adult for six consecutive months you will need to have an international criminal history check. You need to apply and pay for an international criminal history through an Ahpra-approved supplier. More information is available on the Ahpra website.
Working as an AIN while waiting for new graduate position to commence
Registered nurses may choose to work as assistant in nursing while they wait for their new graduate position to commence. If you do this, you must work within the scope of practice of the position you are employed in. It is also important to be clear with colleagues about the role you are employed in and only work within that role.
When to submit your application for registration
Online registration for graduate applications will open soon. The NMBA advise that you can submit your application up to three months before you expect to complete your program of study. You do not need to wait until you have graduated from your course to apply. Your education provider will communicate with Ahpra and let them know when you have successfully completed your course.
Where to find more information?
There is information on the Ahpra and NMBA websites
Already holding registration as an EN, RN or Midwife?
If you are already registered in a profession, you may be able to apply for registration using your online services account.
This includes an enrolled nurse who is due to complete an approved program of study that will qualify you as a registered nurse or midwife.
The NMBA recognises that you may hold registration as both an RN and as an EN (concurrent registration). A fact sheet is available to provide guidance.
Certifying documents
Please review the information about certifying documents on the Ahpra website.
Photographic ID must be certified with the statement ‘I certify that this is a true copy of the original and the photograph is a true likeness of the person presenting the document as sighted by me.’
We encourage you to print and take the guide ‘Certifying Documents: Instructions for applicants and authorised officers’ with you when you get your documents certified.