Download a PDF copy of this Policy: English language skills registration standard policy (105KB)
This policy is developed pursuant to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) functions under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).
Section 38 of the National Law requires the NMBA to develop an English language skills registration standard (ELS Standard).
The NMBA ELS Standard (2015) sets out the NMBA’s requirements for English language skills for applicants for registration. The ELS Standard provides flexible and varied approaches for applicants to demonstrate compliance with the ELS Standard. The ELS standard sets out five ways (pathways) that an applicant for initial registration can demonstrate their English language competency.
The purpose of this policy is to:
a. Period over which the five years of education may be undertaken
The five years (full time equivalent) of education taught and assessed in English for the purpose of pathways 2 and 3 do not need to be consecutive, however the five years of study must occur within a seven year period.
One of the pathways to demonstrate your English language competency in the ELS standard (Pathway 5) states:
In other defined circumstances/cases where there is compelling evidence demonstrating English language proficiency at least equivalent to the other pathways in this standard set out in a policy published by the Board.
This policy confirms that:
The NMBA currently does not have pathways to limited registration and therefore the exemptions with respect to limited registration in the ELS registration standard do not apply at this time.
b. Definition of full time equivalent
‘Full-time equivalent’ means:
Key considerations:
c. Definition of vocational education
Vocational education in the context of the ELS Standard and this policy means education taught and assessed in English in Australia where:
As with the other types of education accepted under pathways 2 and 3 (secondary and tertiary), the vocational education must meet the requirements of the definition of full time equivalent education set out in this policy.
The Board will review this Policy at least every five years, or as necessary.