Updated Regulations for Nursing Registration in New Zealand
Nurses are an indispensable pillar of its healthcare system. New Zealand relies on the expertise and dedication of skilled nurses to deliver high quality care to patients. For international nurses aspiring to live and work in New Zealand, obtaining Nursing Registration is a pivotal step. This process ensures that nurses meet the requisite standards and qualifications to practice in the country. With recent changes in the regulations for Nursing Registration, the path for international nurses to work in New Zealand has become more accessible and streamlined.
The Nursing Council in New Zealand (NCNZ) has implemented significant alterations to the Nursing Registration process for international applicants. These updates encompass various aspects such as work experience, application procedures, and requirements. By grasping the new criteria for work experience, application processes, and prerequisites, international applicants can now navigate the registration process with greater confidence.
NZ Nursing Registration Requirements Update
Previously, international nurses were mandated to undergo the Competency Assessment Program (CAP) to obtain Nursing Registration in New Zealand. However, the recent updates have relieved international nurses from this requirement. Instead, the CAP has now been replaced by a competency examination.
Please be aware that if you have worked as a Registered Nurse in certain countries for a sufficient number of hours in the last 10 years, you might be exempt from the competency test to get registered.
NZ Nursing Registration Process
The Nursing Registration process in New Zealand is multi-faceted and entails various documentation and assessments. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Step 1: Documents Verification at CGFNS
Applicants must undergo document verification at CGFNS, which includes verifying identification, registration, academic qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience.
- Work Experience Requirement:
Applicants must possess a minimum of 1800 hours of nursing practice within the past decade. Once this criterion is met, applicants can initiate the application process for Nursing Registration by applying to the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
- Qualification and Registration
Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) must be currently registered as nurses with an overseas registration authority within the past ten years. Additionally, they must hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree or its equivalent, or a Master’s degree in nursing leading to registration.
- English Language Requirements
Applicants must fulfil the English language proficiency criteria by achieving specified scores in tests such as IELTS and OET. The minimum required scores are set to ensure effective communication and comprehension in the workplace. Candidates have the flexibility to achieve the minimum English Language test scores through multiple sittings within a year, allowing them to pace their preparation and improve their scores gradually.
- Step 2: Applying to Nursing Council for Registration
Upon document verification, applicants can proceed to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The process involves undertaking online courses, theoretical exams, and a clinical examination (OSCE).
New requirements
IQNs will now be issued an eligibility letter by the NCNZ and will have 18 months to complete the new competence examination in full. After 18 months the application to complete the new competence examination will close. All IQN’s applying to the NCNZ from 4 December 2023 will undertake the following objective examinations of competence:
- An online theoretical exam that tests nursing knowledge, taken at an accredited exam centre overseas or in New Zealand. Details of the exam centres will be sent out upon confirmation from the NCNZ. It is a 180-minute, multiple choice exam. IQNs will have three attempts in total to pass the exam before the application is closed.
- A two-day orientation and preparation course followed by a clinical examination known as an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). The OSCE tests clinical and professional skills.
| If you have worked as a Registered Nurse for at least 1,800 hours in the USA, UK, Singapore, or in the provinces of British Columbia or Ontario in Canada within the past decade, you might be exempt from having to take the test of competence, which includes both theory and clinical exams (OSCE), in order to get registered. |
Additional Considerations
- Costs
The Nursing Registration process incurs various fees, including CGFNS verification, Nursing Council application, International Criminal History Check (ICHC), theoretical examination, OSCE orientation and examination, among others. Additional fees apply for re-sitting exams.
- Processing Time
The processing time for Nursing Registration involves document verification, application review, assessment, and registration. The timeline may vary based on individual circumstances and additional requirements.
Take the First Step Towards Your Nursing Career in New Zealand
Whether you are an experienced nurse or a recent graduate, explore the opportunities awaiting you in New Zealand.
- Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
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- Kickstart your Nursing Registration process now and set the stage for a fulfilling healthcare journey.
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