Nursing in New Zealand is a well-respected profession as well as a highly valued one. The healthcare system in New Zealand relies on the expertise and dedication of skilled nurses to provide quality care to patients. For international nurses looking to work in New Zealand, obtaining Nursing Registration is a crucial step. This process ensures that nurses meet the required standards and qualifications to practice in the country. By obtaining Nursing Registration in New Zealand, international nurses can contribute their skills and knowledge to the healthcare system, making a positive impact on the lives of patients and the community as a whole.
The Nursing Council in New Zealand (NCNZ) has made some prominent changes in the process of Nursing Registration in New Zealand for international applicants. There are updates in work experience, process, requirements, etc. International nurses who wish to work in New Zealand can now find a more streamlined process for Nursing Registration with the recent changes implemented by the Nursing Council. These updates aim to make it easier for qualified nurses from around the world to pursue their careers in New Zealand. By understanding the new work experience criteria, application process, and requirements, international applicants can now navigate the registration process more efficiently. This is fantastic news for nurses looking to broaden their horizons and contribute their skills to the healthcare system in New Zealand.
Updated Regulations for Nursing Registration in New Zealand: Requirements
Previously international nurses were required to qualify CAP (Competency Assessment Program) program as the Nursing Registration in New Zealand process. But now the requirements and process have been updated and international nurses are not required to do CAP in order to work as registered nurses in New Zealand. Here are the Updated Regulations for Nursing Registration in New Zealand:
Work Experience Requirement
The nurses applying for the Nursing Registration in New Zealand are required to have at least 1800 hours of experience of practising nursing in the past 10 years. Once you have met the requirement of 1800 hours of clinical nursing practice within the last 10 years, you can embark on the application process for Nursing Registration in New Zealand and apply to CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). It is important to note that applicants can not directly apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand, they first need to apply to CGFNS for verification of their documents.
Qualification and Registration
There are some qualifications that Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) need to have to become registered nurses in New Zealand. These requirements are put in place to uphold the standards of the New Zealand healthcare system and by adhering to these standards, IQN can contribute effectively to the healthcare landscape of New Zealand and provide high-quality care to patients across the country.
Candidates must be registered as a nurse currently with an overseas registration authority to apply to CGFNS and these registrations must be held within to past 10 years. Additionally, they must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree (or the equivalent) or a Master’s degree in nursing that led to your registration.
English language Requirements
The nurses are required to fulfil two language proficiency tests in order to be eligible for the nursing Registration in New Zealand. These tests are IELTS and OET.
The minimum required score for IELTS Academic is a minimum band score is 7, in reading, listening and speaking and a minimum score of 6.5 in writing.
OET (Occupational English Test) is another test they must qualify for, the required minimum score is 350 in speaking, listening and reading and 300 in writing.
Candidates can achieve the minimum English Language test scores through multiple sittings, as long as these attempts are made within one year of the initial test. This flexibility allows candidates to take the English Language test at their own pace, ensuring that they have ample time to prepare and improve their scores. By allowing multiple sittings within a year, candidates can focus on specific areas of improvement and gradually work towards achieving the desired scores. This approach encourages a growth mindset and provides candidates with the opportunity to showcase their language proficiency over time. Ultimately, it promotes a more inclusive testing process that values continuous learning and development.
Updated Regulations for Nursing Registration in New Zealand: Process
The Nursing Registration in New Zealand is a multi-step process. Various documentation and requirements must be met, and Internationally Qualified Nurses need to pass specific tests to fulfil these criteria.
Documents Verification at CGFNS
The first step of the process is to verify the documents at CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Here is the list of documents IQN needs to verify:
Identification: the identity document here is your valid passport.
Registration: The documents supporting that the applicant is currently registered with an overseas registration authority.
Academics: Documents of nursing qualification equivalent to NZ qualifications that is a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in nursing. These academic documents include your degree, certificate and mark sheets.
English Proficiency: Applicants need to provide evidence of English language proficiency demonstrating the required score in IELTS and OET.
Work Experience Certificate: Work experience documents proving the 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing experience.
Applying to Nursing Council to become a Registered nurse in New Zealand
After document verification at CGFNS, the applicants can apply to the Nursing Council, New Zealand. There are multiple tests that IQN need to qualify for Nursing Registration in New Zealand.
Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand online courses
The first step includes two free online courses that students need to complete to get an introduction to culturally safe nursing practice in New Zealand. These two tests can be taken online at home. The two tests are:
- Test 1: Ngā Paerewa Te Tiriti Module 1
- Test 2: Foundations in cultural competence
Online Theoretical Exam
In the second step in the process, the Nurses will need to pass a theoretical exam online. This exam evaluates your nursing knowledge and can be taken internationally at a Nursing Council-accredited exam centre that is Pearson VUE. This exam has two parts:
- Part A: Medication Safety
- Part B: Nursing Knowledge
Applicants need to qualify the both part A and part B to be able to take the OSCE Exam. If you fail to pass this exam or any one part of this exam, then you can reappear for it with some additional charges.
OSCE Exam
OSCE is Objective Structured Clinical Exam, this is a comprehensive two-day orientation and preparation program, culminating in a 3-hour OSCE exam. This clinical exam is conducted in person at an accredited examination centre in New Zealand. Applicants eligible for this exam must travel to New Zealand on a New Zealand Visitor Visa to take this exam. If you fail to pass OSCE then you can re-sit this exam.
Fitness to practice check-up
Other requirements and steps of the process include Fitness to practice check-up. This check will only be asked for once you are invited to apply to register with the Nursing Council. All applicants undergo an International Criminal History Check (ICHC) by Fit2work.
Costs for the Nursing Registration in New Zealand
The Nursing Registration in New Zealand is a multiple-step process and each step has a different service fee. Below is a breakdown of the steps along with the corresponding fees:
| CATEGORY | FEES IN NZD |
| CGFNS verification service | $489 |
| Nursing Council application & processing | $485 |
| International Criminal History Check (ICHC) | $169 |
| IQN Theoretical Examination | $140 |
| OSCE Orientation & Preparation Course | $500 |
| OSCE – Clinical Examination | $3,000 |
If the applicants fail to pass any exam then they can reappear for it by paying some additional charges. Here is the list of re-sit examination fees in NZD and test categories:
| RE-SIT CATEGORY | FEES IN NZD |
| Part A of Theoretical Exam: Medication Safety | $32 |
| Part B of Theoretical Exam: Nursing Knowledge | $108 |
| OSCE – Clinical Examination | $3,000 |
Processing Time for Nursing Registration in New Zealand
The processing time for a Nursing Registration in New Zealand is divided into different parts.
- The first step which is document verifications by CGFNS takes approximately 30 days to verify your credentials and make a report.
- After this another 30 days to review the report and authorize CGFNS to send it to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).
- Further, it takes 30 days to apply to the NCNZ for Nursing Registration.
- After the application is submitted to the Nursing Council, the assessment process begins, which typically takes around 4 months from the submission date.
During this time, the Nursing Council of New Zealand carefully evaluates the credentials and qualifications of the applicant to determine eligibility for nursing registration in the country. It is important to note that the timeline for processing nursing registration in New Zealand can vary based on individual circumstances and any additional requirements that may need to be fulfilled. Therefore, it is advisable for applicants to stay in touch with the relevant authorities and ensure all necessary documents and information are provided on time to expedite the process.
While the processing time may seem lengthy, it is essential to maintain patience and stay informed throughout the registration process. Once the assessment is completed and nursing registration is granted, individuals can look forward to embarking on a fulfilling career in nursing in the developed country of New Zealand.
Nursing Registration in New Zealand from India
Indian nurses looking to get registered as nurses in New Zealand and start their nursing career in New Zealand can seek assistance with their application through West Highlander. We have more than 18 years of experience in guiding applicants to get their New Zealand visa and our director Ms Parwinder Kaur is an LIA – Licensed Immigration Adviser. She is qualified and authorized to guide you step by step throughout the process. Navigating the process of Nursing Registration in New Zealand can seem overwhelming, but with West Highlander by your side, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands. From Nursing Registration in New Zealand to visitor visas for the OSCE exam and applying for a Residence Visa in New Zealand, we ensure a smooth and efficient process. West Highlander is committed to providing top-notch services to make your journey hassle-free and successful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long does NZ Nursing registration take?
Document verification by CGFNS will take around 30 days after they have received all necessary documentation. The NCNZ assessment and registration process is anticipated to require around another 30 days. After this, the assessment of your application can take up to 4 months, depending on your profile
What is the age limit for nurses in New Zealand?
There is no specific age limit for nurses in New Zealand. If you are fulfilling the requirements and passing the exams then you can easily apply for registration as Nurse in New Zealand.
Which exam is required for nurses in New Zealand?
There are a series of exams required for Nursing Registration in New Zealand for Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN). The first exam is a set of two online free exams by NCNZ (Nursing Council of New Zealand). The second exam is the Theoretical exam and the last is the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam). Passing all these exams will result in the success of your application for Nursing Registration in New Zealand.
What IELTS score is required for nurses in New Zealand?
The required IELTS Score for Nursing Registration in New Zealand is a band score of 7 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing.