If you're an internationally qualified nurse (IQN) looking to register in Australia, you may have heard about the NCLEX-RN and OSCE exams—but do you actually need to take them?

The answer isn't straightforward. Whether you must sit these exams or may qualify for direct registration depends on:

✅ Where you completed your nursing qualification (some countries may be considered equivalent to Australian standards).

✅ The level of qualification you hold (Diploma, Bachelor, or higher).

✅ Whether you already have nursing registration in a PROPOSED recognised country (e.g. UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Singapore or Spain).

✅ If you have already completed an accepted OSCE and/or NCLEX in another country (which may allow for recognition in Australia.

With proposed changes to AHPRA’s registration pathways expected from April 2025, some nurses may qualify for direct registration—but these laws have not yet been implemented. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is still working through the details, and many factors will determine whether this applies to you.

💡Want to stay updated and ensure you’re following the right pathway?

📌 Join our Nurse Registration course at www.nurseregistration.com to receive expert guidance, the latest updates, and step-by-step support in navigating your AHPRA registration.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

📌 What the OSCE and NCLEX-RN are

📌 Who needs to take them and who might be exempt

📌 How to prepare if you do need to sit them

📌 What these changes mean for your registration journey

Let’s dive in and clarify your next steps toward nursing registration in Australia!

What Are the OSCE and NCLEX-RN Exams?

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse) and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) are two key assessments used in Australia's nursing registration process.

📌 What is the NCLEX-RN?

• The NCLEX-RN is a computer-based multiple-choice exam designed to assess your nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills.

• It is used to determine whether a candidate is prepared to practice safely as an entry-level registered nurse.

• The exam is adaptive, meaning that questions become harder or easier depending on your answers.

• The test covers four major areas of nursing:

🔹 Safe and effective care environment

🔹 Health promotion and maintenance

🔹 Psychosocial integrity

🔹 Physiological integrity

📌 What is the OSCE?

• The OSCE is a practical skills assessment designed to evaluate how well you perform real-world nursing tasks.

• Candidates complete 10 stations, each testing different aspects of clinical practice, such as medication administration, wound care, or patient communication.

• You will be assessed on your ability to apply nursing knowledge in a clinical setting while demonstrating competence, communication, and critical decision-making.

Both exams are used in Stream B of AHPRA's registration pathways, but not all internationally qualified nurses need to take them.

Who Needs to Sit the OSCE and NCLEX-RN?

Not every nurse applying for AHPRA registration will need to sit the OSCE and NCLEX-RN. It depends on factors like:

✅ Where You Completed Your Nursing Qualification

• Nurses who trained in the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, or Spain may be able to qualify for direct registration with AHPRA from April 2025, IF they meet all other eligibility requirements (like having a PIN and 1,800 clinical hours).

• Nurses from other countries may still need to follow the existing process and sit both exams unless alternative pathways (such as NZNC registration) are available.

✅ Your Level of Nursing Qualification

• AHPRA’s proposed changes do not yet specify how nurses with a Diploma, Bachelor Top-Up or Master's Degree (instead of a full Bachelor's Degree) will be assessed under the new system.

• Nurses with a Bachelor's degree from a recognised country may find it easier to qualify for direct registration.

✅ Your Current Nursing Registration and Exams Completed

• If you have already passed the NCLEX-RN or an accepted OSCE in another country, you may be able to have it recognised, rather than retaking the exam in Australia.

• Nurses who do not have a recognised OSCE or NCLEX-RN may still need to take them in Australia to meet registration standards.

🛑 IMPORTANT: AHPRA has not yet finalised the implementation details for the 2025 changes, so waiting without a plan is not recommended.

💡Not sure what applies to you?Join our Nurse Registration Course at www.nurseregistration.com for expert guidance on your best pathway.

How to Prepare for the OSCE and NCLEX-RN (If You Need Them)

If you do need to sit these exams, proper preparation is key. Here’s how you can get started:

📌 NCLEX-RN Study Tips:

✔️ Familiarise yourself with the format—It’s adaptive, so expect a mix of easy and challenging questions.

✔️ Focus on critical thinking—NCLEX is not about memorisation but how well you can apply nursing knowledge in clinical scenarios.

✔️ Use prep materials—Consider online review courses, practice exams, and NCLEX-RN books.

✔️ Take practice tests—Simulated exams help you get comfortable with the question style and improve time management.

📌 OSCE Preparation Tips:

✔️ Review clinical skills and guidelines—Ensure you are up-to-date on Australian nursing standards and procedures.

✔️ Practice hands-on skills—Wound care, vital signs assessment, communication, and medication administration are key areas.

✔️ Work on communication—Many OSCE stations assess how well you explain procedures and interact with patients.

✔️ Simulate real scenarios—Practice OSCE stations with a mentor, in a lab setting, or through structured mock exams.

If you’re required to take either test, start preparing early to maximise your chances of success.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for You

🚨 Not all internationally qualified nurses will need to sit the NCLEX-RN or OSCE.

🚨 AHPRA’s 2025 changes MAY allow some nurses to bypass these exams—but final details are still unclear.

🚨 Where you trained, your qualifications, and previous registrations all impact your eligibility.

🚨 Waiting to apply without a strategy is risky—be proactive and get professional advice.

💡Want to ensure you’re following the right registration pathway?

📌 Join our Nurse Registration Course at www.nurseregistration.com to get expert guidance on your AHPRA application.

Final Thoughts

The NCLEX-RN and OSCE are important parts of the AHPRA registration process, but they may not be required for every nurse. With registration changes coming in 2025, some nurses may qualify for direct registration—waiting without a strategy could put you behind.

The best way to prepare? Stay informed, seek expert advice, and make sure you’re on the right path.

📌 Let's get you registered! Enrol in the Nurse Registration course today www.nurseregistration.com 🚀