Twice now I have emailed AHPRA in connection with taking the IELTS test. I am British born and have completed all my education and my midwifery degree in the UK. In their reply to me they have stated that as I did not study English in Australia then I still have to sit the test, this is also confirmed on their website, although the overseas registration form appears to suggest that only evidence of study in English is needed, if this is not supplied then the IELTS test has to be taken. However many Nurses and Midwives in the UK state that they have phoned AHPRA and have been told that as long as they can provide evidence of secondary education in English no matter where they live at the present time which of course is the UK, then they no longer have to take the test. They also have confirmation by email. This is very confusing as we are all receiving different replies. I am obviously eager to proceed with my new registration and the visa process, can anyone help

Trace

Hello Trace.

I recommend you make a telephone call, rather than sending emails. Telephone calls are less easily ignored ...

Best regards.

Thanks..just for anyone who doesn't have this information..did call and was told that as long as I could show proof that I have been educated in English and have the required results to gain a qualification in Midwifery which of course I do then I no longer have to take the IELTs test

Hi, I received an email reply from APHRA on 11th Feb 2011 stating that I DID need the IELTS even though my education and midwifery degree are in Ireland!!!
Anne

Hi, have just come back from an Australian Immigration event here in the UK,I spoke to an healthcare employer who (in her words) was certain that IELTS was no longer required, if you could a) prove your secondary education was taken and taught in English and b)Your Nursing diploma/degree was also taken and taught in English.
I questioned this as it conflicts with a recent email I received from AHPRA stating that all International overseas trained Nurses must complete the IELTS test.

Everyone seems to have a different interpretation of the NMBA guidelines given to AHPRA.........Aaarrggghhhh!!!!!

Please, Please Alan could someone like yourself, with the right contacts in Australia and the Immigration Dept.........get a definitive answer, as the current advice being given to Nurses within the UK is inconsistant at best and just plain wrong the rest of the time.

Im sure this is a bone of contention for many nurses and immigration agents alike, many of whom would also like to know the official/current interpretation

King Regards
Debbie

Hello Debbie (and interested others).

There are two aspects to consider:

1. Registration so you can work as a nurse in Australia.

2. The skills assessment process for the purpose of migration to Australia.

I have had a chat with the ANMC this afternoon, and what you have described insofar as secondary education in English, etc pertains to the registration process.

If you apply for the migration skills assessment before you have registered you will almost certainly have to pass an IELTS test with the required band scores.

If you decide to seek registration first, and then undertake the skills assessment process - as many choose to - it is quite likely you would then not have to undertake an IELTS test.

Note also that obtaining the migration skills assessment after registration reduces the skills assessment fee quite significantly.

Please also recognise that requirements such as IELTS are altered frequently, so what I say above is my understanding of the position today. It may change again from 01/07/2011!

Hope this clarifies matters for you.

In case of need: http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm#appraisal

Best regards.

Thank you very much for giving some clarity to the IELTS question Alan.

Can I ask is it/how is it possible to register with AHPRA without doing the skills assessment first(which includes the IELTS test)

Is there a procedure for this that NMBA/AHPRA know, but have not communicated to UK educated & trained nurses in particular?

Are the NMBA saying that AHPRA will (currently) accept an application for registration in Australia as a Registered Nurse from a UK Registered Nurse upon verifiable proof that your secondary education and University qualification was taught in English from a recognised UK University ?

The undertaking of the skills assessment process after registration would, Im sure be the choice of the majority of UK based Nurses applying for registration and migration purposes [B]If this is a viable option [B]

We just require a little more guidance from the ANMC

Im sure that Australia would have a bountiful supply of competant UK trained Nurses knocking on its door if this proves to be true.

Many thanks again Alan

Kind Regards
Debbie (and many interested others)

Hi again Debbie (and others).

Can I recommend you discuss with the AHPRA:
http://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-AHPRA/Contact-Us.aspx ?

Best regards.

PS. Application form for overseas trained nurses:
http://www.nursingmidwiferyboa...%2bgHTRg8c5zAA%3d%3d

Also, see the FAQs here: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboa...and-Fact-Sheets.aspx

Hope this helps! We're happy to help all nurses in a formal capacity with their applications ...

Hi Alan

New to this site. I have register as a nurse with aphra, with really no problems and without ielts exam and thought this would be the same with anmc but cannont complete application for assessment without a ielts code can you confirm as I thought you didnt need an english exam if i have already register