Question 1

What is OBA?

Accepted Answer

Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) is the new process of assessment model introduced by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNM). It is a two‑staged assessment process introduced by NMBA, AHPRA in March 2020. The OBA process includes multiple‑choice question exam (MCQ) also known as Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) or Nursing Council Licensure Examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). Before moving to the next stage, Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) should pass these stages first.

Question 2

How can an IQNM qualify for OBA?

Accepted Answer

For IQNMs to be qualified for Outcome Based Assessment (OBA), they must conduct the SELF CHECK which is the first step in OBA to determine the pathway required by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). From there, candidate can determine their stream and proceed with the steps needed for Nurse registration in Australia.

Question 3

What is AHPRA Self‑check and how it can be done?

Accepted Answer

For IQNMs who wish to register in Australia, they will need to complete the AHPRA Self‑check before applying for registration. It is an online check where you will need to enter your qualification information which includes personal and educational background. Based on your qualification you will be assigned to one of three streams for registration: Stream A (IQNMs who hold a qualification considered to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved qualification), Stream B (IQNMs who hold a qualification that is relevant to the profession, but is not substantially equivalent, nor based on similar competencies to an approved qualification), or Stream C (IQNMs who hold a qualification that is not substantially equivalent or relevant to an approved qualification). IQNMs who do not hold relevant qualifications or do not meet the required criteria will need to upgrade their qualification in Australia before being eligible to apply for registration.

Question 4

Do I need to pay for AHPRA Self‑Check?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no fee for self‑check since it will just determine your stream first. Before registering, a Self‑check needs to be completed first by anyone who is planning to apply in Australia and is considered an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM). Further information about self‑check can be found and read on Nurse Assist International webpage.

Question 5

What comes after AHPRA Self‑Check?

Accepted Answer

If an IQNM successfully completes the self‑check, he/she may proceed with the IQNM Assessment Process where they have to pay $640 AUD. The fee is non‑refundable and will be used by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in checking documentation so that IQNM may proceed with Orientation Stage.

Question 6

What is with Orientation Stage?

Accepted Answer

This stage is an online learning course that will give information and introduction to Australia (geography, territories, languages, ethnic groups, etc.) and Australian Healthcare context. It includes watching videos, reading and some sort of question‑and‑answer portions. This stage of Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) is free of charge.

Question 7

What comes after Orientation Stage?

Accepted Answer

Once done with Orientation phase, IQNM will be eligible to sit for Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), a multiple‑choice question exam that is being taken online through Pearson VUE test centers in many countries.

Question 8

What are the requirements to work as a nurse in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Complete the nursing registration. Pass the TOEFL, PTE, OET, or IELTS English language competency exam. Education level equivalent to AHPRA criteria. Pass the OSCE or MCQ tests.

Question 9

Can I use my RN licence in Australia?

Accepted Answer

No, you can't use your RN license in Australia without registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Question 10

Can nurses get PR in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nurses can get permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

Question 11

What is the MCQ exam described in Outcome Based Assessment (OBA)?

Accepted Answer

The multiple‑choice question (MCQ) exam is designed to evaluate the professional knowledge and skills of the candidates. Exams are administered separately for IQNMs who are aspiring to be licensed in Australia as a registered nurse (RN), enrolled nurse (EN), or midwife. The MCQ exam intended for RNs is administered through the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (Next Generation NCLEX‑NGN). This is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is conducted through the Pearson VUE test centers in most countries. After the completion of Orientation Part 1 and Portfolio stage, Stream B candidates should undergo the MCQ exam alternatively also referred as the Next Generation NCLEX‑NGN exam. A candidate must successfully pass the exam first before progressing to the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).

Question 12

What is Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

Accepted Answer

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX‑NGN) also known as the multiple‑choice question (MCQ) is a newly introduced method of assessment by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a computer‑administered examination and consists of items ranging from 75 to 145 questions. The examination results of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) are utilized by the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) as a critical component in the decision‑making regarding registration/licensure of the nursing profession.

Question 13

What is the difference between OBA's MCQ and Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

Accepted Answer

Multiple‑choice question (MCQ) exam is a cognitive assessment and it is computer‑based. It is also called Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses which is being administered by National Council of State Boards of Nursing or NCSBN. It is a standardized test used to test the competency of nursing graduates and determine if they are eligible to work on their own in Australia. Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is an examination that is developed to assess appropriate knowledge, skills, and capabilities critical to the profession and to practice nursing effectively. The examination is fashioned to assess the safety of a nurse at their entry‑level. They are computer generated and are considered to be adaptive tests. For Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), examinations cannot be accessed through written and oral versions. The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) examination consists of items ranging from 75 to 145 questions. This examination is taken strictly for five hours despite the number of items given. The examination results of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) are utilized by the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) as a critical component in the decision‑making regarding registration/licensure of the nursing profession.

Question 14

Do I need NCLEX to work as a nurse in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in order to become a registered nurse (RN) in Australia, one must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). A licensure exam that evaluates a nurse's knowledge and abilities is the NCLEX. It is administered using computerised adaptive testing (CAT) technology by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Question 15

What if I already passed NCLEX‑RN US, am I be exempted?

Accepted Answer

It will be Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to decide whether you need to take Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) again or not.

Question 16

How much is Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) registration fee?

Accepted Answer

The registration fee for Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) for registered nurses is $200 USD plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD. Total fee for the whole process will be $350 USD.

Question 17

How much does NCLEX cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The registration fee for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in Australia is $200 USD, plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD, totaling $350 USD.

Question 18

How can I pay for the exam fee?

Accepted Answer

IQNM must register and pay the exam fee at Pearson VUE online or by calling directly Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services. Payment can be done via credit, debit or prepaid card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express). Once paid, Pearson VUE will email the candidate regarding Acknowledgement of Receipt of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Registration.

Question 19

Can an IQNM get a refund for any Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) fees?

Accepted Answer

There are NO refunds of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) fees for any reason.

Question 20

What is the Registration Process for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) in Australia?

Accepted Answer

1. Complete Self‑Check and Portfolio to progress with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Exam (cost AUD $640). 2. Register and pay the exam fee online or by calling Pearson VUE. Registration valid for 365 days (cost USD $200). 3. Receive acknowledgement and receipt from Pearson VUE via email. AHPRA makes you eligible to attempt the exam at Pearson VUE. 4. Schedule your exam at Pearson VUE online or by calling candidate service (Cost USD $150) and appear for your exam with your passport.

Question 21

How is the process of nursing registration for internationally qualified nursing Registration Process in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) information for Internationally qualified nurses seeking registration in Australia has been explained to you in a very concise manner. Click on the link to understand the eight steps of booking Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Question 22

How many days I am eligible to test?

Accepted Answer

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) makes you eligible to test within 365 days of your Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) registration and payment.

Question 23

Will I get my Authority to Test (ATT) right after registering for NCLEX?

Accepted Answer

Once eligible, you will receive an Authority to Test (ATT) to the email address you have provided when registering. You should take the exam within the validity dates of your ATT (average length of 90 days). NO EXTENSIONS given. Validity dates cannot be extended. Failure to take the exam within the dates provided will result in forfeiture and you will be needed to register and pay again another exam fee.

Question 24

What is with ATT?

Accepted Answer

The ATT contains the authorization number, candidate identification number and an expiration date. You will need the ATT to schedule an appointment to take the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN).

Question 25

How long is NCLEX Australia valid for?

Accepted Answer

The Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX‑RN exam in Australia is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued.

Question 26

Can I take the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) outside Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can take Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) at any Pearson Professional Testing locations worldwide. Aside from Australia, international locations where Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is offered include USA, Brazil, Canada, UK, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa and Taiwan.

Question 27

What are the Rules for Scheduling/Rescheduling/Unscheduling my Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam?

Accepted Answer

If you need to reschedule your appointment: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday appointments must be changed 24 hours in advance of the original date and time. For example, if your appointment is on Wednesday at 2:00 pm, then you must call or go online to reschedule by Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Saturday, Sunday or Monday appointments must be changed no later than the Friday before the original date and time. For example, if your appointment is on Monday at 2:00 pm, then you must call or go online to reschedule by Friday at 2:00 pm.

Question 28

Do I need to bring identifications at the test centers?

Accepted Answer

IQNMs should bring valid identifications and meet all requirements. If ID doesn't meet these requirements, you cannot take the exam and are required to register and pay again another examination fee. Requirements: Government issued ID, Non‑expired, Name (in Roman Characters), Recent Photographs, Signature. Acceptable forms of ID for test centers are: Passport books and cards, Driver's License, Provincial/Territorial or State ID card, Permanent Residence Card, Military ID Card.

Question 29

When will I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Official exam results will be available and sent to candidates approximately six weeks after taking the exam.

Question 30

Do I need to register again for a retake?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Candidate who didn't pass the exam needs to reregister with Pearson VUE and pay again the fee. Wait for new ATT and then schedule for next exam date.

Question 31

What is the difference between the NCLEX and the OSCE?

Accepted Answer

The OSCE assesses practical competencies, whereas the NCLEX gauges theoretical knowledge for licensing. In your nursing profession, both are crucial steps!

NEXT GENERATION NCLEX (NGN)