NEXT GENERATION NCLEX (NGN)
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-NGN) is a standardized test that the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has introduced to determine if a candidate is ready to be licensed as an entry-level nurse in Australia.
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 Nursing and Midwifery Board of
Australia (NMBA),AHPRA in March 2020 .The Outcome Based Assessment (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.
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 is 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 called the Next Generation
NCLEX-NGN exam. A candidate must successfully pass the exam first before progressing
to the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).
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 consist 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.
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 his or her 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 in a way to asses 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 consist 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.
For IQNMs to be qualified for Outcome Based Assessment (OBA), they must conduct the SELF CHECK which is the first step in Outcome Based Assessment( 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.
For IQNMs who wish to register in Australia, they will need to complete the 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 which are as follows.
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
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.
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
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.
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
If an IQNM successfully complete 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.
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.
Once done with Orientation phase, IQNM will not be legible 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.