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.

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.