ANMAC Nursing Skills Assessment: NCLEX, OSCE and Australian Nursing Registration
Complete ANMAC skills assessment guide for nurses. Compare Module A-F assessment pathways, understand NCLEX vs OSCE requirements, and navigate AHPRA nursing registration for migration.
ANMAC Nursing Skills Assessment Guide
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council is the designated assessing authority for nursing and midwifery occupations. A positive ANMAC skills assessment is the first step for registered nurses and midwives seeking to migrate to Australia through skilled migration programs.
Assessment Modules Explained
ANMAC offers six assessment modules. Module A is for overseas registered nurses seeking migration through the Modified Monash Model areas. Module B is for overseas registered nurses seeking migration with a job offer. Module C is the standard assessment for overseas registered nurses without job offers. Module D is for overseas midwives. Module E is for enrolled nurses. Module F is a specialist assessment for applicants with complex cases. Most applicants use Module A or Module C. Module A requires evidence of employment in regional or remote areas while Module C is the general skills assessment pathway.
English Language Requirements
Nurses must meet stringent English requirements. IELTS Academic: minimum 7.0 in each band. OET: minimum B grade in each band. PTE Academic: minimum 65 in each skill. TOEFL iBT: minimum 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 23 in speaking. Test results must be from a single sitting or a combination of two test sittings within six months with no score below the minimum in any band. Some assessment pathways accept English test results that are up to two years old. Canadian, UK, US, Irish, or New Zealand passport holders are exempt from English testing.
NCLEX and OSCE Examination Pathway
Internationally qualified nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) to gain AHPRA registration. The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive test covering safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Five hours, minimum 75 questions, maximum 265 questions. The OSCE is a practical examination comprising 8-10 clinical stations testing nursing skills in a simulated environment. Both exams are administered through Pearson VUE centers and AHPRA approved centers.
Document and Evidence Requirements
ANMAC requires: nursing qualification certificates and transcripts, current nursing registration or license, detailed employment references, proof of supervised practice hours, and evidence of English language proficiency. All documents must be certified copies. Employers must provide detailed reference letters on letterhead including employment dates, hours worked per week, position held, detailed duties, and supervisor contact details. Qualification documents must demonstrate the equivalent of an Australian Bachelor of Nursing degree.
Processing Timeline and Fees
Standard ANMAC skills assessment takes 12-16 weeks from receipt of complete documentation. The assessment fee is AUD 1,150 for the standard application. AHPRA registration must be applied for separately. The total timeline from submitting your ANMAC application to receiving AHPRA registration is typically 6-12 months. Once registered and with a positive skills assessment, you can submit your EOI for skilled migration. The nursing occupation is consistently on Australia's skilled occupation lists with priority processing due to healthcare demand.