Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a nurse in New Zealand?
All internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) need to have their documents verified and authenticated by TruMerit as the first step before applying to the Nursing Council.
All nurses need to complete the Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand programme, which currently is two free online courses. The only exception is Australian nurses who have a different pathway to registration (see below).
Some registered nurses and all enrolled nurses who apply for registration will be required by the Nursing Council to undergo an assessment of competence.
Use our self-assessment tool to find out if you are likely to need an assessment of competence. The competence assessment is in two parts:
- A theoretical examination
This is an online multiple-choice examination that tests nursing knowledge at the level of a New Zealand-registered nurse or enrolled nurse. It is taken at designated Pearson VUE test centres overseas or in New Zealand.
and
- A clinical competence assessment
This includes:
- a two-day orientation and preparation course and
- an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).
Both the orientation and clinical examination must be taken in person by the nurse, at the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The orientation course develops awareness of specific characteristics of nursing practice in New Zealand and builds on content introduced in the preliminary online learning.
The OSCE assesses the application of your clinical knowledge and skills in practice to ensure you can provide safe competent care as a nurse in New Zealand.
If you are required to take a competence assessment, find out more details here.
Do I need to do the 'Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand' online programme?
It is a Nursing Council requirement for internationally qualified nurses to complete the ‘Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand’ online programme prior to becoming registered.
The programme currently consists of two free online courses that will provide you with an introduction to culturally safe nursing practice in New Zealand and to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
You can find out more by clicking here and scrolling down to 'Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand programme'.
Is it the same process for enrolled nurses?
Yes.
Internationally qualified nurses who apply for registration as an enrolled nurse follow the same process to get their documents verified. You will then be required by the Nursing Council to undertake an assessment of competence.
As part of that competence assessment, you must successfully complete a theoretical exam and a clinical competence assessment.
Find out more details about what is required here.
What if I am a nurse with an Australian practising certificate?
Nurses with a current Australian practising certificate have a separate process.
Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition agreement, you would apply to the Nursing Council here.
How much does the application process cost?
The Nursing Council fee to process your application is $485 (New Zealand).
There are additional costs from external providers. Find out more information here.
All fees paid are non-refundable.
Can I apply directly to the Nursing Council with my documents?
No.
You must first verify and authenticate your documents with TruMerit before you can begin your application for registration with the Nursing Council.
How do I apply for Council registration?
After your documents have been verified and authenticated by TruMerit, an email will be sent to you from the Nursing Council inviting you to apply for registration.
Do I need to submit my documents to the Nursing Council?
No. TruMerit will send all the documents you have provided directly to the Nursing Council.
How do I check the status of my TruMerit verification?
Log in to your TruMerit applicant portal here.
Do I need to complete a criminal record check?
Yes. The Nursing Council will tell you how and when to do this but for more information, click here, and scroll down to the Fitness to Practise requirement.
How long will registration take?
All applications are individually assessed and the length of the process varies depending on whether you have met all the Nursing Council requirements.
If we require further documentation from you or documents are missing from the application, the process will take longer as we follow up. If you need a competence assessment, that will also take time.
We require all internationally qualified nurses to take the ‘Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand’ online programme to introduce you to culturally safe nursing practice in a New Zealand setting, and to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You then upload your completion certificates.
All IQNs need to complete a criminal history check as the Council needs to make sure nurses coming to practise in New Zealand are of good standing. That check needs to be completed before registration occurs.
If the Council assesses your application and says you require a competence assessment, you will need to successfully complete a theoretical and a clinical examination as part of the registration process.
Check the requirements to complete your application here.
You can track the progress of your application via MyIQN, the Council’s online portal.
Can I withdraw my application?
You can withdraw your application at any stage.
However, all fees you have paid are non-refundable.