A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting AHPRA Registration

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting AHPRA Registration

Are you a nurse/midwife practitioner ready to take your career down under? If so, obtaining registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is essential. This process can seem intimidating at first glance but don’t worry – we’ve broken it all down into easy-to-follow steps! Read on for more information and get one step closer to kicking off that new adventure in Australia.

What is AHPRA?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or AHPRA, is a national organization responsible for protecting the public’s health and safety in Australia. The agency manages a registration process that all health practitioners must fulfill before they are legally allowed to work in Australia. AHPRA registration is a comprehensive system covering a wide array of qualifications, training, experience, and background checks. The process helps ensure that health practitioners authorized to practice in Australia possess the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe services for their patients.

How to start the AHPRA registration process

Starting AHPRA registration is a straightforward process that takes a bit of preparation. The best place to start your journey is visiting the AHPRA website. Once you do this, you will have access to a range of features, including a range of helpful documents to help you apply for AHPRA registration.

3-Steps to getting AHPRA registration

Step 1 – Before You Apply

The first step towards getting your AHPRA registration is checking if you are eligible. You must successfully meet certain criteria before you can apply for registration, including:

• Current Criminal History
• English Language Skills
• Recency of Practice
• Professional Indemnity Insurance Arrangements

You’ll then need to check if your skills meet the qualification criteria – For more information on meeting the qualification criteria, please read more at the following link.

In short, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has found that nursing and midwifery qualifications issued by education institutions in the countries listed below are likely to meet the Qualification criteria requirements for eligibility:

• Canada
• Hong Kong
• United Kingdom
• Republic of Ireland
• United States of America

If you are a nurse/midwife looking to apply for registration from one of the countries listed above, your chances of gaining AHPRA registration and moving to work in Australia are higher due to your qualifications being recognised here.

We’re ready, are you? Reach out and get in touch with one of our team by registering at the following link.

Step 2 – Gather Required Documentation 

Once you have checked your eligibility, the next step is to gather all necessary documentation. The documents required vary depending on your occupation and qualifications, but generally include:

• Copy of course certificate awarded (e.g., degree)
• Copy of the academic transcript
• Evidence of any change of name
• Proof of identity
• A Statement of Service from your employer(s) covering the past five years
• A signed and dated curriculum vitae that describes your full practice history and any training undertaken
• Proof that you meet the NMBA’s English language skills registration standard:
• Evidence that you have completed sufficient education taught and assessed in English according to the requirements set out in the English language skills registration standard

OR

• A copy of your NMBA-approved English language test result. Please see the English language skills registration standard for more information.
• Fees for international applications:
• Application fee
• Registration fee

Note: the application fee is non-refundable.

Gathering this type of information will also save you time later during the on-boarding process of securing a role in Australia!

Step 3 – Submit Your Application  

It’s time to take the next step and submit your application for general registration with AHPRA! With just a few clicks on their website, you’ll be able to fill out an online form including personal information like name and contact details. You’ll also need to upload necessary documents such as identity or qualifications info – but don’t worry, this is all part of the process that will help get you registered without delay!

How much does AHPRA registration cost?

As a nurse or midwife, you’ll likely be looking to secure ‘General Registration’ – the cost of this will be approximately $860.00 AUD. For more information on the costs of registration, follow this link.

How long does the AHPRA registration process take?

A move to Australia is exciting, but the paperwork can be daunting. To make sure your relocation goes smoothly and on schedule, you’ll want to plan far in advance for AHPRA registration. Depending on profession, qualifications and other factors that come into play during the application process; it may take anywhere from a few weeks up to two months or more before receiving confirmation of registration – so prepare accordingly!

Applying doesn’t have to be daunting! By following our simple three step guide (before you apply, gather required documentation and submit application) , overseas health practitioners can easily get their AHPRA registration without any hassle or delays.

Securing a job in Australia after successful registration

Take the first step towards beginning your career as a nurse or midwife in Australia and register with Prospero Health & Social Care. Our dedicated team will guide you every step of the way to secure an amazing role down under! Don’t wait – get started today, and let us help make your dream job into reality.

Register at the following link to get started!

A Guide to Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand

A summary of the Five-Step registration with the NCNZ: 

1. Firstly, the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) need to verify and authenticate your credentials.
2. Your report will then be reviewed and approved by the CGFNS.
3. You can then apply to the NCNZ (the Nursing Council of New Zealand).
4. Next, the NCNZ go through its assessment and approval process.
5. Once these steps are completed, you can apply for your Annual Practicing Certificate (APC).

How do I register as a Nurse in New Zealand?

Step One

Authentification and Verification

Firstly, you must apply to The Credentials Verification Service for the Nursing Council of New Zealand at CGFNS International, Inc.

All nurses who have been trained and educated abroad must complete this first step. There is an exception for Australia-registered nurses who hold an internationally recognized qualification. The following documentation will be required for authentication:

Identity Documents       Employment History       Education History      License Validation        Language Proficiency

Please note that there a $300 USD service fee (this is separate from the registration application fee for the NCNZ). Start the process here. Upon receiving ALL required documents the verification process will take around 30 days. You can track your status through the CGFNS Application Status Tracker. Prospero recommends using the courier service when sending and verifying your documents to make the process as fast as possible.

Step Two

CGFNS Authorisation of Your Report

When your documents have been fully verified, a Credentials Verification Service report will be generated by the CGFNS. You will have 30 days to review and approve this report. Your report, and verified documents will then be sent to the NCNZ.

Step Three

Application to the NCNZ

Upon receiving your reports and documents, the Nursing Council of New Zealand will invite you via email to apply for registration. Again, you will have 30 days in which to complete this. The service fee at this stage is $485 NZ$.

Step Four

NCNZ Application & Approval

Your application will be assessed against the seven registration standards by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The seven registered standards are:

1. Identity

2. English Language

3. Current Registration

4. Nursing Qualifications (Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing or equivalent)

5. Post Registration Experience (minimum two years)

6. Fit to Practice

7. Competent to Practice

At this stage, you will need to complete a criminal history check ($149 AUD) and make a declaration of fitness for registration.

Step Five

Application for APC Certificate to complete registration with the NCNZ

When your registration is approved, you’ll need to apply for your APC (Annual Practising Certificate). This enables you to work as a nurse in New Zealand. See associated fees below*:

• NZ$55.00 6 month fee
• NZ$82.50 9 month fee
• NZ$110.50 12 month fee
• NZ$137.50 15 month fee

*APCs are issued annually based on a person’s birthdate. The renewal fee for your account is calculated based on when your birthday falls in relation to the annual renewal date.