The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) outline specific requirements to work as nurses here. Out of these, proficiency in the English language is a must. Whether you’re trained overseas or completed your studies locally but come from a non-English background, you must prove expertise in the language before securing a job in Australian healthcare services.
If you’re planning to do so through the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE), understanding how it fits into these requirements will make your journey smoother. This blog outlines everything you must know about the exam, but before that, let’s discuss why language fluency means so much here.
Why is English Important in Nursing?
Clear communication underpins safe, high-quality nursing care. In busy hospital wards, aged-care facilities, or community clinics, you’ll be interacting with patients, families, and other staff members continuously. Misunderstandings due to communication flaws can lead to impaired patient safety. Therefore, it’s crucial that you are fluent in the language .
The NMBA and AHPRA list several accepted tests for English language competence:
- PTE Academic
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT (TOEFL iBT), and
- Cambridge English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency)
As you prepare, note that each test has its own format and scoring system. The PTE Academic is entirely computer-based at a test centre and tends to appeal to those comfortable with a digital format. For many nurses, the key is understanding exactly what score you need to achieve and how valid your result will be at the time of application.
What’s New in the 2025 English Language Exam Standard?
In March 2025, a revised “English language skills registration standard” came into effect for those seeking registration as nurses, midwives, or enrolled nurses in Australia.
In practice, this means:
Modifications in the Required Scores
As per the changes, the likely target is:
- Overall score: minimum of 66
- Listening: 66
- Reading: 66
- Speaking: 66
- Writing: 56 (though aiming higher is strongly advised)
Achieving the Writing minimum is important, but obtaining 66+ in that module, too, may reduce the risk of additional scrutiny or retest.
Single or Two-Sitting Option
You are expected to meet the standard in one session. Some pathways allow two sittings within 12 months, but only if each sitting meets the required overall score and no component falls below the minimum threshold.
Results’ Validity
Your PTE result must be dated within the required period (commonly within two years of your application). Older results may be acceptable only if you’ve practised continuously in a relevant role or maintained registration.
Document Your Evidence
When you apply for registration, you will be required to upload your PTE score report along with other required documents. Ensure everything is accurate and properly dated. Also, keep your test certificate safe and in its original form.
Preparing for Success: How to maximise your PTE score
Because nursing requires confident communication, focusing on each PTE component matters. Here are some tips you can apply:
- Practise listening skills with real-life nursing scenarios such as patient handovers or ward rounds.
- Build reading fluency with medical journals, patient instruction leaflets, and policy documents.
- Sharpen writing through case notes, incident reports or patient observations.
- Use full-length mock tests under timed conditions to get used to the format and pacing of PTE Academic.
- Aim above the minimum score. Reaching a comfortable margin reduces stress and the chance of retesting.
- Stay updated on registration standard changes. Policies may evolve, and you want to apply from a position of confidence.
What to Watch Out For (And What You Can Skip)
- Don’t assume the score you see online is set in stone for your application. Standards can change; always refer to the official NMBA or AHPRA web pages.
- Avoid combining results from different test types or providers unless the registration standard explicitly allows it.
- Don’t rely solely on your overall score; component scores matter. A high overall but weak speaking score could pose a problem.
- Know that the English language test is only one part of your registration. You’ll still need to meet other requirements such as qualification assessment, criminal history check and recency of practice.
- Don’t delay your application just because you feel the test is challenging; planning and preparation matter more. The sooner you start, the better your outcome.
Winding Up
In short, the PTE Academic offers a valid path for nurses aiming to register in Australia. The standards have become clearer and more structured in 2025. By achieving the target scores in one sitting (ideally) and securing a valid result, you position yourself for a smoother registration journey.
Also, keep your eye on how other aspects, such as cultural competence, documentation practices, and multidisciplinary teamwork, evolve beyond test scores. These will increasingly matter as part of professional readiness in Australian healthcare settings.
At English Wise, our experienced educators train aspirants in a number of language proficiency tests, including PTE, IELTS, NAATI, OET, etc. Our tailored support ensures you receive the right guidance to score well in these exams. Our focused training is aligned with the NMBA’s 2025 standards. Contact us to discuss how we can support your career journey.
