NMBI announces new process to verify English language test results at Decision Letter stage

Internationally educated applicants can now submit their valid English language test results for consideration, following receipt of their Decision Letter. This applies to applicants where a compensation measure is required. 

Applicants who are not required to complete compensation measures can submit their test results when their qualifications have been recognised. 

Evidence of English language competency is required for internationally educated applicants who qualified in a non-English language speaking country and who are making an application for registration.  

English language test results must be no more than two years old when submitted. The results will be verified with the testing provider and recorded on their registration application. If test results are more than two years old, they cannot be accepted as they cannot be verified. 

Nurses and midwives who choose to submit results following receipt of their Decision Letter/qualification recognition decision must:

• commence their compensation measure within 12 months from the date of the Decision Letter (if applicable), and
• apply for registration within two calendar months from the date that their qualification is recognised (provisional acceptance date).

While an applicant can choose not to submit their test results at this stage, they should note that their results must be in date when applying for registration.


Decision Letters background information 
To assist applicants during the Covid-19 pandemic, NMBI decided to extend the validity of all Decision Letters issued on or after March 2019 until further notice. NMBI advised that all affected applicants would be provided with a three-month notice period to inform them when this extension would end. NMBI communicated with all applicants with a Decision Letter exceeding 12 months to notify them of the final expiration date of their Decision Letters. The last of these Decision Letters will expire on 1 April 2024. Therefore, any applicants who have not commenced their compensation measure by this date, will not be able to extend the validity of their Decision Letters.  

All Decision Letters issued on or after 1 January 2023 are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and compensation measures must commence within this timeframe.