NursingAtoms
Work as a nurse in New Zealand

Nursing exams to work in New Zealand

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Internationally qualified nurses register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) after their credentials are verified by TruMerit (formerly CGFNS). Nurses directed to a competence assessment sit an online multiple-choice IQN theoretical examination, then a two-day orientation course and an OSCE in person in Christchurch: 10 stations for registered nurses and 8 for enrolled nurses. Nurses already registered in Australia use the separate Trans-Tasman route.

Which exam do you need for New Zealand?

NCNZ assessment

Practice live

Nursing Council of New Zealand

IQN theory exam plus a Christchurch OSCE.

  • Syllabus ✓
  • 1 practice set

Syllabus & practice

How to get a nursing licence in New Zealand, step by step

  1. Credential verification

    Have your credentials verified through TruMerit’s CVS-NCNZ service before applying to the Council.

  2. Apply to the Council

    The Council decides whether you need a competence assessment; not every applicant does.

  3. Theory exam

    An online multiple-choice exam set at the level of a newly registered (or enrolled) nurse in New Zealand.

  4. Orientation and OSCE

    A two-day orientation and preparation course, then the OSCE at the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre in Christchurch.

Who regulates nursing in New Zealand?

Nursing in New Zealand: common questions

Does New Zealand use the NCLEX?

No. New Zealand uses its own competence assessment: an online IQN theoretical exam and an OSCE in Christchurch, after credential verification through TruMerit.

How many OSCE stations are there in New Zealand?

Registered nurse candidates complete 10 stations and enrolled nurse candidates complete 8.

References

  1. [1]NCNZ. Competence assessment processgov
  2. [2]NCNZ. Overseas registrations FAQsgov
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