Quick answer: for Ahpra registration with IELTS you need IELTS Academic with an overall band of 7, at least 7 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and at least 6.5 in Writing.
IELTS scores for Ahpra and the Nursing and Midwifery Board
Ahpra and the National Boards (including the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, NMBA) use an English language skills registration standard. Under the revised standard that took effect in 2025, the IELTS scores are:
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One test sitting | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
- Only IELTS Academic is accepted, taken on paper or on computer at a test centre. IELTS General Training is not accepted.
- The NMBA reduced the Writing score needed from 7 to 6.5 in the revised standard.
- Ahpra also accepts some other English tests, and changed the scores for some of them for tests taken from 23 April 2026. The IELTS scores did not change. This guide covers IELTS only.
Combining two test sittings
If you do not get every score in one test, you can use results from a maximum of two test sittings in a 12-month period. The 12 months start from the date of the earlier test. To combine:
- each sitting must have an overall band of 7
- across the two sittings you must reach 7 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and 6.5 in Writing
- no skill in either sitting can be below 6.5
- you cannot combine results from different test providers
The NMBA also explains how an IELTS One Skill Retake fits in: if you rely on two sittings plus a retake, all three tests must be within a 12-month period.
How long your result is valid
Usually your test must be taken in the two years before you apply. There are limited exceptions for people who have worked continuously as a registered practitioner (or in some health, disability or aged care roles), or studied continuously in an approved program, since the test. Check the standard for the exact conditions.
Why Writing is the hardest step for most nurses
Many nurses reach 7 in Listening, Reading and Speaking but miss out on Writing. Academic Writing has two tasks. Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, table or diagram. Task 2 is an opinion or discussion essay, and it counts for about twice as much as Task 1.
- Answer the exact question. Many 6.0 essays talk about the topic but do not answer every part of the question.
- Plan for 5 minutes. Decide your position and two main ideas before you write.
- Develop each idea. Explain why, then give a specific example. A list of short points will not reach 6.5.
- Control your grammar. Use a mix of simple and complex sentences, and make sure most sentences have no errors.
- Get feedback against the four criteria. Check a Task 2 essay free to see which criterion is lowest.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do nurses need for Ahpra registration?
IELTS Academic with an overall band of 7, at least 7 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and at least 6.5 in Writing.
Is IELTS General Training accepted for Ahpra?
No. Ahpra accepts IELTS Academic only, taken on paper or on computer at a test centre.
Can I combine two IELTS results for Ahpra?
Yes, from a maximum of two sittings in 12 months. Each sitting needs an overall 7, you need 7 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 6.5 in Writing across the two, and no skill in either sitting can be below 6.5.
How long is IELTS valid for Ahpra?
Usually the test must be taken in the two years before you apply, with limited exceptions for continuous registered work or approved study.
Did the NMBA lower the IELTS Writing score?
Yes. In the revised 2025 standard the NMBA reduced the Writing score needed from 7 to 6.5.