What IELTS score do nurses need for Australia (NMBA)?

All tests must be taken at a test centre. OET results from any profession-specific version are accepted (Ahpra).

If your first test was on or before 22 April 2026 and your second on or after 23 April 2026, the first must meet these older scores and the second the new ones (Ahpra).

You can use one sitting, or a maximum of two sittings within 12 months, if you sit all four components each time. For IELTS you need 7 overall in each sitting, and no component in either sitting may be below 6.5. For OET (new scores), no sitting may fall below 320 listening, 340 reading, 350 writing and 350 speaking. For PTE (new scores), you need 63 overall in each sitting.

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted as an extra flexibility and is not counted as an additional sitting, provided it is within 60 days of the result you rely on. At-home, indicative or remotely proctored versions are not accepted, except the OET computer-based test at a test centre, which has one remotely proctored element.

Results are generally valid for two years before you lodge your application, with some exceptions listed by Ahpra. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the Ahpra page before you book a test.