Provincial registration
Stages
- Credential assessment
- Apply to the provincial nursing college
- NCLEX-RN
- Registration decision
Licensing pathway
Registered Nurse
Compare countries
A quick overview. Details vary by jurisdiction — always confirm with the regulator.
| Country | Regulator | Registration | Main exams | Credential body | Typical first step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Canada | Provincial/territorial nursing colleges (e.g. CNO) | Provincial / territorial | NCLEX-RN; jurisprudence where required | NNAS (most provinces) | Create an NNAS application |
 United States | State boards of nursing | State (multistate compact in some states) | NCLEX-RN | State-specified evaluator | Choose a state and check its board's rules |
 Australia | NMBA via Ahpra | National | NCLEX-RN + OSCE (Stream B) | NMBA Self-check | Complete the NMBA Self-check |
Canada
Nursing is regulated provincially. Internationally educated nurses usually start with a credential assessment before applying to the provincial college and writing the NCLEX-RN.
United States
Each state board of nursing sets its own requirements. Most internationally educated nurses need a credential evaluation, the NCLEX-RN and state licensure.
State board licensure
Stages
- Credential evaluation
- Apply to a state board of nursing
- NCLEX-RN
- Licence issued
Australia
Nurses in Australia are registered nationally by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through Ahpra. One registration covers every state and territory.
Streamlined pathway (comparable jurisdictions)
For: RNs registered and practising in an NMBA-approved comparable jurisdiction
Registered in Ontario or British Columbia? You may be eligible for the streamlined pathway.
Stages
- Check the NMBA's current list of approved comparable jurisdictions (currently includes the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada – British Columbia and Ontario only, Singapore and Spain)
- Confirm whether Pathway 1 (qualified in a comparable jurisdiction) or Pathway 2 (qualified elsewhere but passed that jurisdiction's regulatory exam) applies
- Confirm at least 1,800 hours of RN practice in the comparable jurisdiction
- Meet NMBA mandatory registration standards (English language, criminal history, recency of practice, professional indemnity insurance, CPD)
- Apply to Ahpra for general registration
- Registration decision
Checklist
- ☐ Licence verification
- ☐ Employer statements of practice hours
- ☐ Qualification documents
- ☐ English evidence or exemption
- ☐ Identity documents
- ☐ Criminal history checks
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · NMBA
Standard pathway (Self-check and assessment)
For: Internationally qualified nurses not eligible for the streamlined pathway
Stages
- Complete the free NMBA Self-check, which places you in Stream A, B or C
- Pay the assessment fee and complete Orientation Part 1
- Stream B: outcomes-based assessment — NCLEX-RN first, then the OSCE in Adelaide
- Stream C: an approved Australian nursing qualification is required
- Apply for registration
- After registration: complete Orientation Part 2 within 6 months
Checklist
- ☐ Transcripts and course outlines
- ☐ Registration history
- ☐ English test results
- ☐ Identity documents
- ☐ NCLEX-RN result and OSCE outcome (Stream B)
Nurses registered in New Zealand may be eligible under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition.
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · NMBA
Moving on a visa? A migration skills assessment (ANMAC for nurses) is separate from Ahpra registration. Onewise Career does not provide immigration advice — please speak to a registered migration agent.