REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING THE NEW ZEALAND REGISTER
Internationally qualified nurses applying for registration in New Zealand must meet the following
requirements for fitness to practise.
1. Identity
Applicants must establish their identity.
2. English language requirement
Applicants must be able to communicate in and understand English for the purpose of practising
nursing. To prove this, they must successfully complete an English Language Assessment (ELA) before
applying for New Zealand registration. (This requirement does not apply to applicants with Australian
registration.)
3. Educational equivalence
Applicants must meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s educational standards for the registered
nurse scope of practice. These standards are described in the next section.
4. Current registration
You must have current registration in your own country to apply for registration with the Nursing
Council of New Zealand.
5. Post-registration experience
Applicants must have completed the required two years post-registration practice, within the
immediate 5 years preceding application (no less than 2,500 hours).
6. Fitnessto practise
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are fit for registration.
7. Competence to practise
Applicants must be competent to practise within theirscopes of practice.
