Language Competency Requirements

In Australia, English is the first language spoken. It is therefore essential that nurses and midwives from countries where English is not the first language, have a level of proficiency in English which enables them to communicate competently and safely with patients and their families, with colleagues and with other health professionals.

Nurses and midwives from countries where English is not the first language are required to pass either:

• Occupational English Test (OET) provided by Language Australia with a score of B Pass or better, or
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Australia with an overall pass score of Band 7 or above.