NZ IQN theory & OSCE preparation

Your New Zealand nursing journey, made clearer.

Structured online preparation for internationally qualified nurses - whether your next step is the IQN Theory Exam or the OSCE.

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IQNs prepared: 600++
course access: 6 months
checks included: Free readiness

Internationally qualified nurses preparing for nursing in New Zealand

Not sure if you are ready?

Take the free IQN mock test to check your theory readiness.

Check readiness

Start where you are

Which assessment are you preparing for?

Preparing for the theory exam

IQN Theory Course

Build a dependable study routine with NZ-focused lessons, practice questions, chapter quizzes, and timed mock exams.

Self-paced, structured chapters
Chapter quizzes with explanations
Timed mock exams for readiness

Explore theory preparation

Preparing for the clinical exam

OSCE Prep Course

Turn station requirements into repeatable practice with guided scenarios, communication frameworks, and feedback.

Guided station-based preparation
AI-powered gotoMedics communication practice
Group sessions and personalised feedback

Explore OSCE preparation

Free IQN mock test

Check your theory readiness before you enrol.

Preview the question style, practise against the clock, and get an instant result to guide your next study step.

Start the free mock test

AI-powered OSCE readiness

Practise clinical conversations with gotoMedics.

Complete voice-based stations, review transcript-backed AI feedback, and identify communication areas to practise next.

Explore the readiness check

A calmer way to prepare

One clear learning rhythm from start to exam day.

No sprawling content library. Your preparation follows a simple cycle designed to keep the next action obvious.

View all course details

01
Choose your current stage
Start with the course that matches the assessment in front of you - Theory or OSCE.
02
Practise with purpose
Follow a clear sequence of lessons, questions, mock tests, or clinical stations.
03
Review and repeat
Use explanations and feedback to focus your next study session where it matters most.

Editorial Notes

Stay Informed

Latest news and insights on New Zealand nurse registration.

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NZ IQN Theory Exam Guide: Format, Topics, and Study Tips

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Patient Communication in OSCE: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nurses

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How to Prepare for the NZ OSCE Exam Without Rote Learning

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NZ OSCE Exam for International Nurses: Stations, Timing, and What to Expect

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Nurse-Patient Communication Skills for Safer Care

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NZ Nursing Registration for International Nurses: Complete NCNZ Guide

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Course questions

Get the details before you enrol.

Quick answers about access, Theory preparation, and OSCE support.

: Create a free Kiwi Nurse Academy account, then choose the preparation stage that matches your current NCNZ requirement. Some learners start with IQN theory exam preparation and return later for OSCE preparation if that stage applies to them.
: Both the IQN theory course and the OSCE prep course include 6 months of access. If you need an extension, email info@kiwinurseacademy.co.nz and we will help.
: For internationally qualified nurses without current Australian registration, the NCNZ pathway starts with document verification and authentication through TruMerit before applying to the Nursing Council. After verification, applicants complete NCNZ requirements such as the Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand online courses, fitness to practise checks, and any competence assessment NCNZ requires. For applicants in the international pathway rather than the Australian TTMR pathway, current NCNZ guidance says some registered nurse applicants and all enrolled nurse applicants need competence assessment, which includes the IQN theoretical examination followed by clinical competence assessment.
: The NCNZ OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is an in-person clinical competence assessment for candidates whose NCNZ pathway includes competence assessment. It is held in Christchurch at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre and assesses communication, clinical reasoning, patient safety, and professional practice across simulated stations.
: Our OSCE Prep Course is guided online OSCE preparation focused on communication-based stations. It includes virtual patient practice, structured review, feedback on common pitfalls, and NZ-context preparation for timing, patient interaction, and flow.
: IQN means internationally qualified nurse. The IQN theoretical examination is a computer-based multiple-choice test delivered through Pearson VUE for candidates whose NCNZ pathway includes competence assessment. Registered nurse candidates sit 120 questions in 165 minutes: Part A has 12 medication safety questions in 30 minutes and Part B has 108 nursing knowledge questions in 135 minutes. Enrolled nurse candidates sit 90 questions in 135 minutes: Part A has 9 medication safety questions in 25 minutes and Part B has 81 nursing knowledge questions in 110 minutes. Both exams also include a separate 15-minute introduction and software tutorial.
: Part A (Medication Safety) covers medication and fluid safety, including medicine calculations. Part B (Nursing Knowledge) is closely linked to the Council's registered nurse or enrolled nurse standards of competence. For registered nurses, high-yield areas include professional responsibility, management of nursing care, interpersonal relationships, interprofessional health care and quality improvement, cultural safety, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Code of Conduct, and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights.
: Our IQN Theory Course is self-paced online theory preparation with structured lessons, chapter quizzes, and timed mock exams with explanations to build confidence before test day.
: Not every internationally qualified nurse needs competence assessment. For applicants in the international pathway rather than the Australian TTMR pathway, current NCNZ guidance says some registered nurse applicants and all enrolled nurse applicants need competence assessment. If NCNZ requires competence assessment, the current process includes both the IQN theoretical examination and the clinical competence assessment, which includes the two-day orientation and preparation course and OSCE.
: Yes. All learning resources are available 24/7 on desktop and mobile so you can study around shift work and family commitments.

Theory preparationOSCE readiness

Move through your registration journey with confidence.

Start with structured theory study, OSCE practice, or both as your New Zealand registration pathway progresses.

Get Started

Your New Zealand nursing journey, made clearer.

Which assessment are you preparing for?

IQN Theory Course

OSCE Prep Course

Check your theory readiness before you enrol.

Practise clinical conversations with gotoMedics.

One clear learning rhythm from start to exam day.

Choose your current stage

Practise with purpose

Review and repeat

Stay Informed

NZ IQN Theory Exam Guide: Format, Topics, and Study Tips

Patient Communication in OSCE: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nurses

How to Prepare for the NZ OSCE Exam Without Rote Learning

NZ OSCE Exam for International Nurses: Stations, Timing, and What to Expect

Nurse-Patient Communication Skills for Safer Care

NZ Nursing Registration for International Nurses: Complete NCNZ Guide

Get the details before you enrol.

Move through your registration journey with confidence.