The registration process for internationally qualified nurses to work in New Zealand involves two main organizations: the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) and the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Here's a breakdown of the steps:

1. Verification of Documents by CGFNS:

This is the first step for all nurses, regardless of origin.

• CGFNS will assess your nursing education, work experience, and English language proficiency.
• You'll need to provide documents like transcripts, reference letters, and proof of current registration from your home country.

2. Apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ):

• Do this only after CGFNS verifies your documents.
• Complete the Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand online courses, which cover culturally safe nursing practices in New Zealand (free).

3. Competence Assessment Process for Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs)

The Nursing Council of New Zealand requires some internationally qualified nurses to complete a competence assessment, which includes the following steps:

IQN Theoretical Examination: The IQN theoretical examination is an online, multiple-choice test designed to assess nursing knowledge. This exam can be taken at accredited examination centers either overseas or within New Zealand.

• Format: The exam consists of 120 questions to be completed within 180 minutes.
• Structure: The examination is divided into two parts:
  • Part A: Medication Safety
  • Part B: Nursing Knowledge
• Attempts: Candidates have three attempts to successfully pass both parts. On the first attempt, both Part A and Part B must be completed. If only one part is failed, the candidate is only required to retake that specific part.
• Location: The examination is administered exclusively at Pearson VUE test centers, which are available in various countries.

Clinical Competence Assessment: The clinical competence assessment involves both a preparatory course and a clinical examination, conducted in person.

• Orientation and Preparation Course: This two-day course is designed to help candidates prepare for the clinical examination.
• OSCE: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a three-hour clinical test conducted on a separate day from the orientation. It assesses applied nursing knowledge, communication skills, and safe clinical practice at the level expected of a New Zealand-registered nurse.
  • Format: The OSCE consists of 10 scenarios, known as stations. Candidates are given 12 minutes per station: 2 minutes to read instructions, 8 minutes to complete the scenario, and 2 minutes to move between stations (2+8+2 minutes per station).
  • Attempts: Candidates can retake the OSCE up to two additional times if they do not pass on their first attempt.
• Location: Both the orientation course and the OSCE are conducted at the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, a facility approved by the Nursing Council.

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