Course FAQs
NZ IQN Theory Exam & OSCE FAQs
Clear answers about the self-paced IQN Theory Course and guided OSCE Prep Course for NCNZ pathway preparation.
- 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.