Get the details before you enrol.

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.

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.

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.

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 are computer-based and include a separate 15-minute introduction and software tutorial.

You have a total of three attempts to pass the IQN theory exam. On your first attempt, you must complete both parts. If you fail only one part, you only need to resit that part; if you fail both parts, you must resit both together. Resit fees are NZD $32 for Part A only or NZD $108 for Part B only. Always confirm the current rules with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

The IQN theory exam is booked through Pearson VUE and can be sat at Pearson VUE test centres in New Zealand or internationally. You will need to bring a valid passport and a secondary form of photo ID matching your application details. Results are typically available via your Pearson VUE dashboard shortly after sitting.

Cultural safety in nursing refers to an environment where individuals feel safe culturally and spiritually and are not challenged or diminished by interactions with others. For the NZ IQN exam, cultural safety is assessed in the context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, health equity, and providing patient-centred care that respects the identity and dignity of each person. It is a core component of the NZ nursing standards.

The NZ OSCE at NMSAC uses simulated clinical stations with actors, manikins, task trainers, and clinical documentation depending on the scenario. The current registered nurse handbook lists ten station areas: mental health assessment, physiological assessment, specific physiological assessment, professional responsibility, emergency management, clinical skills, medication administration, communication and teamwork, planning nursing care, and managing the deteriorating patient. Enrolled nurse candidates have a separate eight-station format, so review the handbook that matches your NCNZ pathway.

Registered nurse candidates complete 10 OSCE stations, and enrolled nurse candidates complete 8 OSCE stations. Each station lasts 12 minutes in total: 2 minutes to read the instructions, 8 minutes to complete the task, and 2 minutes to transfer between stations.

The Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC) is a mandatory two-day orientation in Christchurch before the OSCE. It familiarises candidates with the OSCE format, New Zealand clinical expectations, and the simulation environment.

If you do not pass the OSCE, you can re-sit it up to two more times. Always check the current rules with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, as eligibility periods and re-sit arrangements can change.

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.

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.

Yes. Many internationally qualified nurses prepare for both concurrently. Kiwi Nurse Academy offers two separate courses: the self-paced IQN Theory Course (structured lessons, chapter quizzes, timed mock exams) and the guided OSCE Prep Course (communication-based station practice, virtual patient practice, and online review).

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.

Yes. All learning resources are available 24/7 on desktop and mobile so you can study around shift work and family commitments.

Email info@kiwinurseacademy.co.nz during business hours for help with access, bookings, or technical issues.

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We support internationally qualified nurses throughout the NZ registration journey. Contact info@kiwinurseacademy.co.nz for guidance on courses, OSCE stations, or study planning.