How to Become a Nurse in New Zealand (for IQNs)

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TruMerit Verification: First Step Into New Zealand For IQN Nurses

1. Meet Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Requirements:

This is the most crucial step as you cannot work as a nurse in New Zealand without NCNZ registration.

• Document Verification (through TruMerit/CGFNS):

  • All IQNs (except those registered in Australia) must first have their documents verified and authenticated by TruMerit (CGFNS), an external company.

  • You'll need to provide documents proving your:

    • Identity (current passport and one other ID, notarized/certified copies).

    • Current overseas nursing registration(s) held in the last 10 years.

    • Nursing qualification (must be equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor of Nursing degree or higher; if a diploma, the Council will assess it).

    • English language proficiency (IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 7 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing; or OET with a minimum score of 350 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 300 for writing). Clubbed scores are acceptable with certain timeframe requirements.

    • A minimum of 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing practice (typically within the last 5 years). Your TruMerit report won't be issued until you meet this.

• NCNZ Application:

  • Once TruMerit (CGFNS) verifies your documents, you'll receive an invitation from the NCNZ to apply for registration.

  • You must complete two free online courses: "Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand" and "Ngā Paerewa Te Tiriti Module 1" (introducing culturally safe nursing practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi).

  • Undergo an International Criminal History Check (ICHC).

  • Competence Assessment (if required):

    • Depending on your qualifications, experience, and country of origin (e.g., if your education wasn't in the USA, UK, Ireland, Singapore, British Columbia, or Ontario provinces of Canada, or if you don't meet other criteria), you may be required to complete a competence assessment.

    • As of December 4, 2023, for most IQNs requiring an assessment, this involves:

      • An online theoretical exam (tests nursing knowledge, taken at an accredited exam center globally or in NZ).

      • A two-day orientation and preparation course in New Zealand, followed by a three-hour Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), taken in person in New Zealand.

  • Pay the NCNZ application and processing fees.

Getting your language proficiency test done early is a proactive step that will save you time and potential headaches in the long run.

It is generally highly advisable to take your language proficiency test (like IELTS, OET etc.) before or early in your TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) verification process.

Here's why:

• It's a Required Component: For most TruMerit services, especially those leading to licensure or immigration (like the CGFNS Certification Program or VisaScreen®), evidence of English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement. You won't get a complete assessment or certificate without it.

• Faster Processing: Submitting your language test scores along with your other documents can significantly expedite the overall verification process. If you wait until later, it can cause delays as TruMerit will be waiting for those scores to finalize your application.

• Validity Periods: Language test scores often have a validity period (e.g., two years). Taking it early ensures your scores are current when TruMerit processes your application and when you apply for licensure in your target country. Some regulatory bodies even require the scores to be valid for a certain period after your TruMerit report is transmitted.

• Some Programs Require It Upfront: For certain programs or pathways, the language proficiency test is explicitly listed as a prerequisite or an early step in the application. For example, for the TruMerit Certification Program, you must submit scores from an accepted English language proficiency examination.

In summary, while TruMerit's various programs might have slightly different timing considerations, getting your language proficiency test done early is a proactive step that will save you time and potential headaches in the long run. It demonstrates your readiness and helps ensure a smoother journey through the credentials verification process.

Once TruMerit receives all your required documents and verifies them, they will generate a comprehensive report. This typically takes around 30 days.

Applicant Review and Authorization: You will be given a period (usually 30 days) to review this report. After your review, you must authorize TruMerit to send the report directly to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). This direct transmission is crucial for the NCNZ to accept your application.

Application to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ):

• Invitation to Apply: After TruMerit transmits your CVS-NCNZ report to the NCNZ, you will receive an email invitation from the NCNZ to complete your application for registration.

• Online Application: You will then proceed with the online application process directly with the NCNZ via their MyIQN portal. This involves paying an application and processing fee.

• NCNZ Assessment: The NCNZ will meticulously assess your application against their seven registration standards. They consider

• • Equivalence of Qualification: Whether your nursing qualification is equivalent to New Zealand nursing qualifications (e.g., Bachelor of Nursing for RNs).

  • Recency of Practice: Evidence of at least 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing practice, typically within the last five years.

  • English Language Proficiency: Although TruMerit verifies it, the NCNZ will also confirm your scores meet their specific requirements (e.g., IELTS Academic with minimum scores of 7.0 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 6.5 for writing, or OET with minimum scores of 350 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 300 for writing). "Clubbed" scores may be acceptable under certain conditions related to the timeframe of your tests.

  • Fitness to Practice: This includes undergoing a criminal history check that covers all countries you've lived in for 12 months or more within the last seven years. The NCNZ uses an external agency like Fit2Work for this.

  • Good Standing: Proof of good standing with previous nursing regulatory authorities.

NCNZ Decision: Based on their assessment of your qualifications and experience, the NCNZ will determine if you need to undergo a competence assessment. Many IQNs are required to complete this.

• Two-Part Assessment: If required, the competence assessment typically consists of two parts:

  Theoretical Examination: An online multiple-choice exam (e.g., through Pearson VUE) covering medication safety and general nursing knowledge. This can often be taken at accredited centers overseas or in New Zealand.

  Clinical Competence Examination (OSCE): An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) which is a practical, in-person assessment of your clinical skills. This usually involves a two-day orientation and preparation course followed by a three-hour clinical examination. The OSCE must be taken in person in New Zealand. This means you would need to travel to New Zealand, potentially on a Visitor Visa, to complete this step.

Registration and Annual Practising Certificate:

• Decision on Registration: Once you have fulfilled all the NCNZ's requirements, including any competence assessments, the NCNZ will make a decision on your registration.

• Annual Practising Certificate (APC): If approved, you will be granted registration and then need to apply for an Annual Practising Certificate (APC). This certificate legally allows you to practice as a nurse in New Zealand and must be renewed annually.