AHPRA Registration for Nurses – What You Need in 2025

Whether you’re planning to start your nursing career in Australia or you’re an experienced nurse renewing your registration, staying up to date with AHPRA requirements is key. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) oversees the registration and regulation of nurses under the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). In 2025, a few updates and reminders are especially important. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Annual Renewal Deadline: 31 May 2025

All nurses and midwives must renew their registration annually by 31 May. You can submit your renewal application through your AHPRA account on the official AHPRA website. Late renewals attract a penalty fee, and if you fail to renew within one month, your registration will lapse.

Tip: Set a reminder now to avoid missing the deadline. You can renew up to six weeks before the due date.

2. CPD Requirements Remain Mandatory

In 2025, nurses are still required to complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. Your CPD must be relevant to your practice and aligned with the NMBA standards.

Remember to keep evidence of your CPD activities — AHPRA may request this for random audits. You can include:

• Online learning modules

• In-person workshops

• Webinars

• Reflective practice sessions

3. Recency of Practice

To maintain registration, you need to meet the Recency of Practice standard. This means you must have practised:

• 450 hours within the past five years, or

• 150 hours in the last year

If you’re returning to practice or haven’t worked recently, you may need a re-entry to practice program or supervised practice. Check with AHPRA early to avoid delays.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the NMBA’s official guidelines on Recency of Practice:

• Recency of practice – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

• Guidelines – Recency of practice – Ahpra (PDF)

4. Criminal History Check

As part of initial and ongoing registration, AHPRA will check your criminal history both in Australia and overseas. If you’ve lived outside of Australia for more than 6 months in the past 10 years, you’ll need to provide an International Criminal History Check (ICHC).

5. English Language Proficiency

If you’re an internationally qualified nurse, you must demonstrate English language skills. In 2025, accepted tests and scores remain:

• IELTS Academic: 7.0 in each band

• OET: B in each band

• PTE Academic: 65 in each band

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum of 94 overall, with 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing, and 23 in speaking

These results must be from the last two years, unless you meet the exemption criteria based on education or work experience in a recognised English-speaking country.

6. Fit and Proper Person Declaration

Each year, you’ll need to declare whether there are any impairments, disciplinary actions, or unresolved complaints that could affect your ability to practise safely. Be honest — transparency is key, and AHPRA considers each case individually.

7. Updated Resume Requirements

When applying for registration for the first time or reapplying after a lapse, AHPRA expects a professional resume detailing your:

• Qualifications

• Clinical experience

• Employment history with start/end dates

• Contact details of referees

Keep it accurate and up-to-date. Make sure your resume reflects your scope of practice and relevant skills.

8. International Nurses: NMBA Streamlining Continues

The Streamlined Registration Pathway introduced in 2020 continues into 2025 for nurses from countries like the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. These applicants may qualify for a simplified assessment process.

For other international applicants, AHPRA continues to use the Self-check and IQNM assessment process via the AHPRA IQNM Portal.

9. Registration Fees in 2025

The registration fee for nurses in 2025 is AUD $185 for general registration. Late renewal attracts an additional AUD $30late fee.

Need Help Navigating AHPRA?

At IHR Group, we work closely with nurses across Australia — and those planning to relocate here — to find permanent hospital roles that align with their experience and goals. While we don’t offer AHPRA application support, we’re always happy to connect you with reliable resources and point you in the right direction.

Want to explore job opportunities for registered nurses in 2025?

Register your details with us to stay in the loop.

AHPRA’s requirements don’t change drastically year-to-year, but it’s essential to review the standards regularly to ensure compliance. Stay proactive, and your registration process will be smooth and stress-free.