Prepare before you travel
Preparing for the OSCE
from overseas.
Rehearse online where you live. Plan separately for the visa, examination allocation and practical training you need in Australia.
Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice
After eligibility: pay through your dashboard
Pay the RN OSCE fee of A$4,000 within 120 days of your dashboard moving to the OSCE stage. The 180-day period to sit and complete the exam starts from payment. Keep your own payment and dashboard dates visible while planning travel.
Visa supporting letter after payment
Offshore candidates receive an RN OSCE eligibility letter within four weeks of Ahpra receiving the fee. It can support a visa application; it is not a visa approval. Once a visa is issued, send a copy to the IQNM Exams Team. Offshore candidates are not offered an exam date until a valid visa has been provided.
Make time for the allocation process
To receive an availability request for a scheduled examination cycle, candidates must have paid and offshore candidates must have provided a valid visa at least three months before that cycle. Read the handbook alongside your own correspondence; do not book around an assumed place.
Travel to the venue you are allocated
The exam is held in Adelaide or Melbourne, in person. Confirmation is normally sent four to eight weeks before the exam. Use the exact address and attendance time in your allocation letter when arranging travel.
A preparation timeline without guessed dates
- Before payment: confirm your eligibility, documents, practical training needs and travel budget.
- After payment: track the eligibility letter, visa process and completion window together.
- While waiting for allocation: rehearse communication and documentation online; arrange supervised hands-on practice.
- After confirmation: confirm the venue, route, required identification and candidate agreements.
- Before exam day: review your instructions, practise the timed routine and plan for rest and travel.
For visa requirements, use the Australian Department of Home Affairs visa information. Visa eligibility depends on your circumstances.