For internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs), the Outcomes‐Based Assessment (OBA)
pathway is the gateway to registration in Australia. One of the most important steps is the Portfolio
stage, where your identity, qualifications, and practice history are verified. Preparing correctly can
save you weeks of delays.
1. Completing the Self‐check
Every IQNM must begin with the Self‐check. You’ll enter your qualification details, and AHPRA will assign you to one of three streams:
- Stream A: Substantially equivalent qualifications.
- Stream B: Relevant but not equivalent qualifications.
- Stream C: Qualifications not equivalent or relevant.
Only Streams A and B (and those requiring qualification assessment) can proceed directly to registration steps. Stream C candidates must upgrade their qualification.
2. Steps After the Self‐check
Depending on your stream:
- Stream A: Pay the assessment fee and complete Orientation Part 1.
- Stream B: Pay the fee, complete Orientation Part 1, then proceed to Portfolio, MCQ exam, and OSCE.
- Stream C: Upgrade your qualification before continuing.
3. Orientation Part 1
All IQNMs must complete Orientation Part 1 within 90 days of creating their account.
- It’s an online course introducing the Australian healthcare context.
- Stream A candidates must finish it before applying for registration.
- Stream B candidates must finish it before moving to the Portfolio stage.
4. The Portfolio Stage
At this stage, AHPRA checks the information you provided during Self‐check. You must submit:
- Proof of identity documents (passport, birth certificate, national ID, plus secondary ID like driver’s license).
- Qualification documents (degree certificates, transcripts).
- Practice evidence (employment certificates, references).
Certification rules:
- Documents must be certified in person.
- Each single‐page document must include:
- The statement: “I have sighted the original document and certify this to be a true copy of the original”
- Date of certification
- Authorised officer’s signature
- Authorised officer’s name
- Contact phone number
- Occupation/profession (and registration number if applicable)
- Stamp or seal (if relevant)
- For multi‐page documents: the authorised officer must initial each page, number them (e.g., “page 2 of 5”), and write the full certification text on the first page.
- Authorised officers must also compare your face against the photo on identity documents to confirm you are the person pictured
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading uncertified scans instead of certified copies.
- Using unauthorised certifiers.
- Missing certification wording or incomplete signatures.
- Forgetting secondary ID documents.
6. Practical Tips
- Download AHPRA’s official certifying documents instructions before visiting your certifier.
- Double‐check every page is signed, dated, and stamped.
- Keep digital copies of certified documents for future use.
- Submit promptly to avoid delays in assessment.
The Portfolio stage is more than paperwork — it’s the foundation of your registration journey. By preparing your documents carefully, following AHPRA’s certification rules, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a smoother pathway to becoming a registered nurse or midwife in Australia.
At AuRNPathway, we specialise in guiding internationally qualified nurses through every step of the AHPRA process — from Self‐check to Portfolio, NCLEX, and OSCE preparation. If you want expert support, document checklists, and personalized coaching to fast‐track your registration, connect with AuRNPathway today and start your journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse in Australia.
