The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) is the organization responsible for implementing the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) in Australia. It works in partnership with 15 National Boards (covering 16 health professions) to regulate health practitioners, ensuring they meet the necessary standards to practice safely and competently
What are the English Language Skills Registration Standards and Their Purpose?
To practise safely in Australia, registered health practitioners must have strong English language skills to ensure clear and effective communication. That means being able to communicate clearly with patients, clients, and their families, work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, and maintain accurate health records.
The National Boards have established English language skill (ELS) requirements to ensure that all practitioners can provide safe, high-quality care and communicate competently in English.
There are three English Language Skills registration standards. The common ELS standard applies to initial registration applicants in professions such as Chinese medicine, chiropractic, dental, medical, medical radiation, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and psychology.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board has a separate revised ELS standard that applies specifically to applicants seeking initial registration as enrolled nurses, registered nurses, or midwives.
What Are the Key Changes in the Revised Standard and What Is Their Purpose?
The revised English Language Skills (ELS) registration standard introduces several updates aimed at improving flexibility for applicants while ensuring continued public protection. The key changes include:
- Expanding the list of recognised countries.
- From 18 March 2026, South Africa will no longer be included in the list of recognised countries for English language proficiency.
- The required writing score for approved English language tests has been lowered from IELTS 7.0 to 6.5, or the equivalent score in other accepted tests.
- Including the Cambridge English language skills test as an accepted option.
- Applicants can now extend the validity of their English language test results if they have been continuously working in relevant healthcare roles in recognised English-speaking countries.
- Extending the timeframe for accepting English test results from two sittings within six months to within 12 months.
- The ‘primary language pathway’ has been renamed to the ‘school education pathway’ to more accurately reflect its purpose.
- The ‘extended education pathway’ has been strengthened and renamed to the ‘advanced education pathway,’ with clearer requirements and flexibility to allow study breaks of up to two years.
These changes were developed through a scheduled review and extensive public consultations. They aim to maintain high standards of care while offering more flexibility in meeting English language requirements.
What are the updated Ahpra English Language Requirements 2025
As of April 2025, Ahpra has updated its English Language Skills Registration Standard to offer more flexibility while maintaining safety and communication standards. Here’s what you need to know if you’re taking the IELTS, OET, or PTE Academic tests.
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IELTS (Academic) – Now with a Lower Writing Score Requirement
The IELTS Academic test remains a popular option. The new update reduces the minimum writing score from 7.0 to 6.5, making it more achievable for many candidates.
Requirements:
- Overall Score: 7.0
- Listening: 7.0
- Reading: 7.0
- Speaking: 7.0
- Writing: 6.5
Test sittings accepted:
- One sitting Or Two sittings within 12 months,
- If Overall score of 7.0 is achieved in both sittings
- No component (except writing) is below 7.0
- Writing score is not below 6.5 in either sitting.
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OET – Healthcare-Focused Test with Flexible Conditions
The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed specifically for healthcare professionals and is widely accepted by Ahpra.
Requirements:
- Listening, Reading, Speaking: Grade B
- Writing: Grade C+
Test sittings accepted:
- One sitting Or Two sittings within 12 months,
- If Grade B is achieved in three components across both sittings
- Writing score is not below C+ in either sitting
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PTE Academic – Now Accepted with a Writing Score of 56
Ahpra continues to recognize the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic). The 2025 update now accepts a slightly lower writing score.
Requirements:
- Overall Score: 66
- Listening, Reading, Speaking: 66
- Writing: 56
Test sittings accepted:
- One sitting Or Two sittings within 12 months,
- if Overall score of 66 is achieved in both sittings,
- At least 66 in listening, reading, and speaking in both sittings
- Writing score is not below 56 in either.
These updates to the English Language Skills (ELS) registration standard reflect a thoughtful balance between maintaining public safety and improving access for qualified international applicants. By introducing greater flexibility—such as an extended test validity period, a broader list of recognised countries, and alternative testing options—regulatory bodies aim to reduce unnecessary barriers without compromising care quality
With the updated English Language Skills standard now in effect, it’s the ideal time to explore your testing options and prepare strategically. Whether you’re taking IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or the newly accepted Cambridge English test, understanding the revised score requirements and extended validity period will help you plan effectively.
Choose the test that best suits your strengths, prepare with confidence, and take a solid step toward a successful healthcare career in Australia. With the updated English Language Skills standard now in effect, it’s the ideal time to explore your testing options and prepare strategically. Whether you’re taking IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or the newly accepted Cambridge English test, understanding the revised score requirements and extended validity period will help you plan effectively.
