ANMAC Skills Assessment for Nurses: Types and Process
ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the sole body appointed to carry out skills assessments for Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 254499) in the Australian migration system. Unlike many other occupations that have only one assessment type, ANMAC offers four assessment types suited to different groups of candidates. Choosing the wrong type can lead to a returned application or significant delay.
The four assessment types and when each applies
The Full Skills Assessment applies to nurses who have completed their entire nursing training overseas (not in Australia). This is the most common route for internationally trained nurses with a qualification from a home-country institution. ANMAC carries out a comprehensive review of the qualification, the course of study and clinical work experience.
The Modified Skills Assessment is for those who have studied or are practising nursing in Australia, including: people with a nursing qualification from an ANMAC-recognised education provider in Australia, or people who have registered to practise with AHPRA within the past two years. The process is simpler because part of the competency has already been verified through the Australian system.
The GradReady Assessment is specifically for nursing students in their final year of study at a recognised education provider in Australia who have not yet graduated. This type allows an application to be lodged before the qualification is completed, shortening the wait after graduation.
The Direct Care Assessment applies to nurses working in direct care settings that are non-bedside, for example: community health, school health, or outreach services. This type requires evidence of experience in that specific context.
Documents required by type
For the Full Skills Assessment, the core documents are: the nursing qualification, notarised and translated into English; a detailed transcript; confirmation of registration to practise from the regulatory authority in the country of origin; an employment reference letter from employers (with job title, dates, and hours worked); and a valid passport.
For the Modified Skills Assessment, if it is based on an Australian qualification you will need the graduation certificate and confirmation from the education provider. If it is based on an existing AHPRA registration, you will need to provide the registration number and documents confirming the registration is current.
GradReady requires a confirmation letter from the education provider showing that you are in your final year of study with an expected graduation, together with a current transcript.
Direct Care requires an employment reference letter clearly describing the care setting, the specific role, and the time worked in the non-bedside context.
Fees and processing times
Application fees vary (current fee — check on the assessing authority’s official site) depending on the assessment type, and may change from one financial year to the next — check directly on the ANMAC site before applying. Fees are non-refundable once the application has been accepted.
Processing usually takes 4 to 12 weeks from the date ANMAC receives a complete, valid application. Files that are missing documents or need clarification will be put on hold, and the clock will not run during that time. During peak periods (typically the start of the Australian financial year, July to September), processing can take longer.
Step-by-step application process
- Identify the right assessment type based on your current education and work experience.
- Create an account on the ANMAC online portal and complete the application form.
- Upload documents according to the list required for the assessment type you have chosen. All non-English documents must have a translation done by a NAATI-accredited translator (if applying from Australia) or an equivalent recognised translator.
- Pay the fee through the ANMAC online payment portal.
- Track the status through your online account. ANMAC will contact you by email if additional documents are needed.
- Receive the outcome in the form of an official outcome letter. A positive outcome is a prerequisite for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Outcome and next steps
An ANMAC outcome is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued. After a positive outcome, a nurse can proceed to register with AHPRA to be licensed to practise in Australia — a step that is separate from and independent of the ANMAC assessment.
For skilled visas, an ANMAC outcome is mandatory to submit an EOI in SkillSelect for the 190 or 491. For the 482, an employer may require the assessment before sponsoring, although the specific requirement depends on the case and the employer. Note that the Registered Nurse occupation (254499) is not eligible for the 189 and is not on the CSOL for the standard 482 — it applies only through a DAMA or special labour agreements.