Australia is an English-speaking country, and for any aspiring pharmacist or nurse, language can be a significant obstacle if not learned, making communication with patients and other healthcare professionals difficult. Proving your English language proficiency is a mandate for practicing as a pharmacist or a nurse in Australia. Specific standards are established by the AHPRA, or Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, for this purpose. AHPRA is a national body responsible for registering and regulating approximately 15 different types of Healthcare professionals in Australia. It appears that healthcare practitioners are qualified, competent, and safe to practise in Australia. If you’re an overseas pharmacist or nurse planning to work in Australia, passing the English Language Skills requirement is one of your most important first steps toward registration. As of April 2025, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRRA) has introduced significant updates to the English language standards, designed to offer more flexibility without compromising patient safety.
In this blog, let’s explore and understand the AHPRA’s standards for the English language, including the current requirements set by AHPRA, the latest updates, and provide quick tips for overseas pharmacists to prepare for English language tests.
Understanding AHPRA’s English Language Skills Standards
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRRA), in partnership with Australia’s National Boards (including pharmacy and nursing), establishes English language proficiency standards. These standards ensure safe, competent, and clear communication within the healthcare industry. This involves:
- Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Maintaining accurate clinical records
- Reducing the risks associated with language barriers to maintain patient safety.
What Were the Previous Requirements (Before 2025)?
The old system was quite rigid. Before 2025, all applicants were required to meet the same high threshold across all components in one or two sittings within a six-month period.
IELTS (Academic):
- Overall band of A 7.0
- Each component (Learning/Reading/Writing/Speaking): 7.0
OET:
- Grade B in each component
PTE Academic:
- An overall score of 65
- Each component: 65, that is, in Learning/Reading/Writing/Speaking
Previously, there were limited flexible options available regarding test validity, combining scores from different tests, and acceptable pathways for demonstrating language proficiency.
What’s New in the 2025 AHPRA English Language Skills Update?
Ahpra’s April 2025 update of the English language skills makes things easier for the applicants, reducing barriers while ensuring public safety:
Important Updates:
- The minimum writing score has been reduced (IELTS: from 7.0 to 6.5 | PTE: 56 | OET: C+)
- Now, applicants have 12 months, up from 6 months previously, to combine scores from two test attempts.
- Cambridge English is now recognized as an approved English test.
- If you have been working in an English-speaking country, the English language test scores are valid for a longer time.
- Renamed pathways for clarity:
- The Primary Language Pathway has been renamed to the School Education Pathway
- The Extended Education Pathway has been renamed to the Advanced Education Pathway
Starting March 2026, South Africa will no longer be included in the list of recognized countries for English language proficiency.
What This Means for Overseas Pharmacists and Nurses
These changes make it easier and give better chances to succeed with greater flexibility, especially for highly skilled professionals who previously struggled with rigid language testing structures. If you’re applying for registration in 2025 or later, this update can help you:
- You may not have to retake the entire test solely because of a low writing score.
- With the latest change, you can now combine test scores across two sittings
- You can use your work experience in an English-speaking country to maintain your results for a longer period.
2025 English Language Requirements (Detailed Breakdown)
IELTS (Academic)
- Overall Score: 7.0
- Listening, Reading, Speaking: 7.0
- Writing: 6.5
- Sittings Accepted:
- One sitting OR
- Two sittings within 12 months
- An overall score of 7.0 in both sittings
- All sections of the test must be at least 7.0 (except writing)
- Writing should not be below 6.5
PTE Academic
- Overall Score: 66
- Listening, Reading, Speaking: 66
- Writing: 56
- Sittings Accepted:
- One sitting OR
- Two sittings within 12 months
- An overall score of 66 in both sittings
- Learning/Reading/Speaking must be a minimum of 66
- Writing must not be below a score of 56
OET (Occupational English Test)
- Listening, Reading, Speaking: Grade B
- Writing: Grade C+
- Sittings Accepted:
- One sitting OR
- Two sittings within 12 months
- Grade B in listening, reading, and speaking
- Writing score not below C+
Practical Tips to Prepare for AHPRA’s Updated ELS Standards
- Choose the Right Test for You:
- OET is a healthcare-specific test; IELTS and PTE are general academic tests. But PTE is the easiest when compared to the other two tests.
- Choose the exam that best suits your comfort, format, and language style.
- Understand the Scoring Nuances:
- Try to get a minimum score in each category of the sections. Even if you find the writing task a little difficult, the new lower score requirement makes it easier for you to achieve.
- Use Preparatory Coaching:
- Join our focused IELTS, OET, and PTE prep programs. Many institutions offer training in cases where self-study is difficult. If you are planning to take PTE training, Elite Expertise offers the best training, providing access to PTE Alpha for 2 months, top trainers, and expert tips to help you achieve your desired score on your first attempt.
- Practice with past papers, timed mocks, and one-on-one mentoring. Elite Expertise fulfils all these requirements for PTE training.
- Track Test Validity & Combine Strategically:
You have 12 months to combine scores from two different attempts of the same exam. Therefore, plan accordingly and be smart in planning the test dates and improvements.
5. Stay Updated on Country Recognition (e.g., South Africa change in 2026)
Final Thoughts
Ahpra’s 2025 update to its English Language Skills Registration Standard is good news for all the overseas pharmacists and nurses. These changes reduce barriers and provide more flexible options for qualified overseas Healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, making it easier for them to get registered in Australia and fulfill their dream career.
At Elite Expertise, we help you navigate the changes, prepare for your PTE Academic, and fulfill all registration requirements with confidence. We also offer training for the OPRA exam to overseas pharmacists seeking to enter the Australian healthcare field.
