Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

What is Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council?

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is the national accreditation authority for nursing and midwifery education in Australia. Established under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, ANMAC operates as an independent standards body that ensures nursing and midwifery education and practice meet rigorous Australian requirements.

For skilled migration purposes, ANMAC assesses internationally qualified nurses and midwives to determine whether their qualifications, experience, and clinical competence are equivalent to Australian standards. This assessment is a critical step in the migration pathway for nursing professionals, as it directly supports applications for skilled visas and AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration.

ANMAC evaluates a broad range of nursing and midwifery occupations, including registered nurses (across multiple specialties), enrolled nurses, registered midwives, and nurse educators. The assessment process is rigorous and evidence-based, ensuring that overseas-qualified professionals can safely and competently practise in the Australian healthcare system.

ANMAC works closely with AHPRA, the regulatory body responsible for registering health practitioners in Australia. While ANMAC provides the skills assessment for migration purposes, AHPRA handles the final registration decision. Both bodies must be satisfied before a nurse or midwife can legally practise in Australia.

Which visas require a ANMAC skills assessment?

An ANMAC skills assessment is required for most skilled visa subclasses for nursing and midwifery professionals. The assessment is a mandatory part of the migration eligibility criteria and must be completed before visa application submission.

The ANMAC assessment confirms that your nursing or midwifery qualifications meet Australian standards and that you are competent to practise in Australia. This assessment is essential for all skilled visa applications and precedes AHPRA registration. Without a positive ANMAC assessment, you cannot proceed to visa application or professional registration.

How ANMAC assessment works

The ANMAC assessment process typically takes 8 weeks and involves comprehensive verification of your qualifications, clinical experience, and English language proficiency. The process is evidence-based and designed to ensure all internationally qualified nurses and midwives meet Australian healthcare standards.

1. Prepare and submit your application online through the ANMAC portal, including all required documents and evidence of qualification
2. ANMAC verifies your educational credentials directly with the issuing institutions and professional regulatory bodies in your home country
3. Your academic qualifications are assessed against Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board standards and approved education frameworks
4. Your clinical experience and competence are evaluated through references, employment records, and detailed role descriptions
5. ANMAC may request clarification, additional documents, or evidence if your qualifications require further investigation
6. A formal assessment decision is made and communicated in writing, detailing the outcome and any conditions or requirements
7. If approved, you receive an ANMAC assessment certificate valid for skilled visa application and AHPRA registration

Assessment pathways

ANMAC offers tailored assessment pathways depending on your nursing qualification level, clinical experience, and educational background. The assessment pathway you follow depends on whether you are a registered nurse, midwife, or enrolled nurse, and whether your education requires supplementary training.

Documents required

Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:

• Official university degree certificate or diploma in nursing or midwifery (certified copy)
• Official academic transcripts from all tertiary education institutions (certified, from institution directly)
• Detailed curriculum vitae or resume covering all nursing/midwifery employment history
• Employment reference letters from current and previous supervisors on official company letterhead
• Statutory declaration detailing clinical experience, roles, responsibilities, and competencies
• Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or Occupational English Test C grade for migration visas)
• Certified copy of current and previous professional registrations or licences
• Evidence of continuing professional development, qualifications, or specialisations (certificates, training records)
• Proof of identity (certified copy of passport)
• Character references from professional colleagues or supervisors
• Immunisation records or vaccination status documentation
• Police clearance or character references from relevant authorities if requested

All documents must be certified copies unless obtained directly from issuing institutions. Non-English documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. ANMAC may request direct verification from your educational institution or professional regulatory body, which may extend processing time.

ANMAC assessment fees

Assessment outcomes

ANMAC issues one of three outcomes:

If you disagree with an ANMAC assessment decision, you can request a formal review within 28 days. The review process is conducted by a separate panel. You may also appeal to the Health Complaints Commissioner if you believe the assessment was conducted unfairly or contrary to ANMAC procedures.

Occupations assessed by ANMAC

ANMAC is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.