What is OBA?

Outcome Based Assessment( OBA) is the new model for assessing the qualifications of qualified  overseas nurses designed by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia(NMBA) and adopted by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency(AHPR). In March 2020, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) replaced the previous bridging program pathway with an Outcomes Based Assessment (OBA) for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs). Under the OBA assessment, the eligible international nurses will have to undertake two examinations called NCLEX-RN and OSCE (Objective structured clinical examination) to attain the nursing registration in Australia. 

Features of OBA 

It is a two-step assessment involving a multiple-choice questions exam ( NCLEX) at the first stage and objective structured clinical examination( OSCE) at the second stage.  

This assessment enables you to get your registration as a nurse in Australia. It helps you upgrade your skills and knowledge to the level that is required for the nursing health force.  

You increase your chance of employment after the assessment.  

It serves as an initial, stable and secure pathway to PR.  

There are 3 main stages in OBA: 

• Self check 
• Online MCQ exam 
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinatin ( OSCE) 

Internationally Qualified Nurses & Midwives must pass the following exams: 

Cognitive Assessment Component is a computer-based assessment comprising of MCQs ( Multiple Choice Questions) 

NCLEX test-  

Behavioral Component ( OSCE) is a practical exam that will assess the knowledge, skills and competence of nurses and midwives.  

There are 3 stages for the OBA pathway: 

1. NCLEX 
2. OBE 
3. License Registration 

Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) is a two-stage assessment process: Stage one – It is a cognitive assessment consisting of computer-based multiple-choice question exam (MCQ). This stage must be completed before IQNMs can move to the second stage of the assessment. 

Requirements for OBA 

1. To take the OBA, all applicants must have a referral letter from AHPRA. AHPRA will assess the eligibility of the applicant based on the five registration criteria outlined by NMBA 
2. Criminal history 
3. English language standards 
4. Continuing professional development 
5. Recency of practice 
6. Professional indemnity insurance 
7. Once AHPRA has assessed your application, it will issue a referral letter to complete OBA. The applicant can proceed with OBA steps once they receive the referral letter from AHPRA. 

How to book an OSCE Exam?

1. Register for OSCE exam 
2. Pay registration fee 
3. Book exam date based on selection email 
4. You will receive confirmation of your exam booking 

Things to consider during examination 

1. Preparation for exam 
2. Appropriate dressing 
3. No equipment 
4. Carry photo id 
5. You have to register based on your exam center and sign a Terms of agreement 
6. Video recording would be undertaken for the test 
7. Results 

What does the OSCE assess? 

Each RN OSCE station assesses your ability to perform a specific clinical skill. It will also take into consideration your ability to manage the care of a patient in a holistic manner. It is therefore important that the care you provide within each station takes into consideration the individual station for that patient, and that the care provided is tailored to their individual needs.  

Examples of some considerations about patient care include, but are not limited to: 

1. a patient's ability to understand simple instructions 
2. their physical capacity 
3. the support that they have available to them 
4. any vision or hearing impairments 

The RN OSCE examiner will assess your ability to formulate an accurate plan for the patient, based on your assessment findings or any information deemed relevant to the patient.  Patient safety, and the care they receive, is paramount at all stages within the OSCE stations.  

What do you need to know about an OSCE Exam? 

1. Examination setup would have 4 stimulation tables (10 station) including mannequin, stimulated patient & smaller pieces of equipment 
2. You are required to treat stimulated patient 
3. Each table will have one examiner who will ask you to present your finding as well 
4. Each OSCE station set up to simulate a variety of clinical environments, including both acute inpatient settings, as well as community outpatient settings 
5. You would be provided with documentation and equipment as per Australian healthcare facility 
6. Example of charts that will be provide 
7. Adult Observation Charts 
8. Paediatric Observation Chart 
9. Neurological observation chart 
10. Blood glucose record chart 
11. Intravenous order chart 
12. 2 minute reading time 
13. Proceed to station 
14. 8-minute interaction time 
15. Leave the note and move to next station (10 station).

NOTE: The test will be conducted as per Australian standard.  

• All students willing to appear for OSCE can apply for Tourist visa or visitor visa.