Nursing registration renewal checklist

Registration for nurses and midwives in Australia renews every year. The registration period runs from 1 June to 31 May, and renewal opens online through Ahpra a few weeks before the due date. Use this checklist to get it done in one sitting.

Key dates

• 31 May – renewal due date.
• Late period – if you apply within one month after the due date you can still renew, but a late fee applies.
• After the late period – your registration lapses and your name is removed from the register. You must not practise until you have a new application approved.

Your pre-renewal checklist

• CPD: at least 20 hours completed this registration year and documented (learning needs, activities, hours, reflections). See NMBA CPD requirements explained.
• Recency of practice: you have practised in your profession for at least 450 hours in the past five years, or completed an approved re-entry program or qualification within that time.
• Professional indemnity insurance (PII): you are covered for your whole scope of practice – by your employer, your union membership or your own policy (especially if you do private or agency work).
• Criminal history: any change since your last declaration (in Australia or overseas) must be declared.
• Health impairment: declare any health condition that detrimentally affects, or is likely to affect, your capacity to practise safely.
• Personal details: name, address, email and principal place of practice are up to date.
• Payment: have a card ready for the annual fee.

Recency of practice in practice

The 450-hour requirement is roughly equivalent to three months of full-time work. If you hold dual registration you need to meet recency for each profession. Hours in roles that use your nursing knowledge – for example management, education, research or policy – can count when the role relates to your profession; check the NMBA standard and its fact sheet if you are unsure.

After you submit

• Check the public register a few days later to confirm your new expiry date.
• Save the receipt and your CPD record together in one folder for the year.
• Start a fresh CPD log for the new registration period on 1 June.

Sources and further reading

• Ahpra – Registration renewals
• NMBA – Registration standard: Continuing professional development
• NMBA – Registration standard: Recency of practice
• NMBA – Registration standard: Professional indemnity insurance arrangements