PTE coaching for nurses in Zimbabwe must begin with the regulator you are applying to. Australian registration and UK or New Zealand nursing registration do not have identical accepted tests. PTE Academic can be used for Australian registration under the applicable Ahpra English standard. It is not an accepted English test for UK NMC registration.
Check the regulator before choosing PTE
The UK NMC accepts IELTS Academic and OET as its English-language tests, not PTE. The Nursing Council of New Zealand also lists IELTS Academic and OET. Do not confuse a test accepted for an immigration application with one accepted for nursing registration. If you are applying to the UK or New Zealand, check the relevant nursing council before starting PTE preparation.
Australian PTE requirements depend on the test date
For tests taken from 23 April 2026, Ahpra lists PTE Academic overall 63, with Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 60 and Speaking 76. Earlier tests are assessed using the earlier table. Check the applicable profession standard, test-date rules, validity requirements and any conditions for combining sittings directly with Ahpra. A generic target of 65 in every skill is not the current rule.
Prepare for your registration target
Once you have confirmed that PTE is appropriate, compare your current skills with the required scores. Practise the current speaking tasks, including Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation, as well as reading, writing and listening. Use practice feedback to identify what needs work. Ask Coach Greens about lesson times that fit your shifts; availability and preparation time depend on your needs.
Official sources
- Ahpra: accepted tests and dated score tables
- NMC: accepted English tests
- New Zealand Nursing Council: requirements
Guidance checked on 27 October 2026. Confirm the current requirements with the receiving authority before booking.
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