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Maintain your Ahpra registration

We all know that we need to be registered to practise as a nurse or midwife in Australia. But do you know how to meet the requirements of registration? 

Registration is linked to our professional codes of conduct. The codes spell out the legal requirements, professional behaviour and conduct expectations for all nurses and midwives, in all settings in Australia. They help to keep everyone safe, and ensure that we work to specific standards in our practice. 

An important requirement is that we must stay healthy so we practise safely. To find out what else is required, read the codes of conduct for midwives and nurses 

Registration expert Amanda Singleton shares what we need to know about registration.

Annual registration

Registration spans from 1 June to 31 May the following year. That means that you need to review by 31 May each year.  

If you hold specialist or non-practising registration you must renew this registration at this same time each year. 

Re-register online

Registering online is easy. Renewals can be made from April. Make sure Aphra has your current email address so that you receive the renewal reminder. If you are retiring or leaving the profession, let Aphra know.

When you register you are expected to declare:  

  • changes in your health in the last 12 months
  • criminal activity in the last 12 months 
  • professional development - how you have met the requirements.

You must declare that what you have ‘written’ is correct, so it is important to be honest. 

Go to  registration online services

 Late or forgotten to re-register – what to do

Ahpra gives you one month grace after your registration expiry date. If you apply to renew during this time, you pay a late fee. You will stay registered and be able to practise within the scope of your registration. 

Lapsed registration – what happens next

If you do not renew, your registration will lapse and your name will be removed from the register. This means that you cannot work or use the professional title of nurse or midwife in any way. 

Realising that you are not registered can be very stressful. If you discover that you are not registered, for any reason, it is important to let your employer and Ahpra know immediately.  

Check you are listed in the public register. 

Re-registering a lapsed registration 

To re-register after the one-month grace period, you must lodge a new application for registration.

A fast track application option is available for 4 weeks after your registration lapses (during July). You cannot practise until your application is assessed and your registration details re-appear on the public register. 

Go to  registration online services or call the Ahpra Customer Service Team on 1300 419 495 during July. 

Late fees and struggling to pay registration fees

If you do not pay your registration on time, there are extra fees. If you opt to fast track a late registration you will pay a fast-track application fee as well as the annual renewal fee.

You can apply for financial hardship if you are struggling to pay your registration fees. To find out more go to Aphra: financial hardship support

Professional development – how to stay registered

You are required to gain a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per year. If you are on leave and want to stay registered, this standard applies to you.

You can complete your CPD in different ways in formal and informal learning contexts. You can attend in-service education, conferences, workshops and seminars, have an article published in a peer-reviewed journal etc. 

Specialisations require that you gain additional hours of specific skills. If you are registered as both a nurse and a midwife you are required to complete CPD for both of the professions – there may be some overlap i.e. some CPD may be relevant for both professions. 

Read the Aphra guidelines: continuing professional development

Registration standards 

To make sure you meet the requirements of registration each year it is a good idea to be familiar with the requirements of the nursing and midwifery standards:

See also