Application Guide – Outside EU/EEA

If you are relocating to the UK from a country where English is not the native language, you will be asked to pass the IELTS, with an overall score of at least 7, or the Occupational English Test (OET). This will need to be sent with your application form. Please see our English Speaking requirements page for more information .

The test of competence (CBT) tests you skills and knowledge on communication, decision making, leadership skills and professional values, and applies to all nurses of any discipline. 

This is a computer-based test of theoretical practice-based knowledge in multiple choice format. 

The assessment

To complete the assessment, the NMC will need to receive the following:

• a valid passport 
• birth certificate
• a qualification certificate 
• registration certificates from each jurisdiction where you have practised and/or been registered
• Two employment references covering at least 12 months post registration
• Verifications from all jurisdictions where you have practised or where you have been previously registered
• Transcript of training for all relevant nursing or midwifery programmes completed by yourself. 
• A declaration of good health by your family doctor. 
• A police clearance certificate for every country you have lived in. 

Once the NMC have completed your assessment and have confirmed you have met the minimum requirements to progress onto part 2 test of competence, you will be issued with an NMC decision letter.

You will be asked to attend a NMC approved university test centre in the UK to take a clinical examination called an OSCE. You will be given a series of clinical scenarios to answer questions about. There are 6 of these in total.

Once you have successfully passed part 2 test of competence (OSCE), you need to pay your NMC registration fee and you will receive your NMC pin in the post.