UK NMC for Overseas Nurses: Eligibility, CBT, OSCE, Fees and Timeline

The UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council, usually called the NMC, is the professional regulator for nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom, and nursing associates in England.

If you trained outside the UK and want to practise as a nurse in the UK, you normally need to apply to join the NMC register. Once your registration is complete, the NMC issues your PIN, which is your professional registration number.

This guide explains the main steps for overseas nurses: eligibility, English language evidence, the Test of Competence, CBT, OSCE, documents, fees, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is the NMC?

The NMC is the regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK. It sets professional standards, maintains the register, handles registration, and protects the public by making sure registered professionals meet required standards.

For internationally educated nurses, the NMC process is designed to check that your education, registration history, English communication ability, professional conduct, and clinical competence are suitable for UK practice.

Official starting points:

• NMC: Register as a nurse or midwife if you trained outside the UK
• NMC: Information for internationally trained applicants
• NMC: Test of Competence

Who is this guide for?

This guide is for internationally educated nurses who want to join the UK NMC register, including nurses who trained in:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• The Caribbean
• The Middle East
• North America
• South America
• Australia or New Zealand
• Other non-UK training systems

It is written mainly for nurses, not midwives or nursing associates, although some parts of the process overlap.

Step-by-step NMC registration process for overseas nurses

The process can feel complicated, but the route is easier to understand when broken into stages.

Step 1: Check whether you are eligible

The NMC will assess whether your education and professional background meet the requirements for the part of the register you want to join.

You will normally need:

• A nursing qualification that allowed you to register as a nurse in the country where you trained
• Evidence of current or previous professional registration, depending on your situation
• Identity documents
• English language evidence
• Health and character evidence
• Test of Competence results, unless you qualify for a route where the test is not required

Start with the official NMC guide:

• NMC: Trained outside the UK
• NMC: Pre-application checklist

What if you trained in the EU, EEA, EFTA, or Switzerland?

This is an area where older online guidance can be confusing.

The UK has left the EU, and the NMC says that if you trained in the EU, EEA, or EFTA and want to join the register, you generally follow the same application process as people trained outside the EU.

However, some adult nursing or midwifery qualifications that meet European automatic-recognition requirements may still be recognised without the Test of Competence. The NMC also notes that a UK-Switzerland agreement on professional qualification recognition started on 1 January 2025, and applicants with Swiss qualifications may need to contact the NMC while systems are updated.

Official source:

• NMC: Information for internationally trained applicants

Step 2: Create your MyNMC account

MyNMC is the online account you use to start, submit, and track your application.

You will use it to:

• Enter personal details
• Confirm your route
• Provide qualification information
• Submit registration evidence
• Track application progress
• Receive instructions about next steps
• Pay NMC fees when required

Make sure every detail matches your passport and professional documents. Small inconsistencies in name order, date of birth, passport number, or qualification title can delay your application.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

The exact evidence you need depends on your route, but overseas nurses should usually prepare the following.

Identity documents

You will usually need a valid passport. The passport used for your NMC application must match the passport used for CBT or OSCE identity checks unless the NMC updates your record.

Qualification evidence

You may need to provide details or documents showing your nursing qualification, such as:

• Nursing diploma or degree certificate
• Transcript or training evidence, if requested
• Qualification title and awarding institution
• Country of training
• Dates of training

Upload only what the NMC asks for, in the format requested.

Professional registration evidence

The NMC may need confirmation from the nursing regulator in your country of training or practice. This helps verify that you are, or were, registered in good standing.

Health and character evidence

The NMC must be satisfied that people joining the register have the health and character needed to practise safely.

You may need:

• Health declaration
• Character declaration
• Police clearance or criminal-record evidence
• Employer or regulator references, if requested
• Explanations for any relevant declarations

Official source:

• NMC: Health and character

Professional indemnity

Before practising, you must have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement. For many employed nurses, this is arranged through the employer, but you should still understand your responsibility.

Official source:

• NMC: Professional indemnity arrangement

Step 4: Meet the English language requirement

The NMC needs evidence that you can communicate effectively in English.

The main English evidence routes are:

1. Accepted English language test
2. Relevant qualification taught and examined in English
3. Recent practice in English
4. Supporting information from a current UK employer, where eligible

Most overseas nurses use either IELTS Academic or OET Nursing.

Official source:

• NMC: English language requirements

IELTS Academic requirements for NMC registration

The NMC accepts IELTS Academic, including paper-based and computer-based IELTS Academic tests delivered at a test centre. It also accepts IELTS Academic UKVI tests.

The required IELTS Academic scores are:

The NMC does not accept IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake for this evidence route.

Official source:

• NMC: IELTS Academic

Can you combine IELTS scores?

Yes, but only if you meet the NMC’s combining rules.

In plain English, you need to:

• Use two IELTS test sittings of the same test type
• Sit the tests within 12 months of each other
• Make sure both tests are no more than two years old when the NMC assesses your complete application
• Be tested in all four domains at the same time
• Achieve the required score in each domain across the two sittings
• Meet the NMC’s minimum scores in every domain in both sittings

Minimum scores across both IELTS sittings:

OET Nursing requirements for NMC registration

The NMC accepts OET on Paper, OET on Computer, and OET@Home. Nurses should select the Nursing profession version of OET.

The required OET scores are:

Official source:

• NMC: OET

Can you combine OET scores?

Yes, if you meet the NMC’s rules.

In plain English, you need to:

• Use two OET test sittings
• Sit the tests within 12 months of each other
• Make sure both tests are no more than two years old when the NMC assesses your complete application
• Be tested in all four domains at the same time
• Achieve the required scores across the two sittings
• Meet minimum scores in every domain in both sittings

Minimum scores across both OET sittings:

Step 5: Take the Test of Competence, if required

The Test of Competence, or ToC, checks whether you have the knowledge and skills needed for UK practice.

For nurses and midwives, the NMC’s current Test of Competence has two parts:

1. CBT: a computer-based test
2. OSCE: a practical clinical examination

The NMC says you can sit the CBT or OSCE in either order, but you must pass both parts to continue with your application if the Test of Competence is required.

Official source:

• NMC: Test of Competence for nurses and midwives

How long is the Test of Competence valid?

You must pass the CBT and OSCE within two years of each other. Once you have passed both parts, the Test of Competence remains valid for five years.

Part 1: NMC CBT for overseas nurses

The CBT is the computer-based part of the Test of Competence. It is delivered through Pearson VUE test centres.

Official sources:

• NMC: CBT
• Pearson VUE: NMC

CBT structure

The CBT has two parts:

Part A and Part B are taken together in one sitting, but the NMC says they are passed or failed independently.

CBT fees

Current NMC CBT fees are:

CBT exam codes

Choose the CBT that matches the part of the register you are applying to join. Examples include:

If you choose the wrong CBT, the NMC may not accept it for your application, and you may need to retake and repay for the correct test.

CBT results

The NMC says you can check your CBT results in:

• The exam report provided after your CBT
• Your Pearson VUE account within 48 hours
• MyNMC, which should also update within 48 hours

CBT retakes

You have three attempts as part of one application, with at least 10 days between each sitting. Attempts must be taken within one year. If you fail after three attempts, your application closes and you must wait six months before submitting a new application and sitting the CBT again.

Part 2: NMC OSCE for overseas nurses

The OSCE is the practical part of the Test of Competence. It assesses clinical and communication skills in a simulated setting.

Official source:

• NMC: OSCE

OSCE structure

The OSCE has 10 stations:

OSCE fee

Current OSCE fees are:

If you fail eight or more stations, check the test provider and NMC guidance because the reduced resit fee may not apply.

OSCE results

The NMC says test centres email OSCE results within five working days of the OSCE date.

If you pass, the email explains what to do next. If you fail, the email gives feedback on unsuccessful stations and elements so you can prepare for a resit.

OSCE retakes

You can take the OSCE up to three times as part of your application, with at least 10 days between sittings.

If you do not pass on the third attempt, your application closes. You then need to start a new application and wait at least six months before sitting the OSCE again.

OSCE test centres

The NMC lists approved OSCE test providers on its OSCE page. As of the latest NMC update checked for this article, the NMC page also notes that the Northumbria University OSCE centre closed on 19 February 2026 and provides transfer guidance for affected candidates.

Because test-centre availability changes, always check the official NMC OSCE page before booking.

OSCE preparation materials

The NMC provides official preparation materials and refers candidates to:

• The NMC Code
• OSCE information booklets
• Preparing for your OSCE materials
• Test-specific resources for nursing fields and midwifery

Official sources:

• NMC: Preparation materials
• NMC: The Code

ID check requirements

As part of the registration process, NMC applicants must complete a face-to-face ID check conducted by the NMC ID Verification team at a Test of Competence centre.

The NMC says all candidates must provide a valid passport each time they visit a Test of Competence centre.

Official sources:

• NMC: ID Check process and requirements
• NMC: Test of Competence overseas route ID check

The NMC’s overseas route guidance says that if the ID check cannot be completed on the day of your exam, your OSCE result will still be processed, but your application will not proceed to the final registration stage until the ID check is complete.

How much does NMC registration cost for overseas nurses?

Current core NMC/Test of Competence costs for many overseas nurse applicants are:

These fees do not include:

• English language test fees
• Passport or document costs
• Police clearance fees
• Travel to CBT or OSCE centres
• Accommodation
• Visa or immigration costs
• Resit fees
• Preparation courses or materials
• Professional translation or notarisation, if needed

Official source:

• NMC: Information for internationally trained applicants

Realistic NMC timeline for overseas nurses

There is no single timeline that fits every applicant. The process depends on document readiness, English language evidence, CBT availability, OSCE dates, test outcomes, ID checks, NMC assessment, employer timelines, and visa steps.

A realistic planning view:

A prepared applicant may move faster, but it is safer to plan for several months end to end, especially if you still need English test results, police documents, employer sponsorship, or OSCE travel.

Can you work before passing the OSCE?

If you are entering the UK to take a nursing role, NHS Employers says you normally have up to three months, or 12 weeks, from the employment start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship to sit your first OSCE attempt. During this period, you can be legally employed as a pre-registration candidate.

Official source:

• NHS Employers: Recruitment of overseas nurses and midwives

This is an employer and immigration-related expectation, not the same thing as being fully registered with an NMC PIN. You cannot practise as a registered nurse until you are on the NMC register.

Safe recruitment and avoiding exploitation

International recruitment can involve large costs and major life decisions. Use official guidance and be cautious with agents or employers who pressure you.

The UK government publishes guidance for overseas applicants applying for health and social care jobs in the UK, and a code of practice for international recruitment.

Official sources:

• GOV.UK: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad
• GOV.UK: Code of practice for international recruitment of health and social care personnel
• NHS Employers: Code of Practice for International Recruitment

Be cautious if someone:

• Guarantees NMC registration
• Asks for payment to “buy” an NMC PIN
• Tells you to use fake documents
• Charges unclear recruitment fees
• Refuses to give a written contract
• Pressures you to sign a harsh repayment clause
• Tells you not to contact the NMC directly
• Promises that you can work as a registered nurse before NMC registration is complete

Common reasons applications get delayed

1. Name inconsistencies

If your passport, nursing certificate, regulator record, English test certificate, or police clearance show different names, the NMC may need extra evidence.

Prepare name-change documents such as marriage certificates, affidavits, or legal name-change documents where relevant.

2. Wrong CBT field

If you apply for adult nursing but take the wrong CBT field, your result may not be accepted.

Double-check your exam code before booking.

3. Expired English evidence

NMC English test scores are valid for two years. Your test dates must still be valid when the NMC assesses your complete application.

4. Incomplete OET verification

If using OET, make sure you give the NMC permission to verify your results through your MyOET account.

5. Missing regulator verification

Your home regulator may need time to respond. Start this early.

6. Police clearance timing

Police certificates and criminal-record checks may need to meet NMC timing requirements. Do not assume an old certificate will be accepted.

7. Passport changes close to the exam

If your passport changes near your CBT or OSCE date, contact the NMC promptly. The NMC CBT and OSCE pages explain what to do if you need to update passport details.

How to prepare for the CBT

Use the official NMC materials first.

Focus on:

• The NMC Code
• Professional values
• Safety
• Medicines management
• Infection prevention and control
• Communication
• Clinical decision-making
• Numeracy
• Field-specific nursing knowledge

Practical CBT prep plan:

1. Read the NMC CBT information booklet for your field.
2. Review the NMC Code.
3. Take Pearson VUE practice tests.
4. Drill numeracy separately.
5. Practise under timed conditions.
6. Review weak topics instead of repeating only what you already know.

Official sources:

• NMC: CBT
• Pearson VUE: NMC practice tests
• NMC: The Code

How to prepare for the OSCE

The OSCE is not just a memory test. It assesses whether you can demonstrate safe, evidence-based, person-centred care in a UK-style assessment environment.

Focus on:

• APIE structure
• Communication
• Infection prevention and control
• Documentation
• Professional values
• Evidence-based practice
• Medicines management, if included in your field materials
• Skills stations from the official preparation materials
• Time management
• Reading the station instructions carefully

Practical OSCE prep plan:

1. Read your field’s official OSCE information booklet.
2. Use the NMC preparation materials, not random outdated scripts.
3. Practise stations aloud with a timer.
4. Learn the rationale behind each step, not only a memorised checklist.
5. Practise documentation legibly and accurately.
6. Prepare for nerves by simulating exam conditions.

Budget planning checklist

Before you start, list likely costs.

Final pre-submission checklist

Before you submit your application or book exams, confirm:

• Your passport is valid and matches your application
• Your name is consistent across documents
• Your nursing qualification details are correct
• Your regulator verification process is clear
• Your English evidence route is accepted by the NMC
• Your English test results are still valid
• Your CBT exam code matches your NMC application
• Your OSCE centre is currently active and approved
• You understand the resit rules
• You have budgeted for possible resits and travel
• You have checked visa and employer requirements separately

Frequently asked questions about UK NMC for overseas nurses

What is the NMC?

The NMC is the UK regulator for nurses and midwives. It maintains the professional register and sets standards for education, practice, conduct, and registration.

What is an NMC PIN?

An NMC PIN is your professional registration number. When you receive your PIN and appear on the NMC register, you can practise as a registered nurse in the UK, subject to your role, employer, immigration status, and scope of practice.

Can overseas nurses register with the NMC?

Yes. Nurses trained outside the UK can apply to join the NMC register if they meet the NMC’s requirements for qualification, registration, English language, health and character, identity, and competence.

Do all overseas nurses need the CBT and OSCE?

No. Many overseas nurses need the Test of Competence, but some applicants with qualifications that meet automatic-recognition rules may not. Always check your exact route with the NMC.

Can I take the OSCE before the CBT?

Yes. The NMC says you can sit CBT or OSCE in any order. However, many applicants take the CBT first because it can be taken through Pearson VUE test centres in many countries, while the OSCE is taken in the UK.

What is the NMC CBT?

The CBT is the computer-based test. For nurses and midwives, it has Part A for numeracy and Part B for clinical questions.

How many questions are in the NMC CBT?

The NMC CBT has 15 numeracy questions in Part A and 100 clinical questions in Part B.

How much does the CBT cost?

The NMC lists the fee for sitting both CBT parts as £83. Resit fees depend on whether you resit Part A, Part B, or both.

When will I get my CBT result?

The NMC says CBT results can be checked through the exam report after the test and in your Pearson VUE account within 48 hours. MyNMC should also update within 48 hours.

What is the NMC OSCE?

The OSCE is a practical clinical examination. It tests clinical and communication skills through stations that assess APIE, skills, values, behaviours, and evidence-based practice.

How many OSCE stations are there?

The NMC OSCE has 10 stations: four linked APIE stations, four skills stations, and two stations for values, behaviours, and evidence-based practice.

How much does the OSCE cost?

The NMC lists the OSCE fee as £794. The reduced resit fee is £397 if you need to resit seven or fewer stations.

When will I get my OSCE result?

The NMC says test centres email OSCE results within five working days of the OSCE date.

How many times can I retake the CBT?

You have three CBT attempts as part of one application, with a minimum of 10 days between sittings. If unsuccessful after three attempts, your application closes and you must wait six months to submit a new application and sit the CBT again.

How many times can I retake the OSCE?

You can take the OSCE up to three times as part of your application, with at least 10 days between sittings. If you do not pass on the third attempt, your application closes and you must wait at least six months before sitting the OSCE again under a new application.

How long is the Test of Competence valid?

You must pass CBT and OSCE within two years of each other. Once both are passed, the Test of Competence remains valid for five years.

What IELTS score is required for NMC registration?

The NMC requires IELTS Academic scores of at least 7.0 in reading, listening, and speaking, and at least 6.5 in writing.

What OET score is required for NMC registration?

The NMC requires OET Nursing grades of at least B, 350 or above, in reading, listening, and speaking, and at least C+, 300 or above, in writing.

Can I combine IELTS or OET results?

Yes, if you meet NMC combining rules. You cannot combine IELTS with OET. You must combine tests of the same type, sit them within 12 months of each other, and meet required scores and minimum scores across both sittings.

Can I work in the UK while waiting for the OSCE?

If you are entering the UK for a nursing role, NHS Employers says you normally have up to 12 weeks from the employment start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship to sit your first OSCE attempt. During this period, you may be legally employed as a pre-registration candidate, but you are not yet a registered nurse with an NMC PIN.

Can I practise as a registered nurse before I get my NMC PIN?

No. You should not practise as a registered nurse in the UK until you are on the NMC register and have your PIN.

What should I do if my passport changes?

Contact the NMC as early as possible. The NMC CBT and OSCE pages explain that passport updates can take working days, and urgent action may be needed if your exam is soon.

Is NMC registration the same as a UK visa?

No. NMC registration is professional registration. A UK visa or right to work is an immigration matter. Many overseas nurses also need employer sponsorship and a Health and Care Worker visa, but that is separate from NMC registration.

Final thoughts

The UK NMC process for overseas nurses is structured, but every stage matters. Start by checking your route, preparing documents carefully, and confirming the English language evidence you will use. Then plan your CBT, OSCE, ID check, health and character evidence, and final registration fee around realistic timelines.

The safest approach is simple: use official NMC pages, keep your documents consistent, avoid shortcuts, budget for possible resits, and never rely on anyone who guarantees registration.

Once the NMC confirms your application and issues your PIN, you can move from being an applicant to being a registered nurse in the UK.