NMC registration for international nurses — answered

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the UK statutory regulator for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. You must be on the NMC register to use those protected titles and practise in the UK.

Through the NMC’s Test of Competence, taken in two parts. Part 1 is the CBT (a computer-based test of theory) which can be sat online in many countries. Part 2 is the OSCE (an objective structured clinical examination) taken in person at an approved test centre in the UK. You also provide evidence of your qualification, registration in your home country, English-language ability and good health and character.

The CBT (Computer Based Test) is Part 1 of the NMC Test of Competence — a multiple-choice exam covering numeracy and clinical knowledge, delivered through the NMC’s test provider and available at centres in many countries. The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is Part 2 — a practical, scenario-based assessment of clinical skills taken at a UK university test centre once you are in the UK.

The NMC accepts IELTS Academic with 7.0 overall — a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing — or OET Grade B with at least C+ in writing, unless you meet an exemption (for example training taught and examined in English, or recent registered practice in a majority-English-speaking country). Confirm the current requirement on the NMC English-language page.

There are separate charges for the CBT, the OSCE, the registration application and the annual registration fee, on top of the English test, travel and visa costs. The NMC lists each current fee on its website — check it directly rather than relying on a total from an older source.

Timelines vary with test availability, document verification and how quickly evidence is gathered. Many nurses complete the CBT in their home country and then travel to the UK for the OSCE, which is often arranged by an employer. Because each stage depends on scheduling, the NMC advises checking current processing times rather than assuming a fixed duration.

Newly-registered nurses in England start on Agenda for Change Band 5 (about £29,970–£36,483 full-time, 2024/25), progressing to Band 6 and Band 7 with experience and specialism. Pay is set nationally and revised annually; confirm the current banding with NHS Employers.

No. GeraClinic is a telemedicine platform, not a recruitment agency. These answer hubs are general educational information for people who independently want to understand the UK registration pathway. GeraClinic does not recruit, sponsor, place or supply staff to the NHS, does not advertise specific vacancies, and never charges an applicant a fee.