NMC Registration Guide for nurses trained outside of the EU/EEA*

Moving countries is a very exciting venture, however, it can also be very daunting, with so much to organise. At HCL Permanent, we are here to help you through the various things you will need to ensure a smooth transition into becoming a nurse in the UK. One such necessity is registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which was created to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public by ensuring nurses keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

Registering with the NMC is your first step to working in the UK. If you are needing a sick day check out bestfakedoctorsnotes.net forms for fake sick notes that work. To help you through registration, we have put together this quick step-by-step guide for nurses trained outside of the EU/EEA:

  • English language requirements – all applicants must be able to show they can communicate clearly and effectively in English by undertaking the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a score of 7.0. NMC will verify the scores with the IELTS organisation
  • Practice requirements – at the time of the application, the applicant must have practised as a registered nurse or midwife for at least 12 months (full time or the part-time equivalent) after qualifying. This post-registration experience must be relevant to the field of practice the applicant is applying for. If the applicant has not undertaken any duties as a registered nurse or midwife in the three years prior to making their application, they should contact NMC to discuss available options
  • Registration requirements – applicants must hold a current registration or licence without restriction with the licensing authority or registration body in the country in which they qualified or have been practising. NMC will require employment eligibility verification from that authority
  • Education requirements – applicants must have successfully completed at least 10 years of school education before starting a post-secondary education nursing or midwifery training programme
  • New applicants – applicants must complete an online self-assessment of their eligibility to apply before beginning the application process.

There are different fees for different stages of the application process:

  • – Application for nursing/midwifery £140
  • – Part 1 test of competence (CBT) £130
  • – Part 2 test of competence (OSCE) £992
  • – Admission onto our register £153

Total £1415

Each professional field of nursing, including adult (general), children’s, learning disabilities, mental health and the midwifery profession, is examined by our NMC’s test of competence. Part one is a multiple choice examination and part two is a practical examination called an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

  • Test of competence (CBT) – in the UK, each field of nursing and midwifery is separate and distinct. Each requires three years of specialist pre-registration education and practice. The test of competence requires extensive preparation and study to make sure you can demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of professional skills at the right level. The test of competence is in line with NMC’s pre-registration standards and competencies for all nurses and midwives. There are standards for adult (general) nursing, children’s nursing, learning disabilities nursing, mental health nursing and midwifery. They cover professional values, communication, nursing decision-making and leadership. Once applicants have passed the eligibility assessment, they will be asked to sit the first part of the test of competence. This will be a computer based test of theoretical practice-based knowledge. The test format will be multiple choice and can be taken in test centres around the world. Applicants will need to contact Pearson Vue, NMC’s test provider, to book and pay for their test.
  • Assessment – applicants will need to provide the following evidence in order to complete an assessment:
    • – A valid passport. This same document must also be presented at the test centre.
    • – Birth certificate
    • – A qualification certificate for each qualification being submitted as part of the application
    • – Registration certificates from each jurisdiction where the applicant has practised and/or been registered
    • – Two employment references confirming the applicant’s post-registration practice of at least 12 months, their competence and character
    • – Verifications from all jurisdictions where the applicant practised or where the applicant has been previously registered
    • – Transcript of training for all relevant nursing or midwifery programmes completed by the applicant. These must be calculated in hours or be accompanied by a letter from the training institution with a key to how the credits translate to hours
    • – A good health declaration from the applicant’s general practitioner or the occupational health department at their place of work
    • – A police clearance certificate from all countries where the applicant has lived since the age of 18
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) – the second part of the test is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This will act out scenarios which nurses and midwives are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, carry out and evaluate care. Each separate clinical examination is known as a ‘station’ and candidates will visit all the stations within a set time. Each of the six stations has standardised marking criteria against which all candidates are assessed. Candidates are assessed by a panel of examiners and will be filmed for quality assurance purposes. Candidates are expected to demonstrate safe and effective practice. The test of competence is based on current UK pre-registration standards. You can take the OSCE in the UK at the University of Northampton. When NMC authorises candidates to take the OSCE, they should contact the university directly.
  • Identification check – applicants are required to attend a face-to-face identification check at NMC office in London. At the ID interview you must produce the original versions of the documents you sent photocopies of. They will make final checks on your previous registration, and take a photograph for their records.
  • Final registration – once NMC has received notification that an applicant has successfully completed part two of the test of competence and the ID check, they will be invited to complete their final declaration and payment for registration online. Once both have been received, you will be sent your PIN (personal identification number), confirming that you are fully registered with the NMC. Your registration will then show up on the NMC register online.

UK immigration processes

Applicants should be aware that they will be required to meet the full requirements of the UK’s immigration processes separately. Read more


Translations

All documents submitted to NMC must be written in English. If documents are not in English, they need to be translated. The translation must:

  • – be produced by a certified translator, and
  • – be attached to the original-language version of the document.


Trained outside of EEA, but a national of EEA

If you trained outside the EEA, but you are a national of an EEA member state, you may be eligible to apply through the EU route of registration. However, to do this, you must have been registered and practising in an EEA member state for at least three years, and be able to provide evidence. The rules on this are particularly complex and you should contact NMC before you apply to discuss your situation.

HCL Workforce is here to help you should you need any further assistance. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated team members on +44 (0) 20 7861 8950. Don’t forget take a look at the jobs we have on offer across the UK.

*Rules governing registration are complex and for this reason, please contact the Nurses and Midwifery Council on www.nmc-uk.org

38 Responses to “NMC Registration Guide for nurses trained outside the EU/EEA”

    • Gwyneth Barrett

      Dear Jessica,
      Thank you for your interest in the UK. Please send me an email with your updated CV, including your contact details and I will call you to talk you through the NMC process and can advise you further.
      I look forward to hearing from you.

      Kind regards,
      Gwyneth Barrett T: 02078618777 ext 1514
      Team Leader M: 07595001916
      International

      August 14, 2017 at 11:48 am
      Reply
  2. Win

    Hi! I just noticed this post if from June of 2015. Are there any update so far for UK registration for nurses outside EU? Thank you so much! I would also like to have an information package if that is applicable. More power!

    August 20, 2017 at 8:13 am
    Reply
  3. Zaklina

    I would like to get to info pack /application form to apply for registration in U.K. I trained in Australia thanks in advance jessica

    I would like to applied for registration like a nurse in uk.I trained in Macedonia.Thanks in advance.Zaklina

    September 17, 2017 at 4:37 pm
    Reply
  4. Annika

    Hie I would like to get an application form to apppky for registration in uk
    I have a eu nationality but trained in India
    Please help me out m totally lost in this registration thing
    Thanks
    Annika

    September 28, 2017 at 3:13 pm
    Reply
  6. Paula Candlish

    I have practised in Australia as a Nurse Practitioner for the past 8 years, and have been registered for 40. I am considering spending some time in the UK, and would like to do some casual work or teaching, however I know I require registration to do any of this. I have initiated the process but am unsure of exactly what else will be required.

    November 1, 2017 at 3:04 am
    Reply
  8. Doris Kemakolam

    I will also like to get your info pack, application form to apply for Registration in UK, and link to complete online self assessment. I had my nursing training in United States as a Registered nurse. Thanks

    November 6, 2017 at 12:42 pm
    Reply
  10. FRED EJENAVI

    I trained in Nigeria and I habe been working in Nigeria. I specialized in perioperative nursing with good locum experience in shell I.A. hospital also in Nigeria. I will like to register with the NMC in uk and practise there. What should I do?. Pls I do not want this published on public domain.

    November 8, 2017 at 10:48 am
    Reply
  20. Ajayi Adejoke Morolade

    I am a Nigerian trained Nurse with Rn/phn/BNSC qualifications. I once sat for the ielts but with a band score of 6. I love to work and study further in UK. Kindly enlighten me on the nmc proceedings and if I’m qualified to start the process. Thanks in anticipation of your response

    December 23, 2017 at 11:34 pm
    Reply
  21. Ajayi Adejoke Morolade

    I am a Nigerian trained Nurse with Rn/Phn/Bnsc qualifications. I once sat for ielts but with a band score of 6. I want to know if I’m qualified to begin the process with the nmc. Uk and what the proceeding is like. Thanks for your anticipated response.

    December 23, 2017 at 11:44 pm
    Reply
  27. Ram kala

    hello
    I did diploma in nursing from my country Nepal. I worked at cancer hospital for around 7 years. Then I moved in Portugal and I didn’t have chance to work their. Now I am an EEA National and living in the UK. I am also working as a care assistant in care home. currently I am preparing for IELTS exam but I am not sure that I can apply for a NMC registration because I had a gap. would you mind to give me suggestions please.

    May 7, 2019 at 4:57 pm
    Reply
  28. Lisa Domer

    Good morning. US trained RN with 24 years experience, the last 18 in emergency and trauma. I would like to apply to the registry to work on the Isle of Man. Any information you can send would be most helpful. Thank you

    May 11, 2019 at 3:15 pm
    Reply

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