How to Register With the NMC UK as an International Nurse (Updated 2025)

1 Dec 2025

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For internationally trained nurses, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the essential key to practising in the United Kingdom. The process is rigorous but structured, designed to ensure all nurses meet the high standards of care the UK public expects.

This definitive 2025 guide walks you through the updated step-by-step process, including costs, timelines, and tips for a successful application.

An Overview of the NMC Registration Process for International Nurses

The NMC registration process for nurses trained outside the UK is a multi-stage journey. It can be visualised in three key phases, as shown in the flowchart below:

Part 1: Eligibility and Application (The Paperwork Stage)

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility & Create an NMC Online Account

Before you spend any money, ensure you meet the basic requirements:

You must have completed a post-secondary nursing education program of at least 3 years (or 4,600 hours) combining theory and practice.
You must be a current, registered nurse in your home country.
You must have practised as a nurse for at least 12 months (full-time equivalent) after qualifying.

If you meet these, go to the NMC website and create an NMC Online account. This portal will be your hub for the entire application.

Step 2: Take an English Language Proficiency Test

You must prove your English is safe for practice. You can do this by:

IELTS (Academic or OET (Occupational English Test):
- You need a minimum score of 7.0 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing for IELTS.
- For OET, you need at least a Grade B in all four sections.
- You can combine two test scores if you achieve the required minimum in all four areas across both tests, taken within 6 months.
Exemption: You might be exempt if you recently completed a pre-registration nursing or midwifery qualification taught and examined in English in a majority-English speaking country (like the UK, Ireland, Australia, USA).

Step 3: Complete Your Self-Assessment and Submit Application

In your NMC Online account, you will complete a self-assessment of your qualifications and experience against the UK’s standards. You will then formally submit your application and pay the initial assessment fee.

Step 4: Provide Your Supporting Documents via COPA and CAP

This is a crucial administrative step. You must provide:

Proof of Identity: A copy of your passport.
Proof of Qualification: Your nursing diploma/degree.
Registration Verification: Proof of your current registration in your home country.
Transcript of Training: A detailed breakdown of your nursing education.

How it works: The NMC uses two portals for this:

COPA (Computer-Based Test of Competence Part A): You enter your personal and training information here.
CAP (Computer-Based Test of Competence Part B): Your nursing education provider (your university/college) must complete this part to verify your training.

Tip: Contact your nursing school early to inform them that they will receive a request from the NMC. Delays here are common.

Part 2: The Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Once your Part 1 application is approved, you can book and take the CBT.

What it is: A multiple-choice exam taken at a Pearson VUE test centre in your home country (or another country if more convenient).
Content: It tests your theoretical nursing knowledge and your professional judgment. The exam is based on the current UK pre-registration nursing curriculum.
Format: 120 multiple-choice questions (90 scored, 30 pilot questions) to be completed in 4 hours.
Cost: £83 (as of 2024, check for 2025 updates).

Preparation: Use the official NMC Test of Competence 2021 blueprint to guide your studies. Consider investing in reputable online question banks and preparation courses.

Click Here To Learn More: Best Hospitals in British Columbia Hiring International Healthcare Workers

Part 3: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The final hurdle is the OSCE, which you must take in the UK.

What it is: A practical exam that simulates real-life clinical scenarios. It tests your clinical skills, decision-making, and patient-centred care.
Where: You must take it at an approved UK university test centre.
Format: The exam consists of several stations (like a circuit), including:
- Skill Stations: Demonstrating a clinical skill (e.g., wound dressing, medication administration).
- Scenario Stations: Managing a patient scenario, testing assessment, planning, and communication.
Cost: £794 (as of 2024, check for 2025 updates).

How to Approach it: Most international nurses secure a job with an NHS Trust first. The employer will typically sponsor your visa and pay for your OSCE (often as a salary advance). They will also provide paid OSCE preparation training.

The Complete Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates)

Fee Type	Cost (2024)	Estimated 2025 Cost
Initial Application Assessment	£140	£140 – £150
Computer-Based Test (CBT)	£83	£83 – £90
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)	£794	£794 – £820
Registration Fee (First Year)	£153	£153 – £160
Total	£1,170	~£1,200 – £1,220

Note: These are NMC fees only. Additional costs include English language tests, courier fees for documents, and potential travel/accommodation for exams.

Your 2026 Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Timeline

Months 1-2: Research & Preparation
- Research the process and costs.
- Begin studying for your English test (IELTS/OET).
Months 2-4: Application Stage
- Take and pass your English test.
- Create your NMC Online account and submit Part 1.
- Contact your nursing school to prepare them for the CAP request.
Months 4-5: The CBT
- Upon Part 1 approval, book and pass your CBT.
Months 5-7: Job Search & OSCE
- Start applying for NHS jobs! With CBT passed, you are highly employable.
- Secure a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an NHS Trust.
- Apply for your UK Health and Care Worker visa.
- Move to the UK and undergo OSCE training provided by your employer.
- Take and pass the OSCE.
Final Step: Full NMC Registration
- After passing the OSCE, the NMC will confirm your registration and issue your PIN (Personal Identification Number).
- You can now practice without supervision as a Registered Nurse in the UK.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Underestimating the English Test: The required scores are strict. Prepare thoroughly.
Delaying Contact with Your Nursing School: The CAP verification can take time. Alert your school early.
Poor OSCE Preparation: The OSCE is challenging. Take full advantage of the training your NHS employer provides.
Misunderstanding Costs: Budget for all fees and potential retakes.

Your NMC Registration Checklist

Researched the entire NMC process and associated costs.
Booked and passed an IELTS or OET exam.
Created an NMC Online account and started the application.
Contacted my nursing school to inform them of the upcoming CAP request.
Prepared for and passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Secured a job offer with an NHS Trust.
Applied for my UK visa and relocated.
Completed OSCE training and passed the OSCE.
Received my NMC PIN and started practising!

The path to NMC registration is a marathon, not a sprint. However, with careful planning, dedication, and the support of a future NHS employer, you can successfully navigate this process and embark on an incredibly rewarding nursing career in the United Kingdom.

Your skills are needed in the UK. Start your NMC journey today!

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