How to Apply for NMC UK Registration — Complete Guide for International Nurses and Midwives

NMC UK registration is the mandatory licensing process required to practice as a nurse or midwife in the United Kingdom. Administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the process for internationally educated nurses consists of two mandatory assessments: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). International applicants must also pass an English language test and complete a document verification process. NEAC manages the entire NMC UK application pathway on behalf of international nurse and midwife applicants.

What Is the NMC UK?

NMC UK registration is the two-stage clinical assessment pathway for internationally educated nurses and midwives seeking to join the UK nursing register. The Nursing and Midwifery Council first reviews educational equivalency, then requires candidates to pass a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at an approved UK test center. Successful completion results in full registration on the NMC register, allowing legal nursing or midwifery practice anywhere in the UK.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Profession Qualification Required Notes
Registered Nurse (Adult, Child, MH, LD) BSN or equivalent nursing degree recognized by home country authority NMC assesses educational equivalency to UK nursing standards
Midwife Recognized midwifery degree or equivalent qualification Separate OSCE track for midwifery
Nursing Associate (NA) Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent Separate registration pathway from Registered Nurse

Documents Required

1.    Valid passport (identification document)

2.    Nursing/midwifery degree certificate

3.    Official academic transcripts

4.    Current registration certificate from home country nursing authority

5.    Good Standing Certificate / Certificate of Current Professional Status

6.    Character references (as required by NMC)

7.    English language test results (IELTS Academic 7.0 / OET Nursing Grade B)

8.    Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate — required once in UK

9.    Health declaration (occupational health clearance)

10.  Name change documentation (if applicable)

How NEAC Processes Your Application — Step by Step

1.    Eligibility and Pathway Assessment: NEAC reviews your nursing qualification, work experience, and English language results to determine your readiness for NMC application and advise on any gaps to address before submission.

2.    NMC Online Application: NEAC prepares and submits your NMC application portal profile, uploads all required documents, and manages communication with NMC case workers during the document review phase.

3.    CBT Scheduling and Preparation Guidance: Once NMC approves your CBT eligibility, NEAC guides you in scheduling the Computer-Based Test at a Pearson VUE testing center globally and advises on available preparation resources.

4.    OSCE Preparation and Booking: After passing the CBT, NEAC guides you through booking the OSCE at an NMC-approved test center in the UK and advises on what to expect in each OSCE station.

5.    NMC Register Activation: After passing the OSCE, NEAC supports the final NMC PIN registration steps and advises on next actions for employment with a UK NHS or private employer.

How Long Does the Application Take?

Stage Estimated Duration Notes
NMC Document Review 8–16 weeks NMC reviews educational equivalency and documentation
CBT Preparation and Scheduling 4–8 weeks From CBT eligibility notification to test date
OSCE Booking and Travel to UK 4–12 weeks OSCE wait times vary; UK travel coordination required
NMC PIN Issuance 1–2 weeks After passing OSCE, PIN issued relatively quickly
Total Estimated Timeline 9–18 months English test preparation and document gaps are main delays

Application Cost

Item

Estimated Fee

Notes

NMC Application Fee

GBP 140

Paid directly to NMC at application

CBT Exam Fee


Part A: 15-mark numeracy assessment

Part B: 100-mark theory assessment

Retake fees may vary depending on results:

  • If both parts are failed, applicant must repay the full GBP 83

  • If only one part is failed, fee structure may change accordingly

GBP 83

  • Resit Part A and Part B: GBP 83

  • Resit Part A only: GBP 50

  • Resit Part B only: GBP 70

Paid via Pearson VUE

OSCE Exam Fee

GBP 794

For a resit, the fee is GBP 397 when the exam includes seven or fewer stations. 

English Test (IELTS / OET)

USD 200–300 / AUD 500+

Varies by country and provider

NMC Annual Registration Fee

After successfully completing both the CBT and OSCE, the applicant must proceed with paying a registration fee. 

GBP 153

Annual renewal after PIN issued

NEAC Service Fee

Contact NEAC

Full NMC application pathway management

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the CBT and OSCE for NMC UK?

The CBT (Computer-Based Test) is a multiple-choice examination testing nursing theory and knowledge, taken at Pearson VUE centers worldwide. The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a hands-on clinical skills assessment conducted at approved UK test centers. Both must be passed to achieve full NMC registration.

Can I take the NMC OSCE outside the UK?

No. The NMC OSCE must be taken at an NMC-approved test center within the United Kingdom. Candidates must travel to the UK for this stage. NEAC advises applicants on OSCE booking timing to coordinate with visa and travel planning.

Do I need IELTS or OET for NMC UK registration?

Yes, unless you trained in a country recognized by the NMC as predominantly English-speaking.

  • IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.0, with no band lower than 6.5

  • OET Nursing: At least grade B (350+) in reading, listening, and speaking, and a minimum of grade C+ (300+) in writing

How many times can I retake the NMC CBT or OSCE?

NMC allows up to three CBT attempts. If all three are failed, candidates must apply for a new NMC application cycle. For the OSCE, candidates have up to three attempts per referral.

What is an NMC PIN?

An NMC PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the unique registration number issued to nurses on the NMC Register. It is required to legally practice as a nurse or midwife in the UK. Employers verify NMC PINs on the public NMC register before offering employment.

Can Filipino nurses apply for NMC UK registration?

Yes. Filipino nurses are among the largest groups applying for NMC UK registration. A valid PRC license, BSN degree, and English language qualification are required. NEAC has guided hundreds of Filipino nurses through the full NMC CBT and OSCE pathway.

Start Your NMC UK Registration Application Today

NEAC manages the complete NMC UK registration pathway — from document submission and CBT scheduling to OSCE preparation guidance and NMC PIN activation. Contact NEAC today to assess your eligibility and get your UK nursing career started on the right track.