UK Nursing Registration Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – A General Overview
One of the joys of being a nurse is that your job allows you to travel anywhere in the world. However in order for you to practice overseas, you will need to be registered with the Nursing Board of that particular country. You’ll find that overseas registration can be a lengthy process. But we’re here to help! Over a series of blog posts, we’ll be breaking down living and working in the UK.
What to know before you apply
The nursing boards need to adequately assess if you are qualified enough to practice in their country and ensure the safety of their patients.
Before applying for registration, you should:
- Plan for a minimum of 6 months for completion of the registration This does not include the work permit/visa process which can be an additional 3-6 months.
- You will need to secure your nursing registration before you can apply for a job in the UK. This means you will need to pay the registration application fee to NMC before knowing you have a job secured.
- CCM can assist you in securing nursing employment in the UK however nursing registration must be obtained first before applying for a job.
Most of the hospitals, where CCM have positions available, will reimburse various costs of the registration process. Remember to keep receipts of all payments
Who is the Nursing Authority in the UK?
The Nursing authority in the UK is the NMC – Nursing and Midwifery Council. Any nurse or midwife who wishes to practice in the UK must be registered and approved by the NMC.
Who is eligible to apply for registration?
To be eligible to apply for nursing registration you must:
- Hold a valid nursing license/registration, without restrictions, in the country in which you qualified or are currently practising in.
- Meet the English Language Requirements.
- Your passport must have more than three months to expiry at the time you submit your application
How do I know if I’ve met the English Language Requirements?
You have recently achieved the required score in one of the English language tests accepted by the NMC – please refer to this link for more information.
You WILL NOT need to take an English Competence Exam if:
- Your pre-registration nurse, midwife or nursing associate qualification was taught and examined in English.
- Recent practice of at least one year in a majority English speaking country.
You’ll need to provide evidence that shows how your training meets the English language requirements, such as a transcript of your training. If you are unable to send the evidence requested, or the NMC are not satisfied with the documents sent, you will need to provide alternative evidence such as an English language test (IELTs or OET only).
What is the application process?
The Application Process is a 4-step process.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
The NMC website provides you with a helpful pre-application checklist. This tool can help you work out:
- What evidence you’ll need to provide if you decide to register with the NMC as a nurse or midwife
- Who you may need to contact if you have any questions
- What guidance you need to read
The checklist can be obtained by clicking here
Step 2: Complete the Eligibility and qualification Application
During this step in the process the NMC will check you are eligible to enter the register. You will need to:
- Provide identity evidence
- Provide qualification and registration information
- Pay the evaluation fee £140 – non-refundable
- Await the evaluation outcome
The following link will take you to the first page to set up your online account to begin your application process.
Step 3: Test of Competence
The test of competence ensures your knowledge and skills will allow you to practice safely within the UK. The test of competence consists of two parts.
- a multiple-choice computer based theoretical test known as the CBT
- a practical test known as the OSCE
You’ll need to pass both parts of the test before you can complete your registration application.
CBT (Computer Based Test) The following link will bring to you further information about the CBT, this will provide you with essential reading, test blueprints and standards of proficiency.
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a practical exam, made up of several stations based on clinical skills and clinical scenarios. The following link will provide you with information on how you can best prepare for your OCSE.
Simultaneously, when you are requested to complete the CBT and OSCE, you will need to provide the following in support your registration.
- Provide evidence of health
- Evidence of character
- Provide language evidence
- Confirm professional indemnity arrangement
- Pay registration fee
Documents required include:
- Passport (proof of any name change will also be required)
- Birth Certificate
- Qualification Certificate (Transcripts from School you did your training in)
- Employment Certificate/Verification
- Registration Certificates from each country you are registered
- Full police Clearance from any country lived in the last 10 years
- You will be asked to print, complete and return a registration verification, Form to Accompany Transcript of Training (FATT) and a good health declaration from your GP or Occupation Health Department.
Step 4: Complete Registration
On passing the CBT & OCSE, submitted final documentation and paid your registration fee, the NMC will then assess your application. This step may take between 30-90 days
The NMC will email you to inform you of their decision and your next steps. Please retain this email for your records.
If you would like more information about nursing opportunities in the UK click here to connect with one of our recruiters.
