Internationally-educated nurses register with the NMC via the Test of Competence. It has two parts: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) of theoretical knowledge, taken online in the applicant’s own country, followed by an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), taken in the UK, which tests practical clinical judgement and skills. A different test applies to each part and field of the register. The NMC accepts an NCLEX-RN pass as evidence of theoretical competence for some applicants, but the OSCE is still required.
Entry requirements & restrictions
- Accepted English tests
- IELTS Academic (incl. UKVI) and OET; IELTS indicator and PTE not accepted[5]
- IELTS Academic minimum scores
- At least 7 in reading, listening and speaking; at least 6.5 in writing[6]
- OET minimum scores
- Grade B (350+) in reading, listening and speaking; grade C+ (300+) in writing[7]
- English test validity
- IELTS and OET valid 2 years from test date; must still be valid when application joins NMC assessment queue[8]
- Alternative English-language evidence routes (besides a test)
- Pre-registration programme taught and examined in English (transcript); or 1 year recent registered practice in a majority English-speaking country[9]
What it costs to qualify
- Qualification evaluation fee (non-refundable, paid to NMC)
- £167[2]
- OSCE fee, first sitting (paid to test provider)
- £794; full resit £794 (8+ stations failed); partial resit £397 (up to 7 stations failed)[3]
- Registration fee (paid to NMC on registration application; refundable in certain circumstances)
- £182[4]
Sources & verification
- The NMC Test of Competence has two parts: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) taken online, then an OSCE taken in the UK, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
- Qualification evaluation fee (non-refundable, paid to NMC): £167, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- OSCE fee, first sitting (paid to test provider): £794; full resit £794 (8+ stations failed); partial resit £397 (up to 7 stations failed), source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- Registration fee (paid to NMC on registration application; refundable in certain circumstances): £182, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- Accepted English tests: IELTS Academic (incl. UKVI) and OET; IELTS indicator and PTE not accepted, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- IELTS Academic minimum scores: At least 7 in reading, listening and speaking; at least 6.5 in writing, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- OET minimum scores: Grade B (350+) in reading, listening and speaking; grade C+ (300+) in writing, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- English test validity: IELTS and OET valid 2 years from test date; must still be valid when application joins NMC assessment queue, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- Alternative English-language evidence routes (besides a test): Pre-registration programme taught and examined in English (transcript); or 1 year recent registered practice in a majority English-speaking country, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.