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.
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, verified 2026-06-12
Verified reference information — not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.