What This Guide Covers
Step 1: Nursing Qualification
Your nursing degree or diploma must meet the NMC’s educational standards for internationally trained applicants. The minimum requirements are:
- A recognised nursing diploma or degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum three years of full-time study
- At least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice included in the programme
- Qualification verifiable directly by the NMC through your home country’s nursing authority
Use the NMC self-assessment tool to confirm your qualification meets their standards before starting the application. This takes around 10 minutes and saves you from applying with an ineligible qualification.
Step 2: Active Home Country Registration
- Hold a current, unrestricted nursing licence in your country of qualification or employment
- No disciplinary actions, conditions, or restrictions on your registration
- Minimum one year of post-qualification clinical experience
- Most NHS Trusts actively prefer candidates with two or more years of recent bedside experience
Step 3: English Language Certification
The NMC requires proof of English language proficiency before your application can progress. Two tests are widely accepted:
| Test | Minimum Score | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 7.0, no component below 6.5 | £200 to £215 |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Grade B in reading, listening, speaking; Grade C+ in writing | £360 to £400 |
IELTS is more widely available globally and costs less. OET uses clinical nursing scenarios throughout, which many nurses find more manageable. Both are fully accepted by the NMC. Your result must be valid at the time of your NMC application submission.
From 8 January 2026, the UK government also raised the English language requirement to B2 level for Health and Care Worker Visa applications. Meeting the NMC language thresholds above satisfies this requirement.
Step 4: NMC Application
Once your language test is complete, you submit your formal application through the NMC Online portal. This involves:
- Creating your NMC Online account
- Uploading your passport, nursing qualification, and home country registration certificate
- Paying the non-refundable evaluation fee of £140
- The NMC contacts your home nursing authority directly to verify your credentials
- Assessment typically takes 40 to 60 working days after all documents are received
Once approved, you receive an NMC eligibility letter authorising you to book the CBT exam.
Step 5: NMC Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The CBT is Part 1 of the NMC Test of Competence. It tests your theoretical nursing knowledge against UK clinical standards and is sat at a Pearson VUE test centre in your home country.
- Part A: 15 numeracy questions covering drug calculations, IV flow rates, and unit conversions (30 minutes)
- Part B: 100 multiple-choice clinical knowledge questions (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Both parts must be passed in the same sitting
- CBT fee: £83, paid to Pearson VUE at booking
- Result is valid for two years; the OSCE practical exam in the UK must be completed within this window
- Three attempts permitted before the NMC application closes permanently
Once you hold a CBT pass, you are eligible to apply to NHS Trusts for a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship. For a full CBT preparation guide, see our NMC CBT Study Guide for International Nurses.
Full Cost Breakdown
Here is every cost you need to budget for before an NHS Trust takes over your expenses:
| Item | Cost | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | £200 to £215 | British Council or IDP |
| OET (if chosen instead) | £360 to £400 | OET directly |
| NMC evaluation fee | £140 (non-refundable) | NMC |
| NMC registration fee | £153 | NMC (paid after OSCE) |
| NMC CBT exam | £83 | Pearson VUE |
| OSCE practical exam | £992 | NMC approved test centre |
| Total (using IELTS) | Approximately £1,568 | |
| Total (using OET) | Approximately £1,768 |
What the NHS Reimburses
The majority of these costs are recoverable once an NHS Trust hires you. Most NHS relocation packages include reimbursement of the following after you pass your OSCE:
- IELTS or OET fee: Reimbursed by most Trusts
- NMC evaluation and registration fees: Reimbursed by most Trusts
- CBT exam fee (£83): Reimbursed by most Trusts
- OSCE fee (£992): Paid upfront by the Trust or reimbursed in full
- Health and Care Worker Visa fees: Paid directly by the Trust
- Flights to the UK: Covered up to £720 to £800
- Temporary accommodation: 4 to 12 weeks provided on arrival
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Fully exempt on the Health and Care Worker Visa
Reimbursement terms vary between Trusts and are usually paid through your payslip after your OSCE pass is confirmed. Always request the full written relocation policy before accepting any job offer.
For the complete picture of how the NHS sponsorship process works after you qualify, read the main guide: NHS Sponsorship for International Nurses: Visa, Flights and OSCE Covered.
