- Overseas applicants take the Test of Competence: a computer-based test (CBT) and a practical test (OSCE).
- Both parts must be passed within two years of each other; the result then stays valid for five years.
- Every applicant has a face-to-face ID check.
- The NMC's published overseas total is £1,226 from 1 October 2026.
The Test of Competence
The NMC uses the Test of Competence to assess the skills and knowledge of people applying from overseas or rejoining after a long absence. It has two parts, a multiple-choice CBT and a practical OSCE, and the NMC says they can be taken in any order. See the CBT and OSCE explained.
How it unfolds for a genuine applicant
- Use the NMC's assessment tool to get a personalised checklist of the documents you need.
- Have your overseas qualification evaluated.
- Pass the CBT and the OSCE within two years of each other.
- Show the NMC your English language ability, health and character declarations, and professional indemnity arrangement.
- Attend the face-to-face ID check. The NMC says every applicant must have one, carried out by its verification team at Test of Competence centres to confirm that documents are originals.
- Pay the registration fee and wait for the decision. A refusal can be appealed in some circumstances.
What a recruiter may promise, and what the NMC process requires
| Promise | What the NMC says |
|---|---|
| “Guaranteed registration” | The NMC must be satisfied of your skills, knowledge, health and character |
| “We will handle the test for you” | Test results are yours; ID is checked in person at the test centre |
| “Register without exams” | Overseas applicants without a relevant European qualification take the Test of Competence |
| “Pay us the NMC fees” | Fees are set out on the NMC's costs page: see what it costs |
Two-minute checks before you pay a recruiter
- Does the recruiter's description of each step match the list above?
- Is any fee labelled as an NMC fee? Compare it with the figures on the NMC costs page.
- Is the employer named, and can you find the employer's own contact details?
- Have you been asked to pay into a personal account? Stop.
Why this matters for scams
Some recruiters promise a registration number, a certificate of sponsorship or a job in return for a fee. The NMC route has no step where a third party can buy you a PIN. Anyone claiming otherwise is selling a fake or taking money for nothing: see overseas nurse recruitment scams.
Myth and fact
Myth: An agent can arrange the ID check for you.
Fact: The NMC says all applicants must have a face-to-face ID check.
Myth: Passing one test part is enough.
Fact: Both parts must be passed within two years of each other.
Fake registration after the fact
Employers check the NMC register by PIN. A nurse who claims registration but cannot be found, or whose date differs, may be the next Tanya Nasir case: see fake nurse consequences.
Frequently asked questions
How do overseas nurses join the NMC register?
By passing the Test of Competence and meeting English language, health, character, ID and indemnity requirements. The NMC's assessment tool produces a personalised checklist of evidence.
Does the NMC check identity in person?
Yes. The NMC says all applicants must have a face-to-face ID check, done by its verification team at Test of Competence centres.
Can a recruiter get me registered faster?
No. Registration is decided by the NMC after you complete its steps. Be cautious of any promise of a guaranteed outcome.
Can I take the CBT and OSCE in any order?
Yes, the NMC says the two parts can be taken in any order, but both must be passed within two years of each other.
How long is a Test of Competence valid?
Once both parts are passed, the NMC says it remains valid for five years.
Can a refusal be appealed?
The NMC says that in some circumstances a refusal by the Assistant Registrar can be appealed. Read the NMC's own page for the current rules.