NMC UK Registration Process for Nurses and Midwives Trained Outside the UK
If you are a nurse or midwife trained outside the UK, understanding the NMC UK registration process is the first step toward practicing in the United Kingdom.
What is the NMC?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulatory body that maintains the register of all nurses, midwives, and nursing associates in the UK. To practise as a registered nurse in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, you must hold a valid NMC registration and PIN number.
For internationally educated nurses, the NMC has a structured pathway to assess whether your training meets UK standards. The process involves document verification, an English language test, and a two-part Test of Competence — the CBT and OSCE.
Stage 1 — Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that your nursing qualification and registration are equivalent to UK standards. You must hold a nursing degree (or equivalent) and be registered as a nurse in your home country. Nepal Nursing Council registration is required.
You must also meet English language requirements. The NMC accepts OET (minimum Grade B in all four sub-tests), IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0), or PTE Academic (minimum 65 overall with no communicative skill below 65). OET is strongly recommended for healthcare professionals because the content is directly relevant to clinical practice.
Stage 2 — Submit Your Application
Create an account on the NMC Online portal and begin your application. You will need to upload: a valid passport, your nursing degree certificate and transcripts, a Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) from the Nepal Nursing Council, a character reference, and your English language test results.
The NMC charges an application fee of approximately £153. After reviewing your documents, the NMC sends a decision letter confirming your eligibility to proceed to the Test of Competence. Processing typically takes 60 to 90 days.
Stage 3 — Pass the Test of Competence
The Test of Competence has two parts. Part 1 is the Computer-Based Test (CBT) — a 120-question multiple-choice exam testing nursing knowledge against UK standards. The CBT fee is £83 and it can be taken at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide, including in Kathmandu, Nepal. This means you can clear Part 1 before leaving Nepal.
Part 2 is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) — a 10-station practical assessment of clinical skills conducted in the UK at one of five approved test centres. The OSCE fee is £794. Most employers who recruit internationally provide OSCE preparation as part of their onboarding programme.
Stage 4 — Join the NMC Register
After passing both the CBT and OSCE, and once all other requirements are met — including health declaration, good character declaration, and payment of the registration fee (approximately £120) — the NMC admits you to the register. You receive your NMC PIN, which is your licence to practise as a registered nurse in the UK.
The total fee for the NMC registration journey is approximately £1,170 (application + CBT + OSCE + registration). This does not include travel, accommodation in the UK for the OSCE, or English test fees.
How LIFE Academy Supports Your NMC Journey
LIFE Academy provides end-to-end support for Nepali nurses pursuing NMC UK registration. Our NMC preparation package (NPR 5,000) covers English language preparation (OET or IELTS), CBT study materials and mock tests, document checklist guidance, and guidance on the OSCE format and what to expect.
We have helped hundreds of Nepali nurses begin their UK registration journey. Contact us at 9855082586 or visit our office in Bharatpur, Chitwan, to start your NMC journey today.
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