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The UK nursing register

NMC registration guide for international nurses

CBT, OSCE, English requirements, the Health and Care Worker visa — the complete UK pathway, and how Global Nurse Force takes you from eligibility check to your first NHS shift.

Key facts — NMC registration

  • • Regulator: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
  • • Two-part Test of Competence: CBT (home country) + OSCE (in the UK)
  • • English: IELTS Academic 7.0 per band or OET grade B per sub-test
  • • Visa: Health and Care Worker — reduced fees, no health surcharge, 3-8 week processing
  • • Most UK employers fund the OSCE and give protected prep time
Start your UK journey with GNFNursing jobs in the UK

Registration process

How to join the NMC register

  1. 1

    Pass an accepted English test

    IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 in each band, 6.5 writing under combined-sitting rules) or OET (minimum B in each sub-test, C+ writing combined). GNF Career Pathways runs IELTS and OET preparation built around NMC score requirements.

  2. 2

    Open your NMC application and verify eligibility

    Create your NMC online account and submit qualification, registration and experience evidence. Your nursing degree must include the required theory and clinical hours (a minimum 3-year programme for most applicants).

  3. 3

    Sit the CBT in your home country

    Part 1 of the Test of Competence — a computer-based multiple-choice exam covering numeracy and clinical knowledge, taken at a Pearson VUE centre. Centres operate across India, the Philippines, the Gulf and more.

  4. 4

    Interview and secure your UK employer

    With CBT passed, you interview with NHS trusts and care providers. Global Nurse Force arranges employer interviews directly — zero placement fees, offer letters typically within weeks.

  5. 5

    Health and Care Worker visa

    Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship. The dedicated healthcare visa has reduced fees, no Immigration Health Surcharge, and 3-8 week processing. GNF handles the documentation with you.

  6. 6

    Arrive in the UK and pass the OSCE

    Part 2 of the Test of Competence — a practical clinical simulation taken at an approved UK test centre after you start. Most employers fund the attempt and provide protected preparation time.

  7. 7

    Receive your NMC PIN

    With both parts passed and your documents verified, the NMC issues your PIN — you are now a UK Registered Nurse. Band 5 progression, further specialisation and family relocation follow from here.

Frequently asked

About NMC registration

What is NMC registration?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulator for nurses in the UK. International nurses must join the NMC register before practising. Registration requires a recognised nursing qualification, English language proficiency, and passing the two-part Test of Competence: the CBT (taken in your home country) and the OSCE (taken in the UK).
What is the NMC CBT?
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is Part 1 of the NMC Test of Competence. It is a multiple-choice exam covering numeracy and clinical nursing knowledge, taken at a Pearson VUE test centre in your home country — including centres across India and the Philippines. Global Nurse Force provides structured NMC CBT preparation.
What is the OSCE and where do I take it?
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is Part 2 of the Test of Competence. It simulates real clinical scenarios and is taken in the UK after you arrive — most employers give you protected preparation time and pay the fee for your first attempt. It must typically be passed within a set period of starting your UK role.
What English scores does the NMC accept?
The NMC accepts IELTS Academic with a minimum of 7.0 in each band (6.5 in writing under combined-sitting rules) or OET with a minimum of grade B in each sub-test (C+ in writing under combined-sitting rules). Global Nurse Force Career Pathways runs IELTS and OET preparation designed around NMC requirements.
What visa do UK-bound nurses use?
The Health and Care Worker visa — a dedicated route for healthcare professionals with reduced application fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and fast processing (typically 3-8 weeks). Your sponsoring NHS trust or care provider issues the Certificate of Sponsorship.
How long does the full UK pathway take?
From starting English preparation to arriving in the UK is typically 6-12 months: English test and CBT in your home country, employer interview and offer, visa processing, then OSCE within your first months in the UK. Global Nurse Force manages the sequence so stages overlap where possible.
Does Global Nurse Force charge nurses for UK placement?
No. Global Nurse Force operates zero-cost placement for candidates — our clients are the hospitals and care providers who hire you. We support you through NMC registration, interviews, visa and relocation without placement fees.

Begin your UK RN journey

English prep, CBT training, NHS interviews, visa and relocation — end to end, at zero cost to you. 25+ years of experience, 10,000+ visas processed.

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