United Kingdom checklist for nurses

0 of 6 steps ticked

1. Score IELTS Academic (L/R/S 7, W 6.5) or OET (B, writing C+)
2. Open NMC Online, submit eligibility and qualification application, pay GBP 167
3. Pass the CBT (numeracy + clinical) at a test centre in your country
4. Get a UK job offer and Health and Care Worker visa
5. Pass the OSCE at a UK test centre
6. Face-to-face ID check, pay GBP 182 registration fee, receive your PIN

Language test

• IELTS Academic: Minimum listening 7, reading 7, writing 6.5, speaking 7 Only IELTS Academic and OET are accepted. Two sittings of the same test within 12 months may be combined if each meets the floor; scores valid 2 years at assessment.
• OET (Nursing): Minimum listening B (350), reading B (350), writing C+ (300), speaking B (350) Same combination and 2-year validity rules as IELTS; IELTS and OET cannot be mixed.

Licensing exam

• Test of Competence part 1: CBT (numeracy + clinical): Computer-based test in two parts, numeracy and nursing theory; taken from home country before travel (Partial resits allowed (numeracy only or clinical only))
• Test of Competence part 2: OSCE: Objective structured clinical examination in the UK, usually after arrival with an employer (Partial resit if up to seven stations failed; full resit if eight or more failed)