All nurses working in the UK must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Overseas-trained nurses follow a structured Test of Competence — Part 1 (CBT) abroad, Part 2 (OSCE) in the UK.
Step 1: Application and qualifications check
Submit your qualifications, English evidence and identity documents via the NMC online portal. Allow 6-8 weeks for the initial decision.
Step 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Sit the CBT at a Pearson VUE test centre in your home country. Two parts: numeracy and theory. Most trusts will issue a CoS once you have passed the CBT.
Step 3: Move to the UK
Start work as a pre-registration nurse / international educated nurse — typically on Band 4 pay — while you prepare for the OSCE.
Step 4: OSCE
Practical assessment at one of four UK test centres (Northampton, Oxford Brookes, Ulster, NMC London). Most trusts cover OSCE fees, prep courses and study leave.