Skip to content

Register as a nurse or midwife if you trained outside the UK

Everything you need to know about joining the register as a nurse or midwife in the United Kingdom

Check you are ready to register

Get a personalised checklist of the evidence you will need to provide in your application.

Get your pre-application checklist

Find out how to join the register

Read our step by step guide on the application process to find out what you need to do

Read the guide

Test of Competence

We use the Test of Competence (ToC) to assess the skills and knowledge of people applying to join our register from overseas or rejoin our register after a long period away from practice.

English language requirements

When you apply to register with us, we need to be satisfied you have the necessary knowledge of English to communicate clearly and effectively. This requirement is the same for all applicants to our register.

Health and character

We need to make sure nurses, midwives and nursing associates have the skills, knowledge, health and character to be able to care for people safely.

ID Check process and requirements

As part of the registration process, all NMC applicants must have a face-to-face ID check conducted by a member of the ID Verification team at one of our Test of Competence centres to verify all documents as original.

Professional indemnity arrangement

You need to have an indemnity arrangement in place when you practise as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate.

Registration appeals

When an application for registration is refused by the Assistant Registrar, in some circumstances, it’s possible to appeal that decision.

Forcibly displaced persons

Additional support for the application process is available to you if you have been forcibly displaced.