Last reviewed: June 2026
Step 1 — English language (IELTS or OET)
You must show English proficiency, normally via IELTS Academic or the OET. As of 2026 the NMC's minimums are:
- IELTS Academic: Listening 7.0, Reading 7.0, Speaking 7.0, and Writing 6.5.
- OET: grade B (350+) in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and at least C+ (300+) in Writing.
You can combine two sittings taken within 12 months of each other, provided you take all four domains at each sitting and reach a pass in each domain across the two attempts (you can't mix IELTS with OET). Many Nigerian nurses prefer the OET because it uses healthcare scenarios. Confirm on the NMC before booking.
Step 2 — The CBT
The computer-based test (Part 1 of the NMC Test of Competence 2021) is a multiple-choice theory exam aligned to the UK nursing standards. Most candidates sit the CBT in their home country before travelling — so you can take it from Nigeria — and you may take the CBT and OSCE in either order. You can resit within the NMC's rules.
Step 3 — Qualification & registration verification
The NMC requires verification of your Nigerian training and registration directly from the NMCN. Start this early — third-party verification is a common bottleneck. Keep your NMCN licence current to avoid complications.
Step 4 — Job offer & sponsorship
Most Nigerian nurses come on a Health and Care Worker arrangement with an NHS trust or care provider sponsoring the visa. A good sponsor often covers exam costs, flights and OSCE training. Vet recruiters carefully and never pay an agency that asks for large upfront 'placement' fees.
Step 5 — The OSCE
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (Part 2 of the Test of Competence) is a practical assessment of 10 stations taken over about three hours at a UK test centre after you arrive. The stations cover the nursing care process (assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation), clinical skills, and values/evidence-based practice. Employers usually provide preparation. Passing the OSCE — with everything above complete — leads to your NMC PIN, your licence to practise in the UK.
Typical order & timeline
- Sit English test (IELTS/OET)
- Create NMC account, pass CBT
- NMC requests NMCN verification
- Secure sponsored job offer + visa
- Travel to UK, train, pass OSCE
- Receive NMC PIN, start work
Exact fees, score minimums, CBT/OSCE formats and visa rules are set by the NMC and UK government and change regularly — verify each step on gov.uk and nmc.org.uk before paying.