Ireland and the UK have different nursing boards, in Ireland it is the NMBI and in the UK it is the NMC. Both systems of registration are very similar however there are some key differences which are highlighted some of the main ones below.
- From the 1st of January 2021 the UK are no longer in the EU, meaning the NMC no longer need to follow EU Directives relating to Nurse Registration, whereas Ireland who is still on the EU does follow EU Directives.
Nurses looking to register in the UK who do not meet with the EU Directive for Automatic recognition will now have the additional step of completing the CBT and OSCI tests in order to complete their registration. The CBT is a computer-based test you need to complete to prove your nursing competency and the OSCI is an aptitude test which you will need to complete in the UK in order to finalise your registration. You will receive a temporary permit which will allow you to move to the UK in order to complete the OSCI, if you fail the OSCI your work permit will be canceled, and you will need to return to your home country. On top of the time and stress issues this causes, there is also a substantial cost related to these two tests.
None of these changes will affect the NMBI system which will remain the same as it has always been, following EU Directives and no requirement for an EU Qualified nurse to complete any further tests in order to complete the registration process.
- English Requirement
The main difference between the NMC and the NMBI in relation to the English test is as follows.
With the NMBI you can scores a 6.5 in any element of the IELTS as long as you achieve a 7 in the three remaining areas, and a C+ in any element of the OET as long as you achieve a B in the three remaining areas, whereas with the NMC you can only achieve the lower score in the writing section.
| IELTS | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| NMC | 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| NMBI | 6.5, as long as you achieve a 7 in the three remaining areas | 6.5, as long as you achieve a 7 in the three remaining areas | 6.5 as long as you achieve a 7 in the three remaining areas | 6.5 as long as you achieve a 7 in the three remaining areas |
| OET | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| NMC | B | C+ | B | B |
| NMBI | C+ as long as you achieve a B in the three remaining areas | C+ as long as you achieve a B in the three remaining areas | C+ as long as you achieve a B in the three remaining areas | C+ as long as you achieve a B in the three remaining areas |
- Application process
Both bodies have a 30+ page booklet that explains the whole process step by step and we have details blogs on our site which cover these topics
Before you start the registration process, we would highly recommend that you read the necessary booklet.
Below you will see some of the key differences.
- Documents required
- The NMC will receive all the required documents directly from the applicant while the NMBI will require you to upload all your documents onto your account on the online platform.
There is a list below of the documents required to apply for registration through the Acquired Rights or Automatic recognition paths.
| NMC | NMBI |
| Completed Application Form | Copy of Passport |
| Certified copy of Passport | Certificate of Conformity or Certificate of Acquired Rights |
| Police Clearance ** | Certificate of Current Professional Status/Certificate of Good Character |
| Certified Evidence of your Qualification | Evidence of Formal Qualification/Diploma |
| Verification (CCPS) | IELTS or OET Result |
| Declaration of good health | |
| Marriage Certificate (If necessary) |
** Date on document must be within the last three months.
- Cost
- NMC
- £140 application assessment fee / payable in order for the NMC to assess your documents
- £153 registration fee / Payable at the final stage of the process
- £83 to sit the CBT, if necessary
- £794 to sit the OSCE, and £397 to resit the OSCE, if necessary
- NMBI
- €350 application assessment fee / payable at the very beginning of the process
- €145 registration fee / Payable at the final stage of the process
- Expiry date of application
- Once your application has started with the NMC, it will expire after 6 months if not completed, which includes passing the IELTS or the OET.
- Once your Qualifications have been recognized by the NMBI, your application will not expire, however there may be a case where some documents may need to be reissued to complete the registration process.
If you have any questions or would like free assistance with your registration with either the NMC or the NMBI please reach out.
