Register as a Nurse or Midwife - Extenseur HR | India

Registering as a Nurse or Midwife

Registering as a Nurse or Midwife (NMC – UK)

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the UK’s regulator for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates. To legally practise in the UK, you must be registered with the NMC.

Register as a Nurse or Midwife if You Trained Outside the UK

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

Test of Competence
English language requirements
Health and character
ID Check process and requirements
Professional indemnity arrangement
Registration appeals
Forcibly displaced persons

1. Test of Competence (ToC)

The Test of Competence assesses the skills and knowledge of those applying to join or rejoin our register—either from overseas or after a long break from practice.

ToC for Nurses and Midwives – For those applying as registered nurses or midwives.
ToC for Nursing Associates – For those applying as nursing associates.
Pass Rates & Candidate Numbers – View the latest pass rates and number of sittings for each part of the test.

2. English Language Requirements

All applicants must show they have the necessary English skills to communicate clearly and effectively.

Accepted Evidence Types (Choose One):

English Language Tests
You’ve recently passed an approved English test with the required scores.
[Find out more]
Qualified in English
Your nursing or midwifery qualification was taught and examined in English.
[Find out more]
Recent Practice in English
You’ve completed one year of practice in a country where English is the main language.
[Find out more]

3. Health and Character Guidance

Health and Character Guidance

We must be sure that all nurses, midwives, and nursing associates have the health and character to practise safely. This includes meeting the standards in our Code.

What You Need to Know:

You must tell us about relevant health conditions and character issues (e.g. police charges, cautions, convictions).
All applicants (including for readmission or revalidation) must complete health and character declarations.
We assess each case individually and may request further information if needed.

[Download our full guidance for more details]

4. ID Check process and requirements

All NMC applicants must complete a face-to-face ID check at a Test of Competence centre, where original documents will be verified by our ID Verification team.

Passport Requirement

You must bring a valid passport every time you attend a Test of Competence centre. Without it, you will not be allowed to sit the exam.

Choose Your Route:

[Test of Competence – Overseas route]
[OSCE resits]
[Return to Practice route]
[Auto-recognition route – no ToC required]

5. Professional indemnity arrangement

All nurses, midwives, and nursing associates must have an appropriate indemnity arrangement in place when practising in the UK. This is a legal requirement and part of the NMC Code and revalidation.

Key Points:

You must self-declare that you have, or will have, appropriate cover when applying or renewing registration.
The arrangement must cover the risks related to your role and practice setting.
Practising without valid cover may lead to removal from the register.

Different Work Settings:

NHS: Covered by NHS indemnity.
Private sector: Usually covered by employer—check to confirm.
Self-employed/agency work: Likely need to arrange your own cover.
Multiple roles: Ensure each role is covered appropriately.
Education roles: Employer or placement provider usually covers you—confirm all aspects are included.
New applicants: You can register without a job but must have cover before practising.

6. Registration appeals

If your registration application is refused by the Assistant Registrar, you may be able to appeal the decision. Appeals are reviewed by an independent Registration Appeal Panel.

Making an Appeal:

You’ll receive a decision letter explaining the refusal and the deadline (28 days) to appeal.
You’ll also receive:
- Guidance on how to submit a valid appeal
- An appeal proforma (template) to help you respond correctly

Appeal Outcomes:

If you submit new information, it may be reviewed again by the Assistant Registrar.
If they’re satisfied, they may concede the appeal without a hearing.

Appeal Process:

You’ll get an acknowledgment within 5 working days of submitting your appeal.
A case officer will be assigned to you.
Appeals are usually listed within 3–6 months, depending on case complexity and availability.

7. Applying to Register as a Forcibly Displaced Person

If you’ve been forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or violence, we understand it may be difficult to provide standard documents for registration.

Key Information:

You must still meet our standards for safe, kind, and effective practice to join the register.
We may accept alternative evidence if required documents are missing or can’t be verified.
You should read our guidance carefully to understand the process and what support is available.

Who is Considered Forcibly Displaced?

Individuals forced to move across borders due to conflict, violence, or human rights abuses.
This includes those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or discretionary leave to remain.
Others without formal status may also be eligible if they can show difficulty providing standard evidence.

About Us

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