The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) places great importance on English language competence for professionals applying to join its register. Effective communication is essential for delivering safe and effective care, which is why applicants must continue to meet the NMC’s English language requirements.
However, if you are preparing for NMC registration in 2026, it is important to know that some of the temporary rules introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer relevant. The current registration process and Test of Competence requirements should be followed instead.
English Language Test Requirements in 2026
The NMC continues to accept approved evidence of English language competence, including eligible IELTS and OET results, as part of the registration process.
Candidates should ensure that their English language evidence meets the NMC’s current requirements at the appropriate stage of their application. The temporary arrangements previously introduced for candidates affected by OSCE centre closures and test expiries during 2020 and early 2021 were time-limited measures and should not be treated as the standard process for new candidates in 2026.
This means candidates should not rely on the previous arrangements involving expired IELTS or OET scores and employer or line-manager reference letters unless the NMC specifically confirms that an individual transitional arrangement applies to their case.
Before submitting an application, always check the latest requirements directly with the NMC, as registration rules and accepted evidence can be updated.
Online English Language Tests
Candidates should also be careful when choosing how to take an English language test. The NMC has specific requirements regarding the evidence and test results it accepts.
Therefore, before booking IELTS, OET, or any other English language assessment, check that the test format and result will be accepted for your NMC application. Do not assume that every online or remote version of an English test is automatically suitable for NMC registration.
The Major 2026 Update: CBT and OSCE Validity
One of the most important current rules concerns the validity of the NMC Test of Competence (ToC).
The Test of Competence consists of two parts:
- CBT (Computer Based Test) – assessing numeracy and clinical knowledge.
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) – assessing practical clinical and communication skills.
Candidates can take the CBT and OSCE in either order. However, both parts must be successfully completed within two years of each other.
Once a candidate has successfully passed both the CBT and OSCE, the complete Test of Competence result remains valid for five years. This is a significant point for candidates planning their registration journey and should replace the outdated information about the temporary six-month CBT validity extension introduced during the COVID-19 period.
CBT Format in 2026
The current CBT for nurses and midwives is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Numeracy – 15 questions in 30 minutes.
- Part B: Clinical – 100 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Candidates who need to resit the CBT should remember that the NMC has rules regarding the number of attempts and the time between sittings.
Additional OSCE Updates for 2026
The NMC has also continued to update Test of Competence preparation materials. In 2026, new OSCE scenarios and stations have been introduced across several fields, including Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Midwifery. Candidates should therefore prepare using the latest official marking criteria and supporting documents rather than relying only on older study materials.
Final Thoughts
For nurses planning NMC registration in 2026, the most important message is simple: do not rely on outdated COVID-era validity extensions or expired-score arrangements.
Make sure your English language evidence is acceptable for your application, keep track of your CBT and OSCE timelines, and remember that you must pass both parts of the Test of Competence within two years of each other. Once both parts are passed, your Test of Competence result can remain valid for up to five years.
At Fortu West International, we encourage every candidate to follow the latest official NMC guidance and prepare with current information. Careful planning can help you avoid unnecessary delays and move confidently towards your goal of joining the UK nursing register.
Disclaimer: NMC requirements and registration policies may change. Always check the latest official NMC guidance before making decisions about your English language test, CBT, OSCE, or registration application.
