International nurses planning to work in the UK should understand the latest NMC registration requirements before beginning their application. The Nursing and Midwifery Council uses a structured registration process for nurses trained outside the UK, including requirements relating to qualification, English language, health and character, identity checks and, where applicable, the Test of Competence.
What Does the Current NMC Route Include?
For applicants who need the Test of Competence, it has two parts:
1. CBT – Computer Based Test
The CBT is the knowledge-based examination and is delivered through Pearson VUE.
2. OSCE – Objective Structured Clinical Examination
The OSCE is the practical examination assessing clinical and communication skills.
Applicants also need to satisfy the NMC’s other registration requirements, including English-language evidence and identity verification where applicable.
What About OET?
OET remains one of the English-language tests accepted by the NMC. The NMC currently lists OET and IELTS Academic as its accepted English-language tests.
Applicants should always check the current NMC requirements before taking a test because accepted evidence and score requirements can be updated.
Is There a New NMC OSCE Rule for 2027?
As of September 2026, the NMC’s published information confirms ongoing review and maintenance of Test of Competence content, but candidates should be cautious about social-media claims suggesting a completely new 2027 OSCE format unless the change has been officially announced by the NMC.
The NMC states that it regularly reviews and refreshes test content so that it remains relevant to contemporary clinical practice.
MyNMC: An Important Application Update
Applicants should also be aware that MyNMC has replaced NMC Online. The NMC describes MyNMC as the platform for managing registration and related processes.
This means applicants should keep their MyNMC account information and application details up to date and regularly check communications from the NMC.
Plan Your 2027 NMC Journey
If your goal is UK nursing registration in 2027, a sensible preparation pathway is:
English preparation → NMC application → CBT preparation and examination → OSCE preparation and examination → completion of registration requirements.
The exact route can vary depending on an applicant’s circumstances, so candidates should check their personalised requirements with the NMC.
Start Your Preparation with Fortu West International
Preparing early can make the UK registration journey more organised and manageable. Fortu West International provides support for nurses preparing for OET, NMC CBT and NMC OSCE, helping candidates understand the requirements and prepare systematically.
For nurses planning their UK career in 2027, staying informed, using current NMC guidance and preparing with up-to-date materials can make an important difference.
