Step by Step Process of Becoming a United Kingdom Registered Nurse (UKRN)

Introduction
Becoming a United Kingdom Registered Nurse (UKRN) is a structured process that requires careful planning and preparation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the journey, from obtaining your international passport to securing your NMC PIN and employment in the UK.
Step 1: Get Your International Passport
The first step in your journey is to obtain a valid international passport. This is essential for all subsequent stages of the registration process and your eventual move to the UK.
Step 2: Pass IELTS/OET English Language Test
English language proficiency is crucial and often considered the most challenging requirement. You must pass this before starting the NMC registration process.
IELTS Academic Requirements
Minimum band scores required:
- • 7.0 in Listening
- • 6.5 in Writing
- • 7.0 in Reading
- • 7.0 in Speaking
- • Overall band score of 7.0
OET (Occupational English Test) Requirements
Minimum grades required:
- • B in Listening
- • C+ in Writing
- • B in Reading
- • B in Speaking

Preparing for IELTS/OET - Your first major milestone
Step 3: Create Your NMC UK Profile
Visit the NMC website to create your profile and begin your application journey.
Create your profile at: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/register-nurse-midwife/trained-outside-the-eueea/new-application/how-to-guide/eligibility-and-qualification-application/begin/
Step 4: Pay Application Fee (£140)
After filling all required information, pay the £140 application fee to NMC UK. At this stage, you will need to upload:
- • Data page of your passport
- • RN certificate (NMCN notification can be used if certificate is not available)
- • IELTS/OET result (optional at this point)
You will receive a personalized NMC portal to monitor your progress throughout the registration process. NMC UK will confirm receipt of payment via email, including your 16-digit application reference for NMCN verification.
Step 5: Apply for NMCN Verification
Visit https://portal.nmcn.gov.ng/ to apply for verification. You need 2 years post-qualification experience if licensed in Nigeria.
Required Details
- • Registration number on your license
- • NMCN PIN on your license
- • Date of first registration
- • Application reference
- • Employer reference
- • Reference from your school
Send Your Application To
Nursing and Midwifery Council, 23 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PZ, +442073339333
Step 6: Wait for Verification and ATT
Wait to be verified (notification usually comes via email) as well as an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson Vue (the organization that handles the CBT exam) to book for your CBT.
Step 7: Book and Take Your CBT (£83)
Book your Computer-Based Test through Pearson Vue. You can buy a voucher from https://www.mindhub.co.uk/ or from MEDNURSE CONSULT, which you'll input during the payment stage.
PRACTICE FOR THE TEST USING OUR FREE TEST GUIDE: https://mednurseconsult.com/shop/4bcefff8-3079-4698-b7b8-3ed86f38e729
CBT Examination Preparation
Computer-Based Test - Part 1 of your competency assessment
Step 8: Obtain Police Character Certificate (PCC)
This document is valid for 3 months and costs ₦30,000. Ensure you obtain it at the appropriate time in your application process.
Step 9: Complete Final NMC UK Form
If you pass the CBT, proceed to fill the final form which includes uploading:
- • Name of medical regulator (physician, doctor, or occupational health therapist who can attest you are fit to work in UK)
- • Police character certificate
- • Notification/certificate
- • IELTS (Academic)/OET result (without this, you cannot progress beyond this stage and must have the expected band score/grade)
Step 10: Pay Final Registration Fee (£153)
Pay the final registration fee of £153 to NMC UK. This is needed to get your NMC UK PIN (your license to practice).
IMPORTANT: You can only get the NMC UK PIN after you have passed both parts of the test of competencies: CBT and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).
Job Application Stage
At the stage where you have IELTS✅ and CBT✅, you can start applying for jobs. Apply directly to:
- • https://apps.trac.jobs/
- • indeed.co.uk
- • https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
- • http://www.carehome.co.uk
Alternatively, send emails to NHS trusts to declare your interest in working for them, OR start the self-sponsorship process.
Self-Sponsorship Route for Nurses
If you choose the self-sponsorship route, here's what you need to know:
Stage One: Complete Registration Requirements
- • Register with NMC UK
- • Get verified by NMCN
- • Pass CBT
- • Pass English language requirements
- • International passport
- • Bank statement (yours or sponsor's)
- • Job reference letter from HR addressed to British Consulate
- • NMC decision letter to take OSCE
- • Accommodation booking approval from Airbnb, hotel, or letter from family/friends in UK
Stage Two: Apply for 6-Month Visit Visa
Apply at: https://mednurseconsult.com/shop/fcbec6af-5a40-414b-9924-3b3a61804fde
Accommodation Options in the UK
Pick a city you can afford, preferably close to your OSCE training center. Options include:
- Stay with family
- Stay with friends
- Stay with relatives
- Pay rent to UK residents (nurses already in the UK can spare a room)
- Share rented motels with another nurse preparing for OSCE
- Rent a motel independently
OSCE Centers in England
OSCE centers are available in multiple cities. More information: https://mednurseconsult.com/shop/c04f4982-eeb6-4cac-82ea-ec6b86d152c2
Available Cities
- • Northumbria - Northumbria University
- • Northampton - Northampton University
- • Oxford - Oxford University
- • Leeds - Leeds University NHS Trust
Northern Ireland
Ulster - Ulster University and Londonderry options available
OSCE Training Centers
Choose your OSCE center wisely - proximity matters
Stage Three: OSCE Training
Book OSCE training centers and practice for the exam. Note that these centers charge fees - register to find out specific costs.
MEDNURSE CONSULT OSCE COURSE IS READILY AVAILABLE: https://mednurseconsult.com/shop/d1d695be-68e5-48d9-a119-08c25af914fb
Stage Four: NMC OSCE Booking and Payment
The fee for the new OSCE is £794. You'll also pay a reduced resit fee of £397 if you need to resit 7 or fewer stations.
Post-OSCE Process
You will receive your NMC registered nurse result within 7 days of taking the exam and your NMC UK PIN within 25 to 35 days of passing.
If you fail any stations, you can reschedule them as soon as possible and prepare for the exact same exam questions.
Job Search While on Visit Visa
YOU CANNOT WORK but YOU CAN JOB SEARCH. MEDNURSE CONSULT assists with job applications until you get an interview invite.
On immigration visa status questions: Click that you are on a visitor visa that requires sponsorship to get a Tier 2 visa (this option is available on every TRAC application).
Benefits of Physical Presence
Visit hospital sites, attend interviews in care homes, NHS facilities, etc. Make sure to inform employers from the start that you are on a visitor visa.
- • Allows employers to meet you physically instead of scheduling Zoom interviews
- • One-on-one conversations speak volumes about you
- • Increases your chances of being sponsored
Once you secure a job, obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Visa Application for Skilled Worker Visa
Apply for a skilled worker visa. MEDNURSE CONSULT can help you apply: https://mednurseconsult.com/shop/11d1f72a-baca-4d23-a912-7bf1eb181682
Extending Your Stay (If Needed)
If you need more time to reschedule failed NMC OSCE stations, you must apply to extend your stay and pay the £1,000 fee regardless of nationality.
Apply while you're still in the UK and before your current visa expires. For example, if you got a 6-month visa but only stayed 2-4 months, you can extend it to complete the full 6 months. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/extend-your-stay
UK Visa Process
Understanding visa requirements and extensions
Complete Price Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of all costs involved:
- • Accommodation: £700 (can be substituted if you have colleagues, friends, or relatives in the UK)
- • Proof of Funds: £2,000 (depends on duration stated in visa application)
- • Visa Fee: £133.93 - £140
- • Ticket Fee: £1,500 (estimated, can be lower)
- • Private OSCE Lesson: £700
- • Personal Upkeep: £300 (estimated)
- • Final Registration Fee: £153
- • OSCE Resit: £397 (if needed)
Final Tips for Success
The journey to becoming a UKRN requires dedication, proper planning, and financial preparation. Start early with your English language test as it's often the most challenging component. Stay organized, keep track of all deadlines, and don't hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed.
Remember: Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Take your time with each step, ensure all documents are correctly submitted, and maintain regular communication with NMC UK throughout the process.
