Nursing Jobs In Northern Ireland: How To Register with the NMC

If you’re planning to work as a Nurse in Northern Ireland – whether you’re local or moving from overseas – one of the most important initial steps you’ll need to take is to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – the professional, independent body responsible for the regulation of Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates in the UK and Northern Ireland. In this blog we look at what this means for you as a healthcare professional, and the steps you need to take to register.

Why Register with the NMC?

The NMC regulates more than 841,000 Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates and maintains the register of all professionals who are eligible to practice. It is dedicated to ensuring safe, effective and kind Nursing and Midwifery practice with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of all. The NMC’s Code sets out the standards of practice and behaviour expected of all registered healthcare professionals – promoting high education and professional standards for Nurses and Midwives across the UK and Northern Ireland. To support all those registered, the NMC creates resources and guidance that will aid them in their careers and to ensure they are equipped to deliver the NMC’s standards in practice.

Registration Eligibility

To be eligible for registration you must meet the criteria set out by the NMC. You will need to have completed an approved Nursing or Midwifery education programme, and your qualifications must be recognised by the NMC. If you studied abroad, you may need to have your credentials assessed for equivalency. You must also have relevant professional experience, and if English is not your first language, you can be asked to demonstrate your proficiency through the IELTS or OET recognised English language test.

Nurses across all fields of the profession must register, including Adult Nurses (RNA), Children’s Nurse (RNC), Learning Disabilities Nurse (RNLD) Mental Health Nurse (RNMH), Midwife (RM) and Nursing Associate (NAR). You’ll find full details of who needs to register here.

How To Register

How you go about registering depends on where you did your Nursing or Midwifery training – within the UK or outside the UK.

If you Qualified in the UK or Northern Ireland

The university at which you studied will upload your course and personal details to the NMC’s database and will send them a declaration of your good health and character. You’ll then receive a letter telling you how to create your NMC Online account. You’ll need to pay the Registration Fee and complete your application online, and the NMC will then review it. Providing they have everything they need from you, you will be placed on the Register within 2-10 working days.

If you Qualified Outside of the UK

Step 1 - Create Your NMC Online Account
Once you have created your NMC Online account you will be able to login and complete your Eligibility and Qualification Application.

Step 2 - Complete the Eligibility and Qualification Application
Here you will have to provide evidence of your identity using your valid passport or other government-issued identification. You will need to prove your qualifications by submitting your certificates as well as transcripts from your Nursing or Midwifery education. You will also have to supply References from supervisors or colleagues who can confirm your clinical experience and conduct. At this point and if applicable, you must provide results from your English language test.

You’ll then pay the Qualification Evaluation Fee, submit your application and await the result of your evaluation.

Step 3 - Take the Test of Competence (ToC)
The NMC uses a Test of Competence (ToC) to assess and evaluate the skills and knowledge of people from overseas who wish to register. There are two parts to the ToC.

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT)– a multiple-choice, computer-based test. You will take a test that is specific to the part of the register you’re applying to join, eg. Adult Nurse.
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)– a practical exam which evaluates you on your clinical and communication skills.

Step 4 - Complete the Health and Character Declarations

The NMC will assess your suitability for registration by asking you to provide information about your character and your health. You will also have to upload police clearances and DBS certificate.

Step 5 - Provide Evidence of Language

To prove your competency in English you must confirm that you achieved the required score in one of the English language tests accepted by the NMC (IELTS or OET) and provide the relevant Certificates you received.

Step 6 - Attend an ID Check

You will be asked to undergo a face-to-face ID Check at one of the NMC’s Test of Competence centres.

Step 7 - Receive Your NMC PIN

On approval, you’ll receive your NMC Registration Number or PIN which allows you to practice.

Maintaining Your Registration

You’ll need to regularly revaluate your Registration and demonstrate that you are continuing to meet the required standards of practice. You must also complete a number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours every year.

You can find out more about the application process here https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/

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