Does a nursing programme taught in English count?

A pre-registration programme taught and examined in English counts on its own only when it was completed in a country on the NMC's majority-English-speaking list (a transcript showing clinical and theory hours is enough). A programme from any other country needs evidence that at least half of the time was spent with patients, families and colleagues and that at least 75% of those interactions were in English, which may be supplemented by supporting information from a UK employer; otherwise another evidence type, such as a test, is required. India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan and Egypt are not on the list.

What counts as recent practice?

At least one year of registered practice as a nurse or midwife in a country where English is a majority spoken language, within the two years before the NMC considers the completed application, while registered with that country's regulator and having completed an English language assessment as part of that registration; unregistered roles do not count.

Applicants who completed a pre-registration programme taught and examined in English in a country where English is not the majority spoken language, or who attempted two English language tests and narrowly missed the required score in any one language domain by no more than 0.5 in IELTS or half a grade in OET.

What job do I need for SIFE?

At least 12 months full time (or full-time equivalent) in a non-registered role in a UK health or care setting at the point the NMC application is submitted, with the same employer for at least 12 months and the same line manager for at least 6 months, no more than two line managers over the 12 months, and still working for that employer when the completed application is submitted.

The line manager, an NMC registrant at NHS Band 6 (or non-NHS equivalent) or above who has observed the applicant's interactions in English, counter-signed by a different senior member of staff at the same employer, an NMC registrant at Band 8a or above; providing SIFE is at the employer's discretion.

← Nurses in the UK outcomeOS

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Nurses

Can you register with the NMC without IELTS or OET?

Yes. For the NMC, your English is accepted without a test when the pre-registration programme was taught and examined in English in a majority-English-speaking country, or after one year of recent practice in a majority-English-speaking country; nurses who trained in English in another country, or narrowly missed a test score, and have worked a year in a UK care role can add supporting information from their employer (SIFE).

Checked 23 Oct 2026 · NMC ↗

The routes without a test

Trained in English	In a country on the NMC's majority-English-speaking list; a transcript showing clinical and theory hours is enough
Recent practice in English	A year of registered practice in a majority-English-speaking country, within the two years before the NMC considers your application
Supporting information from a UK employer (SIFE)	For nurses trained in English elsewhere, or who narrowly missed a test score, after a year in a non-registered UK care role

Good to know

Does a nursing programme taught in English count?: A pre-registration programme taught and examined in English counts on its own only when it was completed in a country on the NMC's majority-English-speaking list (a transcript showing clinical and theory hours is enough). A programme from any other country needs evidence that at least half of the time was spent with patients, families and colleagues and that at least 75% of those interactions were in English, which may be supplemented by supporting information from a UK employer; otherwise another evidence type, such as a test, is required. India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan and Egypt are not on the list.
What counts as recent practice?: At least one year of registered practice as a nurse or midwife in a country where English is a majority spoken language, within the two years before the NMC considers the completed application, while registered with that country's regulator and having completed an English language assessment as part of that registration; unregistered roles do not count.
Who can use SIFE?: Applicants who completed a pre-registration programme taught and examined in English in a country where English is not the majority spoken language, or who attempted two English language tests and narrowly missed the required score in any one language domain by no more than 0.5 in IELTS or half a grade in OET.
What job do I need for SIFE?: At least 12 months full time (or full-time equivalent) in a non-registered role in a UK health or care setting at the point the NMC application is submitted, with the same employer for at least 12 months and the same line manager for at least 6 months, no more than two line managers over the 12 months, and still working for that employer when the completed application is submitted.
Who signs it?: The line manager, an NMC registrant at NHS Band 6 (or non-NHS equivalent) or above who has observed the applicant's interactions in English, counter-signed by a different senior member of staff at the same employer, an NMC registrant at Band 8a or above; providing SIFE is at the employer's discretion.

What to do next

Tell us where you trained and where you have worked, and we show whether you need an English test for the NMC and which of its steps you have left.

Sources

outcomeOS describes each regulator's published rules; it does not advise on your individual case. · Privacy · Terms

See which of these I already meet, freeThree minutes, free. Sign in at the end to see your results.