Welcome international nurses! If you are planning to become a UKRN, this post is for you. This is a guide on how to become a UKRN and the navigation processes in NMC online website. I understand that there are lots of questions and clarifications as you go through the process and sometimes, they can be very challenging. The purpose of this post is to give guidance in each step and making sure that you understand the processes so you can proceed in your application.

I have designed a quick to see guide in PNG and PDF formats. Please feel free to download the resources on top of this page. I have divided the processes into 3 major steps- 1. Eligibility & Qualification, 2. Application Preparation and 3. Band 5 UKRN. The focus in in the first 2 major steps. To start with, let me show you the screenshot that I have when I was still processing my application, this is circa 2021.

So, once you have created your NMC account, you will be having your own NMC PRN number. This will serve as your serial number in NMC online as you navigate through the process. This number will be converted into an NMC Pin once you have successfully completed the journey and become a UKRN. In step 1, there are sub steps- In preparation stage. This is where you fill in your details like your demographics, personal information, health, English proficiency tests (IELTS, OET), scope of practice and your declaration. You will just have to fill in the fields with completeness, accuracy and truthfulness. Along the way you will be asked to pay the initial NMC application fee of about GBP 140. This is enable them to process you NMC account and proceed with the next sub step called Third Party Verification. In this sub step, NMC will have a third party team that will coordinate with the application process- to cross check your origin country nursing registration if you are truly a registered nurse and to check whether or not you have a previous record with NMC. In the Philippines for example, what you need to do on this step is to go to PRC and present them your identification details, the NMC receipt showing that you paid for the initial registration and cash to pay for their service. The approximate waiting time is about 2-3 weeks. This screenshot is a guide if you have successfully passed it.

Once you have this response, they will then proceed with the last sub step of step 1 which is the evaluation. Once you application has been read and reviewed you will then go to step 2. I will share my personal screenshot on this stage so you will have a good idea of it.

The step 2 (Application preparation) entails the major 2 exams that you need to overcome in becoming a UKRN. These are the practical exam- OSCE and the theoretical exam- CBT. It is best recommended to do the CBT before starting the NMC application. On my case, I have done the CBT and successfully passed it, it should have a check mark on the CBT sub step. Leave the OSCE part last as you will be doing it once you arrive in the UK. The next sub step is the application where you fill some of your details and the second payment of about GBP 153. These steps are in chronological order so if you cannot accomplish the current ones, you will not able to proceed further. Once payment is done, you will then need to see your own doctor to issue a medical fit (this is sometimes called a medical certificate to work). In this sub step, you will go to a clinic and have your blood tests and physical test done, and if everything is normal your doctor will then issue a medical fit certificate. NMC and your doctor will communicate via email so you have to make sure that you got the correct email of the doctor or clinic coordinator so they can relay the results and avoid delays in the application process. This sub step will take about 1-2 weeks. I will share the next screenshot, this was when I was done with the medical certificate.

The next sub step in step 2 is the Regulator Verification. This is the final step in step 2 and this requires NMC and your nursing council (the country you are applying from) to ensure that you are a registered professional. This step is approximately 3-4 days.

Once you have completed step 2, you are now ready to go to the UK a step closer to becoming a UKRN. All you need to do from this time is to prepare yourself for departure, get the Visa and follow the instructions of your local agency. Once you have passed the OSCE, your NMC portal will look like this.

It is a fulfilling experience to have your own NMC Pin number but at the same time challenging as well as you have to make sure that it is protected everyday. The way to safeguard it is to provide safe care and practices to all your patients. I am looking forward for the success of your application process and hope that you will enjoy the journey of becoming a UKRN. If you feel frustrated and challenged in the middle of the application, always think about your inspiration and goals in life. The way to make this journey memorable is to enjoy it every step of the way. Good luck and please feel free to ask any questions, clarifications or give suggestions.

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