Overseas Aptitude Test – Psychiatric Nurse

Step 1: Apply to NMBI

Apply to the NMBI for a recognition of qualifications, which involves comparison of your qualifications with the Irish education standards and requirements.

Possible outcomes:

• qualifications recognised
• submit missing document(s)
• qualifications refused for recognition
• a compensation measure is required

Click here for more information.

One of the compensation measures is the RCSI FNM Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses.

Step 2: Prepare to apply for the test

Before you apply for a place on the test you are strongly encouraged to fully familiarise yourself with all of the information contained in this website. You should consider if you are:

• eligible to take the test
• ready/prepared to take the test
• interested in taking the test

If required, you should have a prospective employer; an employment contract; and a preferred start date that is realistically achievable.

The preferred date, which must be written at the end of the proof of payment, cannot be less that nine weeks from the date of complete application for the test (unless you are living in Ireland and/or you have all the required documentation). There is no guarantee that a preferred date will be available. This must be considered when deciding on contract dates with prospective employers. If a place is not available as requested then the nearest available match will be given.

If a preferred date is not requested, then the test date open at the point of a completed application is given.

Step 3: Apply for the test

You will need to complete an online application and initially upload three documents with your application. Do not commence application until you have the three documents ready for uploading:

• Recent photograph
• Biography/biometrics page of passport
• NMBI decision letter that must: be in date; state it is the Psychiatric Nurses Division that applies to your application; and state that you need to successfully complete a compensation measure and that one of the compensation measures is the RCSI FNM Aptitude Test for Psychiatric Nurses.

The name inputted must be exactly as per NMBI decision letter.  A few mandatory questions in the survey field must be answered.

Upon receipt of the application, an automatic response with the eight-digit RCSI (ID) number is sent. The application is reviewed and the outcome sent to the applicant.

Using the eight-digit RCSI (ID) number, pay the fee. A receipt will be sent to the person who pays. This receipt is uploaded to the application and submitted.

A further review takes place and if satisfactory an invitation for the test is sent.

Important note regarding the NMBI decision letter:

• The onus is on each applicant to ensure that their NMBI decision letter is in date.
• The NMBI decision letter must be in date on the first day of the aptitude test.
• The NMBI decision letter is for one Aptitude Test (two attempts).
• RCSI cannot answer any queries regarding NMBI decision letters. Please contact NMBI directly.

Future test dates are provisional.

An applicant must be ready for the test date nine days in advance of a test date, including having the entry visa, flight ticket and passport in hand. This is to allow for booking confirmation.

Please note

• If there are insufficient numbers, then a test date may be cancelled and an alternative test date will be offered.
• If there is sufficient interest, an earlier test date may be considered.

Please note: 

• Tests do not take place on a weekend that is linked with a public/bank holiday in the Republic of Ireland.

Withdrawal from test

Submit the following to marianeary@rcsi.com.

• Applicant name as per passport
• Applicant eight-digit RCSI ID number
• Agent
• Prospective employer
• Current test date
• Specific reason for withdrawal
• Are all parties aware of the withdrawal? (applicant/agent/prospective employer)
• Who paid the test fee directly to RCSI?
• How much was paid

Note: Refer to 'Unused fees' on the Fees page.

Change in agent/prospective employer

An applicant can only have one application at a time for the test. You must withdraw, in writing, from the initial agent and/or prospective employer before commencing with another agent and/or prospective employer. The written evidence, together with the below form, must be submitted to marianeary@rcsi.com. Upon satisfactory receipt of same, the initial application will be withdrawn and a new application made then be made.

• Applicant name as per passport
• Applicant eight-digit RCSI ID number
• Current test date
• Agent at point of initial application
• Prospective employer at point of initial application
• Have you included written evidence of leaving initial agent and/or prospective employer?