Overseas Aptitude Test – General Nurse

Step 1: Before you apply

Before you apply, you should seriously consider a number of factors. Factor in how long, on average, it will take to get all the required documents to enter the Republic of Ireland.

Immigration-related matters
You must be legally entitled to take the test, which means you must be legally entitled to be in the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, check, well in advance what documentation you require, for example:

A valid in-date passport from one of 35 countries as follows: a European Union country (EU x 27 countries) or a European Economic Area country (EEA x 3 countries) or Switzerland or a United Kingdom country (UK x 4 countries) or other country as determined by the Irish Immigration Service.

or

A valid in-date Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Previously this was called Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card. If your IRP has expired you must upload: the expired IRP, as well as proof that you have applied for a new IRP before the expiry date. Find more information here.

or

An Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) letter of approval that is linked to your prospective employer. See the Irish Immigration website for further information. As well as requiring an AWS Letter of Approval, you may also need to have a valid D visa that is endorsed with atypical work. To see if you also require an Irish visa please refer to the Irish Immigration website.

or

Other, as acceptable by the Irish Immigration Service for you to take the test.

Note:

• You must upload the required immigration documentation with your booking confirmation no later than 13 days before the test date.
• RCSI cannot answer any immigration-related matters. Contact the Irish Immigration Service.

Employment contract
In order to obtain your AWS letter of approval you will need an employment contract from the prospective employer (not the agent) in the Republic of Ireland.

Have you been successful at an interview and received a contract of employment? If you do need an employment contract then it is highly recommended that you have this secured before applying for the test.

The name of the prospective employer given at the point of application for the test must match that on the AWS Letter of Approval

You should be ready to apply for your immigration documents (provided it is within the timeframe), if required, upon receipt of the invitation for the test.

Notice period
Check how much notice of leaving you need to give in your current employment.

In-date documentation
Check the expiry on all your documentation such as passport; immigration documentation; NMBI decision letter plus other documents that will be required for registration with NMBI.

Cost
It is always a good idea to cost any event and to ensure you get receipts for everything and store them safely. Some of the costs involved are:

• NMBI: Decision letter and registration
• RCSI: Application fees
• Immigration-related fees
• Travel costs
• Sufficient means to live in the Republic of Ireland prior to earning a salary. Factor in repeat date (if required).

Personal considerations
Leaving your family and friends and homeland can have challenges. Ask yourself how long you need to prepare yourself for such a change and be ready for a potentially significant change in climate conditions and cost of living.

Preparation time
Each potential applicant may need a different amount of time to prepare for the test. Your starting point must be 'Minimum background reading' on the Preparation page here. You should estimate how long it will take you to be fully familiar with the information listed there. This webpage must be your starting point. Remember that RCSI does not endorse or approve any training or preparation course for the test.

If, having fully considered the above, you decide you want to take the Aptitude Test, then carefully read the following steps. 

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Step 2: 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

One of the compensation measures is the RCSI FNM Aptitude Test. Regarding the NMBI decision letter, the onus is on each applicant to ensure that:

• It will be in-date for the first day of the test (MCQ/Theory part).
• It has not been used before (The NMBI decision letter is for one Aptitude Test only: two attempts).

RCSI cannot answer any queries regarding NMBI decision letters. Log into your MyNMBI portal account and select RCSI as your chosen compensation measure.

You can contact the NMBI here.

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Step 3: Apply for the test

When you are sure you want to apply for the test, then proceed as follows:

Stage 1
Apply via the RCSI online portal. You will need to complete an online application and 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 General 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 General Nurses.

The name inputted must be exactly as per NMBI decision letter.

Six mandatory questions in the survey field must be answered.

• NMBI number
• Country you undertook your general nurse training
• Country of citizenship
• Name of prospective employer in Ireland (if this is not applicable, then put 'none')
• Name of agent (if this is not applicable, then put 'none')
• Who will pay the fee to RCSI: applicant; or agent; or prospective employer; or other (if other then specify relationship to applicant)

When application and the three upload are complete then submit once.

Stage 2
Upon successful completion of the above, you will receive communication to pay the fee. Wait until you get this communication before you pay the fee.

Following submission of your application, you will automatically receive an eight-digit RCSI ID (number), which you need to pay the fee.

Submit payment only through TransferMate. Find more information on the to Fees page here.

You will receive communication from TransferMate. Wait until you receive the 'Payment Notification' email from TransferMate before uploading to your online account. When correct receipt is uploaded then submit.

From the time TransferMate receives the payment to the time you receive the payment notification email can take three working days (Monday to Friday, excluding bank/public holidays).

Within a maximum of 14 days, the fee must be paid and the 'Payment Notification' email from TransferMate (receipt) uploaded and submitted. Note: If correct receipt is not uploaded and submitted within the 14 days, then the application is withdrawn.

Provided all is correct, including the NMBI decision letter being in date, then an invitation is sent for the test date open at that point (no other test date). After receiving the invitation (not before) application may be made for a change in test date to be considered.

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Step 4: Confirm your place

No later than 17 days prior to a test date, RCSI sends you further information regarding your test together with a booking confirmation form. The onus in on each applicant to ensure they receive the booking confirmation form no later than 17 days prior to the test.

Booking confirmation must be received by 8am (Irish time) on the Monday, 12/13 days in advance of the Aptitude Test. The completed booking confirmation form plus all immigration-related documentation must be returned exactly as required.

If not received as required by the due time/date, then the applicant is removed from the Aptitude Test date, and placed on a later date (depending on availability and NMBI decision letter expiry). The place is offered to the next person on the waitlist.

If the applicant (who was removed from the Aptitude Test date) subsequently gets all required documentation in-hand (not a notification that it is ready) and wishes to go back on the Aptitude Test date, then this will be considered, on a first-come, first-served basis, no later than 8am (Irish time) on the Monday, six/seven days in advance of the Aptitude Test. But there is no guarantee of a place as the Aptitude Test may be full. No further extension will be given.

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Step 5: Log in to MyNMBI portal

Immediately before confirming your place (step 4 above), log in to your MyNMBI account. When you are logged in, you will see 'My pending compensation measures' on the home screen. Click the link, then select 'Aptitude test' under compensation measure type.

On the next step, you will select Royal College of Surgeons as 'Aptitude test site' and input your test date, then press 'Submit'.

If you have previously selected a different test date, you may not be able to change it. Provided you have completed all other aspects as required, RCSI will change the date.

Note: If you do not complete this correctly before submitting your booking confirmation, you will not receive a confirmation invitation from RCSI to take the Aptitude Test.

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Step 6: Attend the test

MCQ: Bring passport and a one-page copy of the biography page of the passport.

OSCE: As the practical part is a simulated setting, you are required to present as if you are working in the clinical environment, taking into account all aspects pertaining to comfort, clothes (uniform) footwear, hair style, make-up and jewellery.

Important note regarding timeframe within which the test must be completed:

• With reference to the specified repeat dates on the webpage: The applicant must complete both attempts at both parts of the test (as relevant) within 12 weeks from the date at the first attempt at the theory part.
• If not completed within this timeframe then the NMBI is notified that the applicant is not continuing with the test.
• The onus is on the applicant to ensure all documentation remains in date to include NMBI-related documentation plus immigration-related documentation.
• Any change in dates must be agreed by agent and prospective employer.

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Step 7: Results

Results of the theory test are issued via email by 6pm on the day of the test. If you are successful in the theory test, you are invited to the OSCEs/practical test.

Results of OSCEs/practical test are issued via email by 2pm on the Thursday following the test. If you pass, your results are sent to the NMBI, where you can then progress with your registration provided you have, well before you took your MCQ/Theory part of the test, logged on to your MyNMBI portal account and select RCSI as your chosen compensation measure.

If either part of the test is failed on the first attempt, then a proposed date for the repeat is offered. If an applicant fails either part of the test on the second attempt, then the NMBI is informed.

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Step 8: Registration with NMBI

When an applicant successfully completes the RCSI Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses, the NMBI is informed.

The NMBI then emails the applicant advising how to proceed with the application for registration. The applicant can track the progress of the application via the MyNMBI online portal.

The applicant must ensure that they have logged in to their account and updated their personal information to ensure that they receive this email.

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Contacts for further information

• NMBI, the Regulatory Authority in the Republic of Ireland – for queries regarding decision letter or registration-related matters
• Irish Immigration Services, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding immigration-related documentation required to take the RCSI Aptitude Test
• EU EEA countries information
• The Work Relations Commission (WRC) regarding employers and employment agencies
• An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s National Police and Security Service https://www.garda.ie/en/
• Irish Meteorological Service (Met Eireann) for an overview of the climate in Ireland

Test dates, at least 12 months in advance, have been included here to help with planning. Thirty-four tests are planned for 2026. An extra test date/s may be added depending on demand. A test may be cancelled, for example, if there is an insufficient number of applicants. Please refer to this page for any changes to test dates.

A test date generally opens 3.5 to 4.5 months in advance. An application can only be made for the test date open at completion of the application process. The NMBI decision letter must be in date for the test date open at completion of the application process.

There are two stages to the application process:

Stage 1 – Apply and upload: NMBI decision letter; biography page of passport; recent passport photo.

Stage 2 – RCSI sends details of fee payment: Within a maximum of 14 days, the fee must be paid and the 'Payment Notification' email from TransferMate (receipt) uploaded and submitted. Note: If correct receipt is not uploaded and submitted within the 14 days, then the application is withdrawn. Provided all is correct (including the NMBI decision letter being in date) then an invitation is sent for the test date open at that point (no other test date). After receiving the invitation (not before) application may be made for a change in test date to be considered.

Please note that there will not be an MCQ/Theory test (first or second attempt) or a Practical/OSCE test (first attempt) during the months of July and December.

An applicant must be ready for the test date 13 days in advance of a test date, including having, in-hand, all immigration-related documentation. This is to allow for booking confirmation.

Note: If there are any changes to your status with the test then you must immediately email marianeary@rcsi.com. Refer to changes to test status on this webpage.

Possible Theory/MCQ	Possible Practical/OSCE (first attempt)	Possible repeat Practical/OSCE (second and final attempt)
15 August 2026	16 August 2026	5 September 2026
5 September 2026	6 September 2026	3 October 2026
6 September 2026	12 September 2026	3 October 2026
12 September 2026	13 September 2026	3 October 2026
13 September 2026	19 September 2026	3 October 2026
19 September 2026	26 September 2026	18 October 2026
3 October 2026	4 October 2026	31 October 2026
4 October 2026	10 October 2026	31 October 2026
10 October 2026	17 October 2026	31 October 2026
31 October 2026	1 November 2026	28 November 2026
1 November 2026	7 November 2026	28 November 2026
7 November 2026	8 November 2026	28 November 2026
8 November 2026	14 November 2026	28 November 2026
16 January 2027	23 January 2027	13 February 2027
13 February 2027	14 February 2027	13 March 2027
13 March 2027	14 March 2027	10 April 2027
10 April 2027	11 April 2027	8 May 2027
8 May 2027	9 May 2027	12 June 2027
12 June 2027	13 June 2027	26 June 2027
28 August 2027	29 August 2027	11 September 2027
11 September 2027	12 September 2027

Please note: Tests do not take place on a weekend that is linked with a public/bank holiday in the Republic of Ireland. There are no tests (first attempt MCQs or OSCEs) held in July or December.

Do you need to change your test date? If yes then email marianeary@rcsi.com exactly as follows:

Option 1: If you want to go on waitlist for an earlier test, you must now have in-hand all immigration-related documentation. If you have the required documentation, then email as follows:
My name is 
My eight-digit RCSI number is               
My current test date is
In which country you are now living
List the immigration-related documentation you now have in-hand
I would like to go on a waitlist for (specify date)
My agent and prospective employer are in agreement

Note: There is no guarantee that a place will be available.

Option 2: If you need to postpone then email as follows: 
My name is
My eight-digit RCSI number is
My current test date is
I need to postpone (give a brief reason – less than 20 words – in your own words)
My agent and prospective employer are in agreement. 

Option 3: If you need to withdraw then email as follows: 
My name is             
My eight-digit RCSI number is               
My current test date is                  
But I need to withdraw because (give brief reason) 
My agent and prospective employer are in agreement
I request a refund to be processed
(Refer to Fees section of this webpage).

Note: If you withdraw and subsequently want to apply again for the test, then you start a brand- new application with no reference to previous application.

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 can then be made. Email the following details:
My name is
My eight-digit RCSI number is
My current test date is
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?