Application process
Information about how to apply for the RCSI Overseas Aptitude Test is available below.
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery
Information about how to apply for the RCSI Overseas Aptitude Test is available below.
Step 1: Before you apply
Before you apply, you should seriously consider a number of factors including:
Immigration-related matters
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.
NMBI decision letter
Check that you have a valid NMBI decision letter that must be in-date on the first day of the Aptitude Test.
Means of living
Check do you have 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 difficulties. 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' in the Preparation section of this webpage. 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 steps 2-9 below.
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:
Click here for more information.
One of the compensation measures in the NMBI decision letter is the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FNM) Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses.
Step 3: Apply for the test
When you are sure you want to apply for the test, then proceed as follows:
Point 1: Apply
Apply via the RCSI online portal. Upload a recent photograph, the biography/biometrics page of your passport and your NMBI decision letter. Then submit your application.
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:
The name inputted must be exactly as per NMBI decision letter. A few mandatory questions in the survey field must be answered.
Point 2: Pay
Following submission of your application, you will automatically receive an eight-digit RCSI ID (number), which you need to pay the fee (go to Fees section).
Submit payment only through TransferMate.
Point 3: Receipt
When you receive a receipt from TransferMate, immediately upload to your application account on the RCSI online portal.
Points 2 and 3 must be completed within two weeks of your application submission (see point 1 above).
Point 4: RCSI checks
RCSI will check payments. When your payment is cleared and your application is deemed satisfactory, an invitation will be sent (could take up to seven working days).
Please note: During the processing of the above, please do not contact RCSI or TransferMate about your application.
Important note regarding the NMBI decision letter:
Step 4: Obtain an Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) letter of approval
Application should be made for an AWS letter of approval if required. Allow sufficient time and check the website for expected time required. RCSI cannot answer any queries in relation to immigration requirements – please refer to the Irish Immigration Service.
Step 5: Obtain an entry visa
Application should be made for an entry visa if required. Allow sufficient time and check the website for expected time required. RCSI cannot answer queries in relation to immigration requirements, including employment needs – please refer to the Irish Immigration Service.
Step 6: Confirm your place
No later than 17 days prior to a test date, RCSI's Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 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 two weeks prior to the test. The completed form must be returned by 10am (Irish Standard Time) on the Tuesday (13 days before the test date). The completed form cannot be returned unless you are sure you are going to attend and you must attach your AWS letter of approval and your entry visa (if required).
Step 7: Attend the test
MCQ: You are required to bring your passport plus a one-page copy of the biography/photo page of the passport. If you have got a new passport since applying for the test then bring both passports and a one-page copy of the biography/photo page of both passports.
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:
Step 8: 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 Wednesday following the test. If you pass then your results are sent to the NMBI, where you can then progress with your registration.
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.
Step 9: Registration with NMBI
When an applicant successfully completes the RCSI FNM Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses, NMBI is informed. 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.
Please direct all further queries to NMBI. RCSI cannot answer any queries regarding registration with the NMBI. You can find more information here.
RCSI has now completed its communication regarding the Aptitude Test and wishes each applicant a happy and successful career.
Test dates, at least 12 months in advance, have been included here to help with planning. A total of 36 tests have been planned for 2025. 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.
Please note that there will not be an MCQ/Theory test or a Practical/OSCE (first attempt) during the months of July and December in 2025 and 2026.
An applicant must be ready for the test date 13 days in advance of a test date, including having, in-hand, if required by Immigration, an in-date AWS letter of approval and an in-date entry visa. 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) |
13 September 2025 | ||
6 September | 7 September 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
13 September 2025 | 14 September 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
27 September 2025 | 28 September 2025 | 18 October 2025 |
4 October 2025 | 5 October 2025 | 18 October 2025 |
18 October 2025 | 19 October 2025 | 8 November 2025 |
8 November 2025 | 9 November 2025 | 22 November 2025 |
22 November 2025 | 23 November 2025 | 13 December 2025 |
23 November 2025 | 29 November 2025 | 13/14 December 2025 |
24 January 2026 | 25 January 2026 | 7 February 2026 |
7 February 2026 | 8 February 2026 | 7 March 2026 |
7 March 2026 | 8 March 2026 | 11 April 2026 |
11 April 2026 | 12 April 2026 | 9 May 2026 |
9 May 2026 | 10 May 2026 | 23 May 2026 |
23 May 2026 | 24 May 2026 | 13 June 2026 |
13 June 2026 | 14 June 2026 | 27 June 2026 |
15 August 2026 | 16 August 2026 | 5 September 2026 |
5 September 2026 | 6 September 2026 |
Please note: Tests do not take place on a weekend that is linked with a public/bank holiday in the Republic of Ireland.
Do you need to change your test date? If yes then email marianeary@rcsi.com exactly as follows:
Option 1: Your NMBI Decision Letter must be in date on the first day of the test (MCQ) If yours will not be in date then immediately email as follows:
My name is
My eight-digit RCSI number is
The first day (MCQ) of my current test date is
My NMBI DL expires on (date) which is before the first day of my test.
Option 2: If you are currently living in the Republic of Ireland and you want to go on waitlist for an earlier test then email as follows:
My name is
My eight-digit RCSI number is
My current test date is
I would like to go on a waitlist for (specify date)
I am currently living in the Republic of Ireland and my agent and prospective employer are in agreement.
Option 3: If you have all documents in hand but not currently in Ireland and you want to go on waitlist for an earlier test then email as follows:
My name is
My eight-digit RCSI number is
My current test date is
I would like to go on a waitlist for (specify date)
I have all required documents and my agent and prospective employer are in agreement.
Option 4: 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 brief reason)
My agent and prospective employer are in agreement.
Process for postponements effective from 1 March 2025
Step A:
Email the following to marianeary@rcsi.com:
My name is
My eight-digit RCSI number is
My current test date is
I need to postpone and my agent and prospective employer are in agreement.
Step B:
A reply will be sent via your on-line application together with the administration charge that must be paid before you can be put on a new test date (refer to administration charges in Fees section).
Step C:
Submit the administration charge only when requested to do so.
Step D:
The new test date will be the nearest available date after the test date open at the time of sending the invitation.
Option 5: 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.
(Refer to unused fees and administration charges in 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?
If you have any queries, please: