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. 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. Check which of the following groups you belong to and the documents you must have:
Group A: 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
Group B: A valid in-date Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Previously this was called Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card. Find more information here.
or
Group C: If you do not belong to either of above two groups, then you must have 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
Group D: If you have documentation other than above then it must be verified as acceptable by the Irish Immigration Service for you to take the test.
Note:
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.
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:
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.
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:
One of the compensation measures in the NMBI decision letter is the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FNM) Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses.
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 the NMBI.
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. 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.
Seven mandatory questions in the survey field must be answered.
When application and the three upload are complete then submit once.
Point 2: Pay
Upon successful completion of the above, you will receive a notification to pay the fee. Wait until you get this notification 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.
Point 3: Receipt
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 correct payment to the time you receive the payment notification email can take three working days (Monday to Friday)
Note: The above three points must be completed (start to finish) within two weeks.
Point 4: RCSI checks
RCSI will check payment. When your payment is cleared and your application is deemed satisfactory, an invitation will be sent (could take up to three working days).
Step 4: Immigration documentation
If AWS is required: Upon receipt of your invitation to the test you should apply for your AWS letter of approval (provided it is within the specified timeframe).
If entry visa is required: Apply for this upon receipt of your AWS letter of approval.
Step 5: 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 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 the required documentation (as per step 1 above).
Step 6: Attend the test
MCQ: You are required to bring the required documentation (as per step 1 above).
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 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 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 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.
Contacts for further information
Test dates, at least 12 months in advance, have been included here to help with planning. 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.
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) |
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 |
29 November 2025 | 30 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 | 3 October 2026 |
3 October 2026 | 4 October 2026 | 7 November 2026 |
7 November 2026 | 8 November 2026 | 28 November 2026 |
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: 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 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 am currently living in the Republic of Ireland and my agent and prospective employer are in agreement
I have the required immigration documentation required to take the test, as detailed in 'Steps involved' section on this page.
Option 3: 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.
Option 4: 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?
If you have any queries, please: