Application process
All future test dates are provisional.
When one test closes, the next one opens. A test typically opens approximately 3.5 months in advance to afford time to complete the necessary steps below.
Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery
All future test dates are provisional.
When one test closes, the next one opens. A test typically opens approximately 3.5 months in advance to afford time to complete the necessary steps below.
Submit various documents to the NMBI for a full regulatory assessment. Upon completion of the NMBI regulatory assessment, a decision letter (which has an expiry date) is issued. This NMBI decision letter must be in date on the day of your first attempt at the MCQ.
One of the outcomes of the regulatory assessment may be that you have to undergo one of two compensation measures, one of which is 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 on these webpages. You should consider if you are: a) eligible to take the test; b) ready/prepared to take the test; and c) interested in taking the test.
You will need to complete an online application and upload four documents with your application:
Your application is processed within three working days and you are contacted via email. If satisfactory, an invitation is sent for a place on the next available test.
To allow for the next steps to be met and to allow for travel and other arrangements, each test opens approximately 15 weeks in advance. Only one test is open at a time and as soon as one test closes the next one opens.
If you require it, application is made (without delay) for an Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) letter of approval. Provided all required documentation is submitted in a satisfactory manner this can take a minimum of four weeks. RCSI cannot answer any queries in relation to immigration requirements; please refer to immigration.
Application should be made, without delay, for an entry visa. Supporting documents required may include your NMBI decision letter and your AWS letter of approval. RCSI cannot answer queries in relation to immigration requirements, including employment needs, please refer to immigration. Provided all required documentation is submitted in a satisfactory manner this can take a minimum of eight weeks.
No later than 18 days prior to the test for which you are scheduled, you will receive a reminder email.
In order to secure your place on the test for this date, you must reply as per instructions in the reminder email. If a reply is not received by the due time and date, then the applicant is postponed to the test open at that time.
To avoid unnecessary test date changes, please consider the following:
Applicant checks
To allow for the various processes required between receiving an invitation to the test and the date of your test, a test opens on average 3.5 months in advance. To avoid unnecessary postponements, each applicant must carry out frequent checks, including:
Cancelled test
Ongoing postponements continue to be an issue. If there is a high number of postponements for a test, then it will be cancelled and an alternative date will be offered.
Process regarding postponements
Postponement fee
An administration cost of €200 will be charged for each postponement for/by each applicant. This will come into effect from 1 March 2021 (there is no charge for postponements requested up to 28 February 2021). The date of 1 March is to allow each prospective employer and agent and applicant sufficient time to check the status of each application in order to avoid postponements and the subsequent cancellation of tests or tests being run with below capacity numbers.
Wait list – application for earlier test date
Application to go on a wait list for an earlier test date |
1: NMBI reference number |
2: RCSI number |
3: Applicant name |
4: Agent |
5: Prospective employer |
6: Is applicant now in Ireland? (Yes or No) |
7: Is applicant now ready to travel to Ireland? (Yes or No) |
8: Does applicant have Entry Visa? (Yes or No) |
9: Does applicant have ATWS? (Yes or No) |
10: Current test date |
11: Specific earlier test date/s requested (must be highly likely will make the test date) |
12: How many weeks in advance do you need the invitation for the preferred earlier test date? |
13: Additional comments, if required |
If any aspect of your application changes, please email marianeary@rcsi.com.
Results of the theory test are issued via email by 9pm on the day of the test. If you are successful in the theory test, you are invited to the OSCEs/practical test. Unless specifically requested, you do not need to bring any documentation with you.
Results of OSCEs/practical test are issued via email by 2pm on the Tuesday 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.
Possible Theory/MCQ | Possible Practical/OSCE | Possible repeat Practical/OSCE |
9 January | 10 January | 30 January |
16 January | 17 January | 30 January |
17 January (cancelled) | 23 January (cancelled) | |
23 January | 24 January | 13 February |
30 January | 31 January | 13 February |
31 January (cancelled) | 6 February (cancelled) | |
6 February | 7 February | 21 February |
7 February (cancelled) | 14 February (cancelled) | |
21 February | 27 February | 13 March |
27 February | 28 February | 13 March |
6 March | 7 March | 20 March |
13 March | 14 March | 10 April |
20 March | 21 March | 10 April |
21 March | 27 March | 10 April |
27 March | 28 March | 10 April |
10 April | 11 April | 8 May |
11 April | 17 April | 8 May |
17 April | 18 April | 8 May |
18 April | 24 April | 8 May |
24 April | 25 April | 8 May |
8 May | 9 May | 12 June |
9 May | 15 May | 12 June |
15 May | 16 May | 12 June |
23 May | 29 May | 12 June |
29 May | 30 May | 12 June |
12 June | 13 June | 3 July |
19 June | 20 June | 3 July |
3 July | 4 July | |
7 August (postponements) | 8 August (postponements) |
If you have any queries, please: