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 RCSI FNM Aptitude Test. Check what you need as you will be required to present the required documents when confirming the test (no later than 13 days before the test). In order to gain entry to the test you must also bring the required documentation to the test (original and copy). Please note that without the required documentation you will not be allowed to take the test. You must be able to produce one of the following:

a): Specific passport: An Irish in-date passport or a United Kingdom in-date passport (UK: Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales) or a European (EU) country in-date passport

or

b): Irish Residency Permit

or

c): Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) letter of approval that is linked to your prospective employer and an entry visa stamp on passport that is linked to your AWS letter of approval and specifically references atypical work.

All non-EEA nationals are required to have a valid AWS letter but not all non-EEA nationals are visa required. In such a case you need to clarify why an entry visa is not required.

Note:

• 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.
• 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.

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 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.

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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:

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:

• 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. Seven 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 paid the fee to RCSI: applicant; or agent; or prospective employer; or other (if other then specify relationship to applicant)
• Your preferred test date from list of test dates on webpage

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).

Note: During the processing of the above, please do not contact RCSI or TransferMate about your application.

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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.

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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).

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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:

• 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 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.

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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

• 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
• The Work Relations Commission (WRC) regarding employers and employment agencies
• 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. 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)
		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
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 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?