Overseas Aptitude Test – General Nurse

Step 1: 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

Click here for more information.

One of the compensation measures is the RCSI FNM Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses.

Step 2: Prepare to apply for 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 in this website. You should consider if you are:

• eligible to take the test
• ready/prepared to take the test
• interested in taking the test

If required, you should have a prospective employer; an employment contract. 

Step 3: Apply for the test

You will need to complete an online application and upload four documents with your application. Do not commence application until you have the four documents ready for uploading:

• Recent photograph
• Biography/biometrics page of passport/ID
• Proof of payment (refer to Fees page)
• 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.

Upon receipt of a correctly completed application for the test, an invitation is sent within five days.

Important note regarding the NMBI decision letter:

• The onus is on each applicant to ensure that their NMBI decision letter is in date
• 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 NMBI directly.

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.

If you have a request for a specific test date (other than the one that is open at the point of application) write it on the bottom of the proof of payment with a brief reason as to why it is being requested.

An applicant must be ready for the test date 11 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.

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 because (give brief reason) 
My agent and prospective employer are in agreement.

Option 5: If you need to withdraw then email e 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 Unused Fees and Administration Charges in Fees section of this webpage)

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?