NMBI English Language Requirements for Non-EU Nurses and Midwives: Pathways, Test Scores.

If you trained outside the EU and want to register as a nurse or midwife in Ireland, NMBI requires evidence that you can communicate effectively in English across speaking, listening, reading and writing. Here is what NMBI currently accepts, when you must submit it, and how to avoid costly delays. 

NMBI introduced mandatory English language competence evidence for overseas applicants from 2 April 2018, requiring proof of competence across the four communication skills used in clinical practice.

When You Must Submit English Evidence (The “Two-Stage” MyNMBI Process)

Under the newer MyNMBI digital pathway, the overseas route is split into:

• Stage 1: Qualification recognition application
• Stage 2: Registration application

NMBI generally requires English language evidence at Stage 2 (registration) for digital applications. However, for applicants who began under the older paper-based process, NMBI requires the English test to be valid at the time of the paper-based application stage.

Please note that all applicants must first submit a Stage 1 application to have their qualifications recognised before they can apply for registration.

Once NMBI confirms that the applicant’s qualification meets the required standards, the applicant must then apply for registration through a separate application process.

The 3 English-Language Pathways NMBI Accepts

Pathway 1: Trained in English in an NMBI recognised country

If your pre-registration nursing/midwifery programme was taught and examined in English in one of these NMBI recognised majority English-speaking countries, you may qualify via this pathway:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United States of America
• United Kingdom 

Evidence required (typical):

            •  Proof of qualification completion and the location of the college.

            •  If your college is in Quebec or New Brunswick (Canada), your college must confirm the programme and placements were completed in English.

Exemptions:

NMBI will also accept applications from people who completed their pre-registration qualification in an EU country where English is an official or co-official language. The applicant must be eligible for automatic recognition under the EU Directive. The college must confirm that both the qualification and the practice placements were completed in English.

For applicants applying under the EU Directive, NMBI will consider any evidence of English language competence, as long as it is equivalent to CEFR level C1. This can include secondary school or third-level qualifications completed in English, if these are evidenced as equivalent to CEFR C1.

Pathway 2: Registered And Practised In English

If you want to rely on practice experience, NMBI states you must show 3 years post-registration practice within the last 5 years in one of the recognised countries listed below:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United States of America
• United Kingdom 

Evidence required (per NMBI):

A letter (headed paper) or email from the employer or nursing authority confirming:

• Location of employment
• Dates of employment
• Job title (nursing or midwifery)
• If in Quebec/New Brunswick, confirmation you practised primarily in English

Pathway 3: English Language Tests (IELTS Or OET)

NMBI accepts:

• IELTS Academic
• IELTS Academic for UKVI
• OET (Occupational English Test) 

IELTS Academic Minimum Score

Component    Minimum

Listening         7.0

Reading           7.0

Writing            6.5

Speaking         7.0

Overall            7.0 (with at least 7.0 in any three components and 6.5 in one component) 

OET Minimum Score

Component    Minimum

Listening         B (350-450)

Reading           B (350-450)

Writing            C+ (300-340)

Speaking         B (350-450)

Overall: Grade B in 3 components and C+ in 1 component  

Validity rules and restrictions you must plan for

NMBI notes that:

• IELTS/OET results must be less than 2 years old. 
• NMBI will independently verify your scores. 
• NMBI accepts one test result only (no combined results). 

NMBI does not accept:

• IELTS One Skill Retake
• IELTS online
• OET at home 

Applicants must note that NMBI requires you to provide your: IELTS TRF number, or OET Candidate Number so they can verify results independently. 

NMBI advises applicants not to submit a registration application until they meet the minimum scores and have a current (in-date) test result. If you apply without meeting requirements, NMBI notes the assessment fee is non-refundable. 

For more information, visit the NMBI website here.