NMC vs GMC Registration: Which UK Regulator Do You Need?
Doctors register with the GMC. Nurses, midwives and nursing associates register with the NMC. Here is how the two routes compare for internationally trained healthcare professionals, and what each exam involves.
Last reviewed: October 2026
The short answer
The General Medical Council registers and licenses doctors. Most international medical graduates qualify by passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council registers nurses, midwives and nursing associates. Internationally educated nurses pass the NMC Test of Competence: a computer-based test (CBT) followed by an OSCE.
The two registers are completely separate. Passing PLAB does not let you work as a nurse, and the NMC Test of Competence does not count towards GMC registration.
Side-by-side comparison
| GMC (doctors) | NMC (nurses and midwives) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it registers | Doctors | Nurses, midwives and nursing associates |
| Main exam for overseas applicants | PLAB 1 (written) and PLAB 2 (OSCE) | Test of Competence: CBT (Part 1) and OSCE (Part 2) |
| Written exam | PLAB 1: 180 single best answer questions in 3 hours | CBT: multiple-choice clinical and numeracy questions, taken at Pearson VUE centres worldwide |
| Practical exam | PLAB 2 OSCE in Manchester | OSCE at an NMC-approved UK test centre |
| English (IELTS) | Academic 7.5 overall, 7.0 in each part | 7.0 overall, 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in the other parts |
| English (OET) | Medicine: grade B in each sub-test | Nursing or midwifery: grade B in reading, listening and speaking, C+ in writing |
| Qualification check | EPIC primary source verification | Checked by the NMC during the application |
| Official source | gmc-uk.org | nmc.org.uk |
How NMC registration works for internationally educated nurses
Preparing for the NMC CBT and OSCE
The CBT tests both clinical knowledge and drug calculations, and many nurses find the numeracy section catches them out more than the clinical questions do. Timed practice under exam conditions makes the biggest difference. For focused practice, NMCMATE offers NMC CBT practice questions and mock exams for adult, mental health, learning disabilities and children's nursing, along with OSCE preparation.
How GMC registration works for international doctors
Doctors check that their medical degree is accepted, prove their English, pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, verify their qualification through EPIC, and then apply for registration with a licence to practise. Our step-by-step PLAB route guide covers each stage in detail, and the PLAB exam overview explains the format of both parts.
Frequently asked questions
Is NMC registration for doctors?
No. The NMC registers nurses, midwives and nursing associates. Doctors register with the GMC, usually by passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
Can a doctor register with the NMC as a nurse?
Only if they also hold a recognised nursing qualification. A medical degree on its own does not qualify you for the NMC register.
What is the NMC Test of Competence?
It is the exam internationally educated nurses and midwives take to join the UK register. Part 1 is a computer-based test (CBT) of clinical knowledge and numeracy. Part 2 is a practical OSCE taken in the UK.
Are the English requirements the same for the GMC and NMC?
No. The GMC asks doctors for a higher IELTS score (7.5 overall) than the NMC asks nurses (7.0 overall with 6.5 in writing). The OET grades also differ. Check each regulator's website for the current rules.