Guides
Everything checked against rcsi.com and nmbi.ie on the date shown. Where RCSI changes a rule, we change the guide.
The RCSI aptitude test: the complete guide
Everything about the RCSI Overseas Aptitude Test in one place: the 150-MCQ theory paper, the 14-station OSCE, pass marks, two attempts in 12 weeks, dates, the €2,800 fee, visa, what happens after a pass, and a 12-week plan.
14 min read
The €2,800 question: fee, dates and two attempts
When the RCSI aptitude test runs in 2026/27, how to book a date, what the €2,800 fee covers, the refund rules and what happens after a first and second fail.
7 min read
NMBI registration for overseas nurses: step by step to the Register
How an overseas nurse registers with NMBI: recognition application, G1/G2/G3 groups, English scores, the decision letter, aptitude test or adaptation, then registration.
8 min read
The ten RCSI sample MCQs, answered
RCSI publishes ten sample theory questions. Here is each one with the correct answer, why it is correct, and the topic it comes from.
6 min read
30 RCSI aptitude test questions with answers (free PDF)
Thirty MCQs in the format of the RCSI theory paper, one from each of 30 reading-list topics, with answers, explanations and sources. Download as PDF.
15 min read
Failed the RCSI aptitude test. What happens now
What a first fail means for your repeat date and the 12-week window, what a second fail does to your NMBI application, and how the appeal works.
7 min read
OSCE day: what actually happens
The RCSI aptitude test OSCE from arrival to result: 14 stations of 10 minutes, the descriptor sheets, how assessors mark, the mistakes RCSI says it sees, and a minute-by-minute plan for each station.
9 min read
Aptitude test or adaptation programme?
The two NMBI compensation measures compared: time, cost, where you need to be, what can go wrong, and why you cannot switch after a fail.
7 min read
RCSI OSCE stations: what each of the 14 stations tests
The station groups RCSI publishes for the aptitude test OSCE, the example scenarios under each, the skills stations implied by its test room, and the theory topic and rehearsal behind every one.
6 min read
Critical Skills Employment Permit for nurses
Nurses and the Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland: NMBI registration first, a 2-year job offer, €1,000 fee, pay rules, Stamp 4 after 21 months.
7 min read
AWS letter and visa for the RCSI aptitude test
Atypical Working Scheme for the RCSI test: 2-year contract, €250 fee, 20 working days, 6 months in Ireland, immigration papers 13 days before the test.
7 min read
NMBI English requirements: IELTS and OET scores
NMBI minimum scores: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 6.5 in one skill, or OET B in three and C+ in one. One sitting, under two years old, at registration.
5 min read
What it costs to register as a nurse in Ireland
NMBI recognition €350 and registration €145, RCSI aptitude test €2,800, AWS €250, visa, IRP €300, permit €1,000. The full bill for an overseas nurse, with what you can skip.
6 min read
HSE staff nurse pay scale and nurse salary in Ireland
HSE staff nurse pay from 1 June 2026: €38,166 on point 1 rising to €54,956, then €56,592 long service, plus monthly and weekly pay, Enhanced Nurse and CNM scales.
7 min read