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, explained
What the RCSI Overseas Aptitude Test is, who has to sit it, how the 150-question theory paper and the 14-station OSCE work, and how many attempts you get.
7 min read
The €2,800 question: fee, dates and two attempts
What the RCSI aptitude test fee covers, how and when to pay, the 2026 and 2027 theory dates, the 12-week window, and what happens after a second fail.
7 min read
From NMBI decision letter to the Register
The overseas nurse route: NMBI recognition, G1/G2/G3 groups, English requirements, the decision letter, adaptation versus aptitude test, 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