Legal or regulatory requirement
NMC registration (nurse, midwife or nursing associate)
NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
By law, nurses and midwives practising in the UK, and nursing associates practising in England, must be on the NMC register. It is an offence to falsely claim to be registered or to use a title you are not entitled to.
- Awarding body
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Level
- Professional registration (not a course)
- Where it applies
- UK for nurses and midwives; England only for nursing associates
- Exams
- No separate NMC exam for UK-trained applicants — you register after completing an NMC-approved programme.
- Entry
- Complete an NMC-approved programme: a degree, a degree apprenticeship, or (for nursing associates) a foundation degree or higher apprenticeship
- Your university or training provider confirms your health and character, and you declare any police cautions or convictions
- Also required
- Hold an indemnity arrangement when you practise
- Pay the annual fee on time — if you do not, your registration lapses and you cannot practise until you are readmitted
- Continuing development
- Registrants must keep their registration up to date, including the NMC's revalidation requirements.
- Outside this area
- The register covers the whole UK for nurses and midwives. Nursing associates are registered to practise in England.
Changes to know about
- Annual fee increased from £120 to £143 on 1 October 2026.
Assessment and registration fees
| Fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee on joining, then every year (from 1 October 2026) | £143 | Nursing and Midwifery Council (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
- The NMC fee rose from £120 to £143 on 1 October 2026. If your fee notice arrived before 1 October 2026, you pay £120.
Official page: Nursing and Midwifery Council (opens in a new tab)Checked 14 Oct 2026