Healthcare registration by country

Registration routes for nurses by country

Country	Exams and assessment	Language	Timeline
United KingdomNMCFull guide	The NMC Test of Competencea computer-based test (CBT) of numeracy and clinical questions, sat through Pearson VUE in most countries, and a 10-station OSCE at an approved UK test centre.	IELTS Academic 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writingor OET B in listening, reading and speaking and C+ in writing, from a test no more than two years old. Other evidence routes exist.	The NMC aims to assess your qualification within 14 days of having your regulator's responseand to decide registration within 30 days of having everything. You have two years from eligibility to finish.
IrelandNMBIFull guide	If NMBI finds gaps, you complete a compensation measureGeneral and psychiatric nurses can choose a period of adaptation in Ireland or the RCSI aptitude test (an MCQ, then an OSCE); other divisions complete an adaptation period.	IELTS Academic overall 7.0, with 7.0 in any three components and 6.5 in oneor OET grade B in three components and C+ in one. One sitting only, less than two years old; IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online and OET at home are not accepted.	NMBI does not publish a fixed processing timeYou have 12 months from your letter to secure an adaptation period, or 12 months from your email to complete the aptitude test.
GermanyApprobationFull guide	If your training is not found equivalent, you choose between a Kenntnisprüfung(knowledge test) and an Anpassungslehrgang (adaptation course). In Bavaria, applicants from outside the EU can waive the detailed equivalence check and go straight to one of these measures.	German, not EnglishThe Bavarian State Office for Nursing (LfP) accepts B2 certificates or its Fachsprachenprüfung Pflege, a 60-minute nursing language test assessed at B2 level.	The LfP does not publish a fixed time for nursing applicationsthe clock only matters once your file is complete, so send every document at once. Language study usually takes longer than the paperwork.
NetherlandsBIGFull guide	Nurses take the professional content test(BI test): a written knowledge test, a skills test and a clinical reasoning interview. The CBGV may also look at the general knowledge and skills (AKV) test, and may require extra training or an adaptation internship.	Dutch at the level set for your professional level(B1 for secondary vocational nursing qualifications, B2 for higher vocational), from an NT2 State Examination for B1 and B2, plus proof of English reading skills. Certificates must be no more than two years old.	The BIG register says the whole procedure takes 6 months to 1.5 years on averageBI test results come in 3 to 6 weeks, and the commission assesses within 12 weeks of the result.
United StatesRegistered nurse (RN), licensed by a state board of nursingNCSBNFull guide	The NCLEX-RN, a computerized adaptive test with up to five hours including breaksbooked through Pearson VUE once your board makes you eligible. International centres include India, the Philippines, the UK, Australia, Jordan, Kenya and others.	Set by each state boardCheck your board's rules, as some accept an English-taught nursing programme instead of a test.	Depends on the state board and on how long your school and regulator take to send documents for the credentials evaluation.
United StatesVisaScreen certificate and Credentials Evaluation Service reportCGFNSFull guide	For RNs, VisaScreen needs evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN or the TruMerit Nurse Qualifying Exam	A passing score on an approved testCambridge English, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, MET, OET or PTE Academic. At-home versions are not accepted. Scores were updated on May 12, 2026; check the current table for RNs.	TruMerit says 90% of VisaScreen certificates are issued within 3.5 business days once documents are received and validated.

• United KingdomNMC

  Exams

  The NMC Test of Competencea computer-based test (CBT) of numeracy and clinical questions, sat through Pearson VUE in most countries, and a 10-station OSCE at an approved UK test centre.

  Language

  IELTS Academic 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writingor OET B in listening, reading and speaking and C+ in writing, from a test no more than two years old. Other evidence routes exist.

  Timeline

  The NMC aims to assess your qualification within 14 days of having your regulator's responseand to decide registration within 30 days of having everything. You have two years from eligibility to finish.

  Full guide

• IrelandNMBI

  Exams

  If NMBI finds gaps, you complete a compensation measureGeneral and psychiatric nurses can choose a period of adaptation in Ireland or the RCSI aptitude test (an MCQ, then an OSCE); other divisions complete an adaptation period.

  Language

  IELTS Academic overall 7.0, with 7.0 in any three components and 6.5 in oneor OET grade B in three components and C+ in one. One sitting only, less than two years old; IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online and OET at home are not accepted.

  Timeline

  NMBI does not publish a fixed processing timeYou have 12 months from your letter to secure an adaptation period, or 12 months from your email to complete the aptitude test.

  Full guide

• GermanyApprobation

  Exams

  If your training is not found equivalent, you choose between a Kenntnisprüfung(knowledge test) and an Anpassungslehrgang (adaptation course). In Bavaria, applicants from outside the EU can waive the detailed equivalence check and go straight to one of these measures.

  Language

  German, not EnglishThe Bavarian State Office for Nursing (LfP) accepts B2 certificates or its Fachsprachenprüfung Pflege, a 60-minute nursing language test assessed at B2 level.

  Timeline

  The LfP does not publish a fixed time for nursing applicationsthe clock only matters once your file is complete, so send every document at once. Language study usually takes longer than the paperwork.

  Full guide

• NetherlandsBIG

  Exams

  Nurses take the professional content test(BI test): a written knowledge test, a skills test and a clinical reasoning interview. The CBGV may also look at the general knowledge and skills (AKV) test, and may require extra training or an adaptation internship.

  Language

  Dutch at the level set for your professional level(B1 for secondary vocational nursing qualifications, B2 for higher vocational), from an NT2 State Examination for B1 and B2, plus proof of English reading skills. Certificates must be no more than two years old.

  Timeline

  The BIG register says the whole procedure takes 6 months to 1.5 years on averageBI test results come in 3 to 6 weeks, and the commission assesses within 12 weeks of the result.

  Full guide

• United StatesNCSBN

  Registered nurse (RN), licensed by a state board of nursing

  Exams

  The NCLEX-RN, a computerized adaptive test with up to five hours including breaksbooked through Pearson VUE once your board makes you eligible. International centres include India, the Philippines, the UK, Australia, Jordan, Kenya and others.

  Language

  Set by each state boardCheck your board's rules, as some accept an English-taught nursing programme instead of a test.

  Timeline

  Depends on the state board and on how long your school and regulator take to send documents for the credentials evaluation.

  Full guide

• United StatesCGFNS

  VisaScreen certificate and Credentials Evaluation Service report

  Exams

  For RNs, VisaScreen needs evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN or the TruMerit Nurse Qualifying Exam

  Language

  A passing score on an approved testCambridge English, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, MET, OET or PTE Academic. At-home versions are not accepted. Scores were updated on May 12, 2026; check the current table for RNs.

  Timeline

  TruMerit says 90% of VisaScreen certificates are issued within 3.5 business days once documents are received and validated.

  Full guide

From each regulator's published rules, with sources on the nurses guide. Fees and rules change: check the regulator before you apply.

Registration routes for doctors by country

Country	Exams and assessment	Language	Timeline
United KingdomGMCFull guide	PLAB 1, 180 single best answer questions in three hours, held in the UK and abroadPLAB 2, a 16-station OSCE in Manchester only.	IELTS Academic 7.0 in each area and 7.5 overallor OET Medicine grade B in each sub-test, in one sitting that is your most recent.	PLAB 2 must be passed within two years of PLAB 1, and registration approved within two years of PLAB 2The GMC says most medical schools answer EPIC within 90 days.
IrelandIMCFull guide	PRES Level 2 tests clinical knowledge and Level 3 clinical skillsacross obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and medicine or general practice. Doctors who have passed PLAB 2 can be exempted.	IELTS Academic overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each moduleor OET Medicine grade B in each module, in one sitting within the last two years. Graduates of medical schools in the EU/EEA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and USA are exempt.	The Medical Council does not publish a standard processing timeEPIC reports sent to the Council are available for 12 months, so time your verification with your application.
GermanyApprobationFull guide	If there are substantial differences, you pass a Kenntnisprüfung(knowledge test) based on the German state final exam. A separate Fachsprachprüfung (medical language test), run by the state medical chamber, has three 20-minute parts: patient history, written documentation and a doctor-to-doctor conversation.	German. The Berlin Medical Chamber says the required medical language skills are oriented to C1and that you first present a B2 certificate in general German.	The Bundesärzteordnung requires a decision within four months of a complete applicationThe Bavarian chamber says it can offer a language test date in your chosen month with about six weeks' notice.
NetherlandsBIGFull guide	Doctors take the BI testsince 1 March 2026, the interuniversity Progress Test for Medicine (iVTG) and a clinical skills test (DKV). The BIG register says the BI test for physicians is full for this year and it is not yet known when new places will open.	Dutch at B2+, between B2 and C1from one of the institutions the BIG register lists, plus proof of English reading skills. Certificates must be no more than two years old.	The procedure takes 6 months to 1.5 years on averageThe commission assesses within 12 weeks of your BI test result, and any extra training lasts 3 months to 2 years.
United StatesECFMG CertificationECFMGFull guide	USMLE Step 1 (fourteen 30-minute blocks in an 8-hour day from May 14, 2026) and Step 2 CK(sixteen 30-minute blocks in a 9-hour day from May 7, 2026). Four failed attempts at any Step make you ineligible for the whole USMLE.	Set by ECFMG as part of certificationCheck ECFMG's current requirements before you apply, as they have changed in recent years.	Depends on your exam dates and verificationResidency programmes then last 3 to 9 years depending on the specialty, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
United StatesLicensed physician (MD or DO equivalent)State medical boardFull guide	USMLE Step 3, which requires ECFMG Certification and passes in Step 1 and Step 2 CKYou cannot take the same Step more than three times in 12 months.	Set by each state medical board alongside ECFMG Certification	Most doctors apply for a full licence during or after residencyCheck your state board for the required years of training.

• United KingdomGMC

  Exams

  PLAB 1, 180 single best answer questions in three hours, held in the UK and abroadPLAB 2, a 16-station OSCE in Manchester only.

  Language

  IELTS Academic 7.0 in each area and 7.5 overallor OET Medicine grade B in each sub-test, in one sitting that is your most recent.

  Timeline

  PLAB 2 must be passed within two years of PLAB 1, and registration approved within two years of PLAB 2The GMC says most medical schools answer EPIC within 90 days.

  Full guide

• IrelandIMC

  Exams

  PRES Level 2 tests clinical knowledge and Level 3 clinical skillsacross obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and medicine or general practice. Doctors who have passed PLAB 2 can be exempted.

  Language

  IELTS Academic overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each moduleor OET Medicine grade B in each module, in one sitting within the last two years. Graduates of medical schools in the EU/EEA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and USA are exempt.

  Timeline

  The Medical Council does not publish a standard processing timeEPIC reports sent to the Council are available for 12 months, so time your verification with your application.

  Full guide

• GermanyApprobation

  Exams

  If there are substantial differences, you pass a Kenntnisprüfung(knowledge test) based on the German state final exam. A separate Fachsprachprüfung (medical language test), run by the state medical chamber, has three 20-minute parts: patient history, written documentation and a doctor-to-doctor conversation.

  Language

  German. The Berlin Medical Chamber says the required medical language skills are oriented to C1and that you first present a B2 certificate in general German.

  Timeline

  The Bundesärzteordnung requires a decision within four months of a complete applicationThe Bavarian chamber says it can offer a language test date in your chosen month with about six weeks' notice.

  Full guide

• NetherlandsBIG

  Exams

  Doctors take the BI testsince 1 March 2026, the interuniversity Progress Test for Medicine (iVTG) and a clinical skills test (DKV). The BIG register says the BI test for physicians is full for this year and it is not yet known when new places will open.

  Language

  Dutch at B2+, between B2 and C1from one of the institutions the BIG register lists, plus proof of English reading skills. Certificates must be no more than two years old.

  Timeline

  The procedure takes 6 months to 1.5 years on averageThe commission assesses within 12 weeks of your BI test result, and any extra training lasts 3 months to 2 years.

  Full guide

• United StatesECFMG

  ECFMG Certification

  Exams

  USMLE Step 1 (fourteen 30-minute blocks in an 8-hour day from May 14, 2026) and Step 2 CK(sixteen 30-minute blocks in a 9-hour day from May 7, 2026). Four failed attempts at any Step make you ineligible for the whole USMLE.

  Language

  Set by ECFMG as part of certificationCheck ECFMG's current requirements before you apply, as they have changed in recent years.

  Timeline

  Depends on your exam dates and verificationResidency programmes then last 3 to 9 years depending on the specialty, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  Full guide

• United StatesState medical board

  Licensed physician (MD or DO equivalent)

  Exams

  USMLE Step 3, which requires ECFMG Certification and passes in Step 1 and Step 2 CKYou cannot take the same Step more than three times in 12 months.

  Language

  Set by each state medical board alongside ECFMG Certification

  Timeline

  Most doctors apply for a full licence during or after residencyCheck your state board for the required years of training.

  Full guide

From each regulator's published rules, with sources on the doctors guide. Fees and rules change: check the regulator before you apply.

Registration routes for pharmacists by country

Country	Exams and assessment	Language	Timeline
United KingdomGPhCFull guide	Common Registration AssessmentPart 1 is 40 calculations in 120 minutes and Part 2 is 120 questions in 150 minutes, at UK test centres. You must pass both parts at one sitting, with a maximum of three attempts. OSPAP has its own university assessments.	Academic IELTS at least 7 overall and 7 in each skillor Pharmacy OET at grade B in each skill, at one sitting. OET@Home is not accepted.	The GPhC updates you within eight weeks of an eligibility applicationOSPAP is one academic year and foundation training is 52 weeks, so plan for around three years overall.
IrelandPSIFull guide	If the holistic assessment requires ityou sit the TCQR examination run by RCSI in Dublin: Part 1 is an MCQ (Part A pharmaceutical calculations, Part B applied pharmacy practice, each passed separately) and Part 2 is an OSCE. Places at each sitting are limited.	Shown at registration, at CEFR C1Academic IELTS 7 overall with 7 in speaking, reading and listening and 6.5 in writing; TOEFL iBT 95; CAE C1 with 180 in each component; or OET Pharmacy grade B. All components at one sitting.	Exam results come approximately four to six weeks after the examSittings were set for July and September 2026 and February 2027, with demand expected to be high.
GermanyApprobationFull guide	If there are substantial differencespharmacists trained outside the EU can take a knowledge test to compensate. A specialist language examination is usually required, often run by the state Chamber of Pharmacists.	German, not Englishlevel B2 and usually a specialist language examination at C1.	The authority confirms receipt within one month and should decide within four months of a complete file, though it may extend this.
NetherlandsBIGFull guide	The BIG register lists the BI-test for doctors, dentists and nurses onlyFor pharmacists the committee decides on paper, possibly after an interview, and may require additional training.	Dutch at B2+ from an approved provider and English reading at B2(for example IELTS 5.5 to 6.0), no more than two years old.	The BIG register says the procedure takes six to 18 months on averageFor professions without a BI-test, you receive an intended decision within six weeks of your file going to the committee. Additional training can last three months to two years.
United StatesFPGEC certificationNABPFull guide	The FPGEE has 200 questions, 4.5 hours of exam time(5.5 hours seat time), at Pearson sites in the continental USA. It runs once a year (15 October in 2026), the scaled passing score is 75, and you have five attempts.	TOEFL iBT at the scores in the FPGEC candidate bulletinNABP says OET for Pharmacy will be accepted for tests taken from 11 January 2027.	About 12 weeks for evaluation, then the annual FPGEE date, then about eight weeks for scores
United StatesLicensed pharmacistState boards of pharmacyFull guide	The NAPLEX tests general practice knowledge and is delivered by Pearson VUENABP also runs the MPJE, a pharmacy law exam that many states use; check which law exam your state requires.	English is checked as part of FPGEC certificationAsk the state board whether it sets any further requirement.	Varies by state and by any internship hours required

• United KingdomGPhC

  Exams

  Common Registration AssessmentPart 1 is 40 calculations in 120 minutes and Part 2 is 120 questions in 150 minutes, at UK test centres. You must pass both parts at one sitting, with a maximum of three attempts. OSPAP has its own university assessments.

  Language

  Academic IELTS at least 7 overall and 7 in each skillor Pharmacy OET at grade B in each skill, at one sitting. OET@Home is not accepted.

  Timeline

  The GPhC updates you within eight weeks of an eligibility applicationOSPAP is one academic year and foundation training is 52 weeks, so plan for around three years overall.

  Full guide

• IrelandPSI

  Exams

  If the holistic assessment requires ityou sit the TCQR examination run by RCSI in Dublin: Part 1 is an MCQ (Part A pharmaceutical calculations, Part B applied pharmacy practice, each passed separately) and Part 2 is an OSCE. Places at each sitting are limited.

  Language

  Shown at registration, at CEFR C1Academic IELTS 7 overall with 7 in speaking, reading and listening and 6.5 in writing; TOEFL iBT 95; CAE C1 with 180 in each component; or OET Pharmacy grade B. All components at one sitting.

  Timeline

  Exam results come approximately four to six weeks after the examSittings were set for July and September 2026 and February 2027, with demand expected to be high.

  Full guide

• GermanyApprobation

  Exams

  If there are substantial differencespharmacists trained outside the EU can take a knowledge test to compensate. A specialist language examination is usually required, often run by the state Chamber of Pharmacists.

  Language

  German, not Englishlevel B2 and usually a specialist language examination at C1.

  Timeline

  The authority confirms receipt within one month and should decide within four months of a complete file, though it may extend this.

  Full guide

• NetherlandsBIG

  Exams

  The BIG register lists the BI-test for doctors, dentists and nurses onlyFor pharmacists the committee decides on paper, possibly after an interview, and may require additional training.

  Language

  Dutch at B2+ from an approved provider and English reading at B2(for example IELTS 5.5 to 6.0), no more than two years old.

  Timeline

  The BIG register says the procedure takes six to 18 months on averageFor professions without a BI-test, you receive an intended decision within six weeks of your file going to the committee. Additional training can last three months to two years.

  Full guide

• United StatesNABP

  FPGEC certification

  Exams

  The FPGEE has 200 questions, 4.5 hours of exam time(5.5 hours seat time), at Pearson sites in the continental USA. It runs once a year (15 October in 2026), the scaled passing score is 75, and you have five attempts.

  Language

  TOEFL iBT at the scores in the FPGEC candidate bulletinNABP says OET for Pharmacy will be accepted for tests taken from 11 January 2027.

  Timeline

  About 12 weeks for evaluation, then the annual FPGEE date, then about eight weeks for scores

  Full guide

• United StatesState boards of pharmacy

  Licensed pharmacist

  Exams

  The NAPLEX tests general practice knowledge and is delivered by Pearson VUENABP also runs the MPJE, a pharmacy law exam that many states use; check which law exam your state requires.

  Language

  English is checked as part of FPGEC certificationAsk the state board whether it sets any further requirement.

  Timeline

  Varies by state and by any internship hours required

  Full guide

From each regulator's published rules, with sources on the pharmacists guide. Fees and rules change: check the regulator before you apply.

Registration routes for physiotherapists by country

Country	Exams and assessment	Language	Timeline
United KingdomHCPCFull guide	No national examTwo physiotherapist assessors decide on paper. If they need more information they may offer a test of competence, a structured professional discussion usually held online, which must be completed within 12 months.	IELTS overall 7.0 with no element below 6.5, TOEFL iBT at the HCPC scoresor OET Physiotherapy with 1400 overall and no element below 300, no more than two years old. Qualifications from listed English-speaking countries are exempt.	The HCPC says assessment takes about three months from a complete applicationand verification about three months more after acceptance. High demand can mean longer waits.
IrelandCORUFull guide	No national examA compensation measure may be an adaptation period of supervised practice in Ireland (maximum three years, with one repeat attempt) or an aptitude test of professional knowledge, which must be offered within six months.	OET Physiotherapy with grade B(350) in three components and at least C+ (300) in one, Academic IELTS 7.0 overall with no element below 6.5, or Cambridge CAE grade C at C1. Certificates must be within two years of applying.	CORU says recognition can take up to four months from the file being deemed completeA compensation measure adds time.
GermanyState recognition authorityFull guide	If your training is not equivalentyou complete a compensation measure: for qualifications from outside the EU, an adaptation period or a knowledge test.	German, not Englishlevel B2. You can provide evidence later in the procedure.	The authority confirms receipt within one month and should decide within four months of a complete file, though it may extend this.
NetherlandsBIGFull guide	No BI-test for physiotherapists; the BIG register lists it only for doctors, dentists and nursesThe committee may invite you to an interview and advise extra training or a practical skills assessment.	Dutch at B2 through the State Examination of Dutch as a Second Language(NT2), and English reading at B1 (for example IELTS 4.0 to 5.0). Certificates must be less than two years old.	The BIG register says six to 18 months on averageFor professions without a BI-test you receive an intended decision within six weeks of your file reaching the committee. Additional training can take three months to two years.
United StatesCredentials review and Health Care Worker CertificateFCCPTFull guide	No exam at this stageFCCPT reviews whether your education is substantially equivalent to a US first professional physical therapist degree.	For FCCPT's Type 1 services, TOEFL iBT(from 12 May 2026): reading, listening and writing 3.5, speaking 4.5, total 4.5. California applies 4.5 in all components.	FCCPT lists 23 to 25 weeks for its Type 1 and Educational Credentials Review services
United StatesLicensed physical therapist (PT)FSBPT and state boardsFull guide	NPTE for PTs225 multiple-choice questions in five sections over five hours, on fixed dates in January, April, July and October at Prometric centres. The pass mark is a scaled 600. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam, which is also taken at Prometric.	Set through your credentials review and by the state board	Four NPTE dates a year, each with registration and jurisdiction approval deadlinesMissing either means waiting for the next date.

• United KingdomHCPC

  Exams

  No national examTwo physiotherapist assessors decide on paper. If they need more information they may offer a test of competence, a structured professional discussion usually held online, which must be completed within 12 months.

  Language

  IELTS overall 7.0 with no element below 6.5, TOEFL iBT at the HCPC scoresor OET Physiotherapy with 1400 overall and no element below 300, no more than two years old. Qualifications from listed English-speaking countries are exempt.

  Timeline

  The HCPC says assessment takes about three months from a complete applicationand verification about three months more after acceptance. High demand can mean longer waits.

  Full guide

• IrelandCORU

  Exams

  No national examA compensation measure may be an adaptation period of supervised practice in Ireland (maximum three years, with one repeat attempt) or an aptitude test of professional knowledge, which must be offered within six months.

  Language

  OET Physiotherapy with grade B(350) in three components and at least C+ (300) in one, Academic IELTS 7.0 overall with no element below 6.5, or Cambridge CAE grade C at C1. Certificates must be within two years of applying.

  Timeline

  CORU says recognition can take up to four months from the file being deemed completeA compensation measure adds time.

  Full guide

• GermanyState recognition authority

  Exams

  If your training is not equivalentyou complete a compensation measure: for qualifications from outside the EU, an adaptation period or a knowledge test.

  Language

  German, not Englishlevel B2. You can provide evidence later in the procedure.

  Timeline

  The authority confirms receipt within one month and should decide within four months of a complete file, though it may extend this.

  Full guide

• NetherlandsBIG

  Exams

  No BI-test for physiotherapists; the BIG register lists it only for doctors, dentists and nursesThe committee may invite you to an interview and advise extra training or a practical skills assessment.

  Language

  Dutch at B2 through the State Examination of Dutch as a Second Language(NT2), and English reading at B1 (for example IELTS 4.0 to 5.0). Certificates must be less than two years old.

  Timeline

  The BIG register says six to 18 months on averageFor professions without a BI-test you receive an intended decision within six weeks of your file reaching the committee. Additional training can take three months to two years.

  Full guide

• United StatesFCCPT

  Credentials review and Health Care Worker Certificate

  Exams

  No exam at this stageFCCPT reviews whether your education is substantially equivalent to a US first professional physical therapist degree.

  Language

  For FCCPT's Type 1 services, TOEFL iBT(from 12 May 2026): reading, listening and writing 3.5, speaking 4.5, total 4.5. California applies 4.5 in all components.

  Timeline

  FCCPT lists 23 to 25 weeks for its Type 1 and Educational Credentials Review services

  Full guide

• United StatesFSBPT and state boards

  Licensed physical therapist (PT)

  Exams

  NPTE for PTs225 multiple-choice questions in five sections over five hours, on fixed dates in January, April, July and October at Prometric centres. The pass mark is a scaled 600. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam, which is also taken at Prometric.

  Language

  Set through your credentials review and by the state board

  Timeline

  Four NPTE dates a year, each with registration and jurisdiction approval deadlinesMissing either means waiting for the next date.

  Full guide

From each regulator's published rules, with sources on the physiotherapists guide. Fees and rules change: check the regulator before you apply.

Registration routes for dentists by country

Country	Exams and assessment	Language	Timeline
United KingdomGDCFull guide	ORE Part 1two three-hour computer-based papers in London. ORE Part 2: a manikin operative test, OSCE, diagnostic and treatment planning exercise and medical emergencies exam at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. Four attempts at each part.	Academic IELTS with at least 6.5 in each skill and 7 overall, usually less than two years oldSome English-taught degrees or practice in a majority English-speaking country can be accepted instead.	The GDC aims to process ORE applications in 60 working days and registration applications in three monthsIt says both parts can take six to 12 months if passed first time, but demand for places extends this.
IrelandDental CouncilFull guide	Part 1 in Dublinthree written papers (health, disease, society) in short answer format and a bench test in operative dentistry. Part 2 in Cork: written papers in restorative dentistry, oral surgery and oral medicine, and child dental health, an OSCE and clinical vivas. Two attempts at Part 1, three at Part 2.	OET (Dentistry) at grade B in all four modulesor Academic IELTS with 7.0 in all four modules, no more than two years old. OET@Home and IELTS Online are not accepted.	Applications open for one week each January and places are allocated by random selectionIn 2026 Part 1 ran in March and Part 2 in June. The Council says to allow three months for registration.
GermanyApprobationFull guide	If the authority finds substantial differencesdentists trained outside the EU usually take a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung). A specialist language examination is usually also required, often run by the state Chamber of Dentists.	German, not Englishlevel B2 and usually the specialist language examination at C1. You can provide language evidence later in the procedure.	The authority confirms receipt within one month and should decide within four months of a complete file, though it can extend this. The knowledge test and language exam add time.
NetherlandsBIGFull guide	Dentists must take the professional test(BI-toets): written basic and clinical knowledge plus a skills test, at ACTA, with two test rounds a year. An advisory interview with the CBGV usually follows.	Dutch at B2+ (from an approved B2+ provider) and English reading at B2, for example IELTS 5.5 to 6.0Certificates must be less than two years old.	The BIG register says the whole procedure takes an average of six to 18 months from a complete applicationBI-test results come in three to six weeks, and additional training can last three months to two years.
United StatesINBDE pass (national written exam)JCNDEFull guide	The INBDE is a 500-item multiple-choice exam over two days(about 12.5 hours) at Prometric test centres in the USA, its territories and Canada. Results are pass or fail. You must pass within five years or five attempts, with at least 60 days between attempts.	The JCNDE does not set an English scoreMost dental schools require TOEFL for admission to advanced standing programmes.	You schedule the INBDE within your eligibility period after applicationMost international dentists sit it alongside an advanced standing programme.
United StatesLicensed dentist (DDS or DMD)State dental boardsFull guide	The INBDE in every state, and in most states a clinical assessment run by a third-party testing agencyWhich clinical assessments are accepted varies by state.	Set by each school and stateThe ADA says most dental schools require TOEFL for international dentists.	The ADA says advanced standing programmes are typically shorter than the four-year DDS or DMDAdd time for applications through ADEA CAAPID and state board processing.

• United KingdomGDC

  Exams

  ORE Part 1two three-hour computer-based papers in London. ORE Part 2: a manikin operative test, OSCE, diagnostic and treatment planning exercise and medical emergencies exam at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. Four attempts at each part.

  Language

  Academic IELTS with at least 6.5 in each skill and 7 overall, usually less than two years oldSome English-taught degrees or practice in a majority English-speaking country can be accepted instead.

  Timeline

  The GDC aims to process ORE applications in 60 working days and registration applications in three monthsIt says both parts can take six to 12 months if passed first time, but demand for places extends this.

  Full guide

• IrelandDental Council

  Exams

  Part 1 in Dublinthree written papers (health, disease, society) in short answer format and a bench test in operative dentistry. Part 2 in Cork: written papers in restorative dentistry, oral surgery and oral medicine, and child dental health, an OSCE and clinical vivas. Two attempts at Part 1, three at Part 2.

  Language

  OET (Dentistry) at grade B in all four modulesor Academic IELTS with 7.0 in all four modules, no more than two years old. OET@Home and IELTS Online are not accepted.

  Timeline

  Applications open for one week each January and places are allocated by random selectionIn 2026 Part 1 ran in March and Part 2 in June. The Council says to allow three months for registration.

  Full guide

• GermanyApprobation

  Exams

  If the authority finds substantial differencesdentists trained outside the EU usually take a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung). A specialist language examination is usually also required, often run by the state Chamber of Dentists.

  Language

  German, not Englishlevel B2 and usually the specialist language examination at C1. You can provide language evidence later in the procedure.

  Timeline

  The authority confirms receipt within one month and should decide within four months of a complete file, though it can extend this. The knowledge test and language exam add time.

  Full guide

• NetherlandsBIG

  Exams

  Dentists must take the professional test(BI-toets): written basic and clinical knowledge plus a skills test, at ACTA, with two test rounds a year. An advisory interview with the CBGV usually follows.

  Language

  Dutch at B2+ (from an approved B2+ provider) and English reading at B2, for example IELTS 5.5 to 6.0Certificates must be less than two years old.

  Timeline

  The BIG register says the whole procedure takes an average of six to 18 months from a complete applicationBI-test results come in three to six weeks, and additional training can last three months to two years.

  Full guide

• United StatesJCNDE

  INBDE pass (national written exam)

  Exams

  The INBDE is a 500-item multiple-choice exam over two days(about 12.5 hours) at Prometric test centres in the USA, its territories and Canada. Results are pass or fail. You must pass within five years or five attempts, with at least 60 days between attempts.

  Language

  The JCNDE does not set an English scoreMost dental schools require TOEFL for admission to advanced standing programmes.

  Timeline

  You schedule the INBDE within your eligibility period after applicationMost international dentists sit it alongside an advanced standing programme.

  Full guide

• United StatesState dental boards

  Licensed dentist (DDS or DMD)

  Exams

  The INBDE in every state, and in most states a clinical assessment run by a third-party testing agencyWhich clinical assessments are accepted varies by state.

  Language

  Set by each school and stateThe ADA says most dental schools require TOEFL for international dentists.

  Timeline

  The ADA says advanced standing programmes are typically shorter than the four-year DDS or DMDAdd time for applications through ADEA CAAPID and state board processing.

  Full guide

From each regulator's published rules, with sources on the dentists guide. Fees and rules change: check the regulator before you apply.