NMBI decision letter

When NMBI finishes assessing an overseas recognition application, it gives one of four outcomes: your qualifications are recognised; further information is needed; you must complete a compensation measure; or recognition is provisionally refused. The decision letter is the document for the third outcome, which applies to G2 and G3 applicants only. NMBI issues it when the theory, clinical content or hours of your training fall short of Irish requirements but are close enough to be made up.

It is the most common outcome. NMBI's FAQs for non-EU applicants say a compensation measure is required in 95% of applications, while fewer than 5% are recognised straight away. NMBI also uses decision letters to tell applicants who have failed a compensation measure that recognition is provisionally refused.

Applicants to the General Nurses or Psychiatric Nurses divisions can choose either measure. Every other division, including midwives and children's nurses, completes a period of adaptation.

• Aptitude test: run by RCSI's Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, with a multiple-choice theory part followed by an OSCE. You select RCSI in MyNMBI. RCSI says the letter must be in date for the first day of the test, name the General Nurses Division, and not have been used before, because one letter covers one test with two attempts.
• Period of adaptation: supervised practice at an NMBI-approved Irish facility, with a clinical component of at least 6 weeks that can be extended to 12 weeks or more. You or your employer find the placement, and NMBI places you on the Candidate Register for its duration.

NMBI says a decision letter is normally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You have 12 months to complete the aptitude test, or to secure an adaptation placement, after which your application is closed. NMBI has extended letters for applicants unable to travel, and says it will give three months' notice before ending that extension. Always check the date on your own letter.

1. Pass the aptitude test, with results within three days, or complete adaptation, after which the Director of Nursing or Midwifery recommends whether you are eligible for recognition.
2. NMBI recognises your qualification.
3. You apply for registration with English language evidence and pay the €145 overseas registration fee, and receive your NMBI PIN.

If you fail after two attempts, you receive a provisional refusal and cannot switch to the other measure. You can appeal to NMBI's Registration Committee (fee €150) and then to the High Court within three months of its decision.

• An expired or used letter. RCSI will not accept it, and NMBI deals with all letter queries.
• Name mismatches. RCSI says the name you enter must match the letter exactly.
• Immigration papers. RCSI requires your immigration documents no later than 13 days before the test.

Our aptitude test or adaptation guide helps you choose.