The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has finalised its Overseas Aptitude Test calendar, confirming that both the Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and first-attempt Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) will take place on 8 November 2025, with repeat OSCEs scheduled for 22 November.
The aptitude test is a mandatory last step for non-EU/EEA nurses who hold a Decision Letter from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and wish to register to practise. Candidates must arrive in Dublin at least 13 days before test day with a valid AWS approval letter and, where applicable, a long-stay ‘D’ visa. Places are limited and often fill six months in advance.
![RCSI confirms 8 November 2025 aptitude test date for overseas nurses]()
Ireland remains one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations for international healthcare talent, issuing more than 6,200 General Employment Permits to nurses in the year to September 2025. Recruiters say the November sitting is critical for hospitals aiming to on-board staff before the Christmas roster crunch.
From an immigration-compliance standpoint, employers are reminded that holding an employment permit alone is insufficient—successful candidates must also register with Immigration Service Delivery for a Stamp 1 G or Stamp 4 permission within 90 days of passing the OSCE. Delays in that step can affect payroll start dates and, in some cases, family-reunification timelines.
Practical tip: RCSI advises applicants to book flights and accommodation early; hotel occupancy in Dublin is above 85 % in November due to conference season. Several hospitals now provide short-term housing blocks and airport pick-ups to streamline arrival.
The aptitude test is a mandatory last step for non-EU/EEA nurses who hold a Decision Letter from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and wish to register to practise. Candidates must arrive in Dublin at least 13 days before test day with a valid AWS approval letter and, where applicable, a long-stay ‘D’ visa. Places are limited and often fill six months in advance.
Ireland remains one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations for international healthcare talent, issuing more than 6,200 General Employment Permits to nurses in the year to September 2025. Recruiters say the November sitting is critical for hospitals aiming to on-board staff before the Christmas roster crunch.
From an immigration-compliance standpoint, employers are reminded that holding an employment permit alone is insufficient—successful candidates must also register with Immigration Service Delivery for a Stamp 1 G or Stamp 4 permission within 90 days of passing the OSCE. Delays in that step can affect payroll start dates and, in some cases, family-reunification timelines.
Practical tip: RCSI advises applicants to book flights and accommodation early; hotel occupancy in Dublin is above 85 % in November due to conference season. Several hospitals now provide short-term housing blocks and airport pick-ups to streamline arrival.
