The high-level path from Manila to an NHS Trust

Part 1 — CBT (theory test)

The CBT is a 115-question multiple-choice test covering adult nursing theory: pathophysiology, pharmacology, safeguarding, professional ethics, NHS regulations. You have 4 hours. The pass mark is around 68% — but it changes per question set.

Cost + timeline

• Cost: approximately £83 (£30 for the CBT + £53 to schedule via Pearson VUE)
• Where: Any Pearson VUE test centre. In the Philippines: Manila, Cebu, Davao
• Prep time: most Filipino nurses do 6–10 weeks of dedicated CBT prep alongside other work
• Wait for result: 24–48 hours

Common CBT mistakes

• Studying US NCLEX materials instead of NMC-specific ones. There’s overlap but the NMC exam weights heavily on the UK Code of Conduct, safeguarding under UK law, and NHS-specific medications. NCLEX-focused prep leaves gaps.
• Not knowing UK generic drug names. Paracetamol not acetaminophen. Salbutamol not albuterol. Cot deaths under British spelling. Small differences add up.
• Skipping the “professional accountability” and “raising concerns” sections. These are heavily-tested and Filipino nursing training doesn’t always cover the UK-specific whistleblowing framework.

Part 2 — OSCE (practical exam)

OSCE is where most of the pressure lives. Six 15-minute stations that simulate real clinical scenarios: an initial patient assessment, planning care, delivering care, evaluating outcomes, plus two skills stations (usually vitals, medication administration, wound dressing, or evidence-based practice).

Cost + timeline

• Cost: approximately £794 for the full OSCE. A “re-sit” of failed stations only is £397.
• Where: Five UK test centres — University of Northampton, Ulster University, Oxford Brookes, University of West London, and Northumbria. Your employer usually picks the closest.
• When: 4–8 weeks after arrival in the UK. Your Trust arranges the booking and typically funds it.
• Wait for result: 5 working days

What tests OSCE differently from Filipino practice

• Everything is verbalised. UK examiners want to hear you narrate what you’re doing: “I’m going to check the patient’s identity, explain the procedure, and gain consent.” Silent competence gets marked down.
• Handwashing before/after each station. Miss it and you lose easy marks.
• UK NEWS2 scoring (National Early Warning Score). Different from what most Filipino nurses learned. Practice on the actual NEWS2 chart before you fly out.
• The “professional communication” station. You’ll be asked to raise a concern, escalate a deteriorating patient, or reassure a distressed family member. Rehearse aloud with a partner in English.

How long does the whole thing take?

From NMC application to full PIN:

• Fast path (in-country CBT, immediate employer, no retakes): 8–10 months
• Typical path: 10–14 months
• With one OSCE retake: add 6–8 weeks

Compare that to the GCC (3–8 weeks post-DataFlow) and it’s clear why nurses often start with GCC and move to the UK later — see our transfer vs deployment guide for why that pathway makes sense.

What Medijobs handles for UK-bound candidates

Once you pass CBT and want to head to the UK, Medijobs matches you to an NHS Trust or private hospital that sponsors your Skilled Worker visa, covers the OSCE fee, and provides on-arrival OSCE preparation. You don’t pay to be introduced. You don’t pay for OSCE. Your Trust does.

Some Trusts also cover flights, first-month accommodation, and a relocation stipend — the specifics vary. We’ll walk you through each offer.