Exam preparation guides for Nigerian healthcare professionals
Everything you need to know about the exams that matter for your career. Costs in Naira, test centres in Nigeria, registration steps, and tips from professionals who have been through it.
13
Exam guides
10
International exams
3
Nigerian exams
11
Available in Nigeria
International Exams
For practising in the UK, US, Australia, Gulf States, and beyond
PLAB 1
General Medical Council (GMC)
The first of two exams required for international medical graduates to practise medicine in the UK. PLAB 1 tests your ability to apply medical knowledge to clinical scenarios common in the NHS.
Who needs it: International medical graduates (IMGs) who want to practise as doctors in the United Kingdom
PLAB 2
General Medical Council (GMC)
The clinical skills assessment for UK medical registration. PLAB 2 is an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) that tests your ability to communicate with patients, examine, diagnose, and manage clinical scenarios in a simulated NHS environment.
Who needs it: International medical graduates who have passed PLAB 1 and want to complete their GMC registration
USMLE Step 1
National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and FSMB
Tests your understanding of foundational biomedical sciences and their application to clinical practice. Since January 2022, Step 1 is scored pass/fail, removing it as a competitive differentiator for residency applications.
Who needs it: Medical graduates who want to practise medicine in the United States
USMLE Step 2 CK
National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and FSMB
Tests your clinical knowledge and ability to provide patient care under supervision. Step 2 CK is now the most important USMLE score for residency applications, as Step 1 has moved to pass/fail.
Who needs it: Medical graduates who have passed Step 1 and are pursuing US residency
NMC CBT
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), UK
The computer-based test required for internationally trained nurses and midwives seeking registration with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council. It assesses your nursing knowledge against UK standards of proficiency.
Who needs it: Internationally trained nurses and midwives who want to practise in the United Kingdom
NMC OSCE
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), UK
The practical clinical assessment for UK nursing registration. After passing the NMC CBT, internationally trained nurses must pass this OSCE to demonstrate clinical competence in a simulated UK healthcare setting.
Who needs it: Internationally trained nurses and midwives who have passed the NMC CBT
IELTS Academic
British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English
The most widely accepted English language proficiency test for healthcare professionals seeking to work internationally. Most UK, Australian, and Canadian health regulators require IELTS Academic scores as part of registration.
Who needs it: All healthcare professionals seeking registration in the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand
OET
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA)
A healthcare-specific English language test accepted by regulators in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and other countries. Unlike IELTS, all reading and listening content is drawn from healthcare contexts, making it more relevant for clinical professionals.
Who needs it: Healthcare professionals who need to demonstrate English proficiency for international registration. Accepted by GMC, NMC, AHPRA, and others.
Prometric (Gulf States)
Prometric on behalf of SCFHS (Saudi), DHA/HAAD/MOH (UAE), QCHP (Qatar), NHRA (Bahrain)
Licensing exams required for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Each country has its own licensing authority, but exams are administered through Prometric centres.
Who needs it: Healthcare professionals seeking to practise in Saudi Arabia (SCFHS), UAE (DHA/HAAD/MOH), Qatar (QCHP), and other Gulf states
AMC MCQ
Australian Medical Council (AMC)
The first stage examination for international medical graduates seeking to practise medicine in Australia. Tests applied medical knowledge across all major clinical disciplines at the level of a graduating Australian medical student.
Who needs it: International medical graduates (IMGs) who want to practise as doctors in Australia
Professional Council Exams
Nigerian licensing and registration exams for healthcare professionals
MDCN Assessment Exam
Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
The licensing examination for foreign-trained medical and dental graduates who wish to practise in Nigeria. The exam verifies that your medical knowledge and clinical skills meet Nigerian standards.
Who needs it: Doctors and dentists who obtained their primary medical qualification outside Nigeria and want to practise in the country
NMCN Licensing Exam
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
The national licensing examination for nurses and midwives seeking to practise in Nigeria. All graduates of accredited nursing and midwifery programmes must pass this exam to be registered and licensed by the NMCN.
Who needs it: Graduates of nursing and midwifery programmes in Nigeria seeking professional registration and licensure
PCN PEP
Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN)
The national licensing examination for pharmacy graduates seeking registration to practise in Nigeria. All graduates of accredited pharmacy programmes must pass the PEP after completing their internship to be registered by the PCN.
Who needs it: Pharmacy graduates who have completed their one-year pre-registration internship in Nigeria
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