Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Licensing Examination
Administered by 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.
Quick Facts
Format
Written examination (MCQs and essay questions) plus practical assessment
Duration
Written: 3 hours. Practical: varies by programme
Passing Score
50% aggregate across all components
Valid For
Leads to professional registration with NMCN. Must renew licence periodically.
Cost
Approximately N30,000 to N50,000
Cost in Naira
N30,000 to N50,000
Test Centres in Nigeria
- Various NMCN-approved examination centres across all states
What is Tested
Nursing Theory
MCQs and essay questions covering fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, community health nursing, and nursing ethics.
Practical Assessment
Clinical skills demonstration including patient assessment, nursing procedures, medication administration, and care planning.
How to Register
- 1
Complete your nursing or midwifery programme at an NMCN-accredited institution.
- 2
Your school will register you for the licensing exam as part of your graduating class.
- 3
Pay the examination fee through your institution.
- 4
Receive your exam timetable and venue assignment from your school.
- 5
Sit the written examination at the assigned centre.
- 6
Complete the practical assessment at your training institution or designated hospital.
- 7
Await results from NMCN (typically published within 2 to 3 months).
- 8
Upon passing, apply for your NMCN registration certificate and practising licence.
Tips for Nigerian Candidates
The NMCN licensing exam is typically held twice a year (around May and November). Confirm exact dates with your school.
Results and registration processing can be slow. Follow up with the NMCN office if there are delays.
Your NMCN registration is required before you can be employed as a nurse in any Nigerian hospital.
Keep your registration current. The NMCN requires periodic licence renewal and continuing education.
If you plan to work abroad later, your NMCN registration and exam pass are needed for international credential verification.
The practical exam is conducted at your training institution. Familiarise yourself with the exact equipment and procedures used there.
Preparation Tips
Review your school notes and textbooks systematically across all nursing subjects.
Focus on fundamentals: vital signs, medication administration, wound care, and patient assessment.
Practise nursing calculations (drug dosages, IV fluid rates, BMI).
Study the Nurses Code of Ethics as published by NMCN.
Review community health nursing topics, especially primary healthcare in the Nigerian context.
Practise essay writing for nursing topics. Be clear, structured, and use proper medical terminology.
Form study groups with classmates and practise clinical procedures together.
Recommended Resources
Cost Breakdown
Exam Fee
Approximately N30,000 to N50,000
In Naira
N30,000 to N50,000
Who Needs This Exam
Graduates of nursing and midwifery programmes in Nigeria seeking professional registration and licensure
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