In today’s global healthcare system, it is getting harder for employers to find qualified nurses. Wherever you look, from the United States to the United Kingdom, Australia to the Middle East, healthcare professionals with the correct certifications can find work there. In addition, every country has exams that nurses must pass so their healthcare practices match its local requirements.
This thorough article explains the variety of tests nurses must complete to be eligible to work overseas, including the requirements in different nations and a full look at the exams in the Middle East. We explain the role of Dynamic HealthStaff as a representative for nurses pursuing their careers in other countries.
Why Nurses Go Abroad?
Before delving into exam specifics, it’s worth understanding why so many nurses seek international opportunities:
- Higher salaries and better benefits
- Professional growth and specialization
- Improved working conditions
- Global exposure and experience
- Access to advanced healthcare systems
NCLEX-RN – For the United States and Canada
The NCLEX-RN is mandatory for nurses wishing to practice in the United States and Canada.
Key Details:
- Format: Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
- Questions: 75–145, varying per individual
- Duration: Up to 5 hours
- Administered by: NCSBN
Eligibility:
- Graduation from a recognized nursing school
- Credential evaluation via CGFNS
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/OET)
Topics Covered:
- Safe and Effective Care
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial and Physiological Integrity
CGFNS Certification – U.S. Gateway
CGFNS provides a certification that is often a prerequisite before taking the NCLEX-RN.
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Includes:
- Credential and transcript verification
- English language testing
- Qualifying exam assessing nursing knowledge
NMC CBT and OSCE – For the United Kingdom
The Nursing and Midwifery Council requires two exams for international nurses:
- CBT (Computer-Based Test): Theoretical test on nursing knowledge
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam): Practical, scenario-based clinical skills test
Requirements:
- Recognized nursing degree
- English proficiency (IELTS or OET)
- Health and character declarations
- Registration with the NMC portal
OET/IELTS – English Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is essential for overseas practice, especially in English-speaking countries. The most common tests are:
IELTS:
- 7.0 overall band (at least 6.5 in each module)
OET:
- Grade B across all modules (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
- Focuses specifically on healthcare vocabulary and scenarios
Australia & New Zealand Licensing Exams
Australia – Outcome-Based Assessment
The OBA, which is administered by AHPRA and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, comprises:
- MCQ Exam: Computer-based theoretical assessment
- OSCE: Practical simulation assessment
New Zealand – NCNZ Registration
- Nurses must meet the NCNZ’s competency standards
- English proficiency and credential verification are mandatory
- Additional competence assessment may be required
Middle East Nursing Licensure Exams
The Middle East is a booming destination for Indian and Filipino nurses due to its tax-free salaries, world-class hospitals, and fast-track licensing systems. Each country has its licensing authority and exams:
A. Saudi Arabia – Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE)
Administered by: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)
Exam Details:
- Format: Prometric exam
- Topics: Nursing fundamentals, infection control, pharmacology, and ethical issues
- Duration: 2 hours, multiple-choice
- Passing Score: 50–60%
Requirements:
- Nursing diploma/degree
- One to two years’ experience
- Valid dataflow verification
B. UAE – DOH (HAAD)/DHA/MOH Exams
1. DOH/HAAD – Abu Dhabi
2. DHA – Dubai Health Authority
3. MOH – Ministry of Health for Northern Emirates
Common Features:
- Format: Prometric (computer-based)
- Duration: 2 hours
- No. of Questions: 100 multiple choice
- Passing Marks: 60%
Eligibility:
- Recognized nursing qualification
- Good standing certificate
- Experience (2 years or more preferred)
- Primary Source Verification (Dataflow)
C. Qatar – QCHP Exam
Administered by: Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners
- Format: Prometric-based
- Includes clinical, ethical, and pharmacological questions
- Requires Dataflow and license activation after passing
D. Oman – OMSB Exam
Conducted by: Oman Medical Specialty Board
- Prometric-based assessment
- Verifies clinical skills, drug calculations, and ethics
- Licensing is issued post clearance of credentials and passing scores
E. Kuwait – KMLTT Exam
- Managed by the Ministry of Health, Kuwait
- Includes both written and oral exams
- Applicants must complete credential verification via Dataflow
How Dynamic Health Staff Helps Nurses Succeed Internationally?
Dynamic Health Staff focuses on providing full international nursing recruitment services. For the past 47 years, we have helped thousands of healthcare professionals reach their international career aspirations.
Here's How We Assist You:
1. Personalized Career Planning
- Assess both your educational history and preferences
- Figure out desirable places to live by considering what’s available and how easy it will be to get there.
- Create your schedule for preparing for exams and interviews.
2. Exam Coaching & Resources
We help our students in extensive ways.
- The NCLEX-RN, CBT, OET, IELTS, Prometric, DHA, HAAD, and MOH are all exams you can take.
- Learning resources that have been chosen for you
- Sessions that happen in real time and those that are recorded
- Mock exams and solving doubts one by one
3. Credentialing and Documentation
- Support for dataflow verification in countries in the Middle East
- Submitting to CGFNS, NMC, AHPRA, and NCNZ is simplified for you.
4. Job Placement & Interview Prep
- In Cambridge, we have partnerships with hospitals in the UK, Ireland, Canada, the Middle East, Singapore, and Australia.
- Role-specific matching
- Team members assist with organizing the interview and with coaching.
- Supply negotiation and employment contracts.
5. Visa, Travel & Relocation Services
- Helping with applications for UK Tier 2 visas and Middle East work permits
- Booking transportation and finding a place to stay
- Help with orientation and onboarding is provided once someone arrives.
6. Continuous Support
- Pre-departure cultural training
- Supporting current students and helping the community
- Assistance given for renewal of licenses and maintaining compliance
Final Thoughts
A career in international nursing gets a strong start when you follow the right path and get the right advice. You need to realize the tests, regulations, and changes between countries before you move on. Pursuing your healthcare career overseas will be easier with the help of an experienced recruitment agency like Dynamic Health Staff. Contact us today, and we will assist you in preparing for the exam and immigrating to the country you desire.
