For every aspiring nurse or midwife in Nigeria, sitting for the national qualifying exam conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is a critical step. Whether you’re a Basic or Post Basic student or you need to re-sit an exam, this guide explains how to apply for NMCN examination in simple, clear steps. It also includes important eligibility criteria, portal instructions, and direct links to other helpful articles such as how to apply for indexing.
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) was founded in 1949 and serves as the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery education and practice in the country. Its mandate includes setting educational standards, accrediting nursing institutions, issuing licenses, and conducting professional examinations for nurses and midwives.
In recent years, the Council has embraced digital transformation by launching an online portal for indexing, license verification, and exam registration. This has helped ensure transparency, faster processing, and better record-keeping for thousands of nursing students nationwide.
Requirements to Apply for NMCN Examination
Before proceeding with your application, ensure you meet these requirements:
- You must have successfully applied and paid for indexing, and your Index Number must have been issued.
- If your index number was not issued at least two years before your intended examination date, you may not be eligible to apply.
If you’re unsure about the indexing process, read our updated guide on How to Apply for NMCN Indexing.
For those in specialized programs, see the full breakdown of How to Apply for Post Basic Indexing.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NMCN Examination
Follow the steps below to submit your exam application correctly on the official NMCN portal.
Step 1: Visit the NMCN Portal
Here are the multiple application form options and their links
- Apply for Fresh Basic Examination
- Apply for Fresh Post Basic Examination
- Apply for Resit Basic Examination
- Apply for Resit Post Basic Examination
Choose the one that best describes your current situation.
Step 2: Select the Correct Application Type
Here’s how to choose based on your program and exam status:
- If you are applying for the first time and are in a Basic programme, select Apply for Fresh Basic Examination.
- If you are applying for the first time and are in a Post Basic programme, select Apply for Fresh Post Basic Examination.
- If you previously sat for the Basic exam and have referred papers, select Apply for Resit Basic Examination.
- If you previously sat for the Post Basic exam and have referred papers, select Apply for Resit Post Basic Examination.
Important Note:
Basic and Post Basic Resit applicants must provide their Index Numbers before they can complete the application form.
Step 3: Begin the Application
Click on Apply for Examination under your appropriate category.
Once on the application page:
- Select your Examination Type from the dropdown list.
- The relevant exam papers will be automatically displayed for you.
- Click Save to continue.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
After reviewing the details on the applicant information page:
- Click Submit Application.
- You will see a message that warns you that no changes can be made once you submit.
- Confirm and click Yes to finalize your application.
Be sure to save or print your confirmation for your records.
Other Helpful Resources
Here are direct links to other important NMCN processes you might need during or after exam application:
Understanding how to apply for NMCN examination is essential for every student nurse or midwife preparing to take this vital step toward professional licensing. Always ensure your indexing is done early, your Index Number is issued, and you select the correct examination type on the portal.
Give yourself enough time before the deadline to apply and avoid rushing the process. For anything related to Basic or Post Basic indexing, refer to our in-depth articles linked above.
By following this guide carefully and using the correct portal procedures, you are setting yourself up for a smooth and successful NMCN examination process.
