NMC Revalidation for Nurses and Midwives Working Abroad: International Confirmer Services

Maintaining Your NMC Registration Whilst Working Abroad

Are you an NMC-registered nurse or midwife working overseas? Whether you are practising in Australia, the Middle East, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, you still need to complete your NMC revalidation every three years to maintain your UK registration. However, finding an appropriate NMC confirmer when you are working abroad can be one of the biggest challenges you will face.

This comprehensive guide explains how our independent NMC confirmer services support nurses and midwives working internationally, making your revalidation process smooth and stress-free, no matter where in the world you are based.

The Challenge: NMC Revalidation When You Are Working Overseas

Thousands of UK-registered nurses and midwives work abroad, but maintaining your NMC registration whilst overseas presents unique challenges:

Finding an Appropriate NMC Confirmer Abroad

Your confirmer must be an NMC-registered nurse or midwife. If you are working in a country where most healthcare professionals hold local registrations (such as Australian AHPRA or NMBA, American RN or CNM licences, or Middle Eastern MOH registrations), finding someone with current NMC registration can be extremely difficult or impossible.

Time Zone Differences

Coordinating confirmation meetings with UK-based confirmers when you are in a different time zone can be challenging, particularly if you are working shifts in your overseas location.

Understanding Your Practice Context

Your confirmer needs to understand your nursing or midwifery practice and professional development. If you are working in a different healthcare system with different protocols, finding someone who can meaningfully discuss your practice can be difficult.

Lack of UK Workplace Support

Many nurses and midwives working abroad do not have access to the workplace support systems available in the UK, such as clinical supervision, appraisal processes, or revalidation guidance from employers.

Keeping Track of UK Requirements

When you are focused on meeting the requirements of your overseas employer and local registration body, it is easy to lose track of NMC revalidation deadlines and requirements.

Why Nurses and Midwives Working Abroad Need Independent NMC Confirmer Services

Independent confirmer services are specifically designed to support nurses and midwives in situations exactly like yours. Here is how professional confirmation services solve the challenges of overseas revalidation:

Access to NMC-Registered Confirmers

We are NMC-registered professionals who understand the revalidation process thoroughly. You do not need to search for an NMC-registered colleague in your overseas workplace – we are here specifically to provide confirmation services for both nursing and midwifery practice.

Flexible International Scheduling

We offer confirmation meetings via video call at times that suit your schedule and time zone. Whether you are in Dubai, Sydney, Singapore, or anywhere else, we can arrange appointments for early morning, evening, or weekend slots to accommodate your working pattern and location.

Understanding of International Practice

We work with nurses and midwives from diverse practice settings worldwide. We understand that healthcare systems differ internationally and can discuss your professional development in the context of your overseas practice, whether you are working in acute care, community nursing, private midwifery, hospital midwifery, specialist roles, or independent practice abroad.

Expert Guidance on NMC Requirements

We stay up to date with NMC revalidation requirements and can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary criteria even when you are thousands of miles from the UK.

Portfolio Review and Support

We provide comprehensive portfolio reviews to ensure your evidence, reflective accounts, and documentation meet NMC standards before your confirmation meeting, giving you peace of mind that everything is in order.

Common Situations for Nurses and Midwives Working Abroad

Nurses and Midwives Working in the Middle East

Many UK nurses and midwives work in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. These healthcare systems often require local registration (MOH, DHA, HAAD), but maintaining your NMC registration keeps your options open for returning to the UK or moving to other countries that recognise NMC registration.

Common roles: Hospital nurses, maternity nurses, community midwives, private hospital midwives, neonatal nurses, women's health specialists

Challenges: Time differences (typically 3-4 hours ahead of the UK), finding NMC-registered colleagues, different healthcare protocols and maternity care models

How we help: Evening UK time appointments (convenient for Middle East mornings), understanding of Middle Eastern healthcare and maternity care contexts, guidance on documenting CPD from international training

Nurses and Midwives Working in Australia and New Zealand

Australian and New Zealand healthcare systems require AHPRA, NMBA, or NCNZ registration. UK nurses and midwives often maintain dual registration to keep career options open.

Common roles: Hospital midwives, community midwives, caseload midwives, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, maternal and child health nurses

Challenges: Significant time differences (8-11 hours ahead), completely different healthcare and midwifery models, finding NMC confirmers in AHPRA-dominated workplaces

How we help: Very early morning or late evening UK appointments to suit Australian time zones, understanding of how to reflect on practice in different healthcare and midwifery systems, guidance on linking Australian CPD to the NMC Code

Nurses and Midwives Working in Europe

UK nurses and midwives working in European countries may hold local registrations but wish to maintain NMC registration for flexibility, especially post-Brexit.

Common roles: Hospital nurses, community midwives, independent midwives, private practice midwives, specialist nurses, health visitors

Challenges: Different professional standards and regulations, language barriers in some CPD activities, uncertainty about whether UK registration is still necessary

How we help: Convenient time zones for meetings, guidance on documenting CPD delivered in other languages, advice on maintaining NMC registration alongside European qualifications

Nurses and Midwives Working in North America

UK nurses and midwives in the USA or Canada hold state or provincial nursing licences or certified nurse-midwife credentials but may wish to maintain NMC registration for future opportunities.

Common roles: Registered nurses, certified nurse-midwives (CNM), labour and delivery nurses, postpartum nurses, women's health nurse practitioners

Challenges: Time differences (5-8 hours behind the UK), very different healthcare and insurance systems, different scope of practice for midwives

How we help: Afternoon and evening UK appointments (morning and midday North American time), understanding of North American healthcare and midwifery contexts, guidance on reflecting on practice in different systems

Midwives Working in Independent or Private Practice Abroad

Some midwives establish independent or private midwifery practices overseas, offering homebirth services, antenatal care, or postnatal support.

Challenges: Working in isolation without NMC-registered colleagues, different regulatory frameworks for independent midwifery, documenting autonomous practice

How we help: Understanding of independent midwifery practice contexts, guidance on documenting autonomous decision-making and CPD, support for midwives working outside traditional employment structures

Nurses and Midwives Working on Cruise Ships or International Contracts

Some nurses and midwives work in mobile or temporary international roles, making it even harder to find consistent workplace support.

Challenges: Constantly changing locations and time zones, limited internet access, no stable workplace confirmer

How we help: Flexible scheduling around your availability, video meetings from anywhere with internet connection, understanding of unique practice contexts

How Our NMC Confirmer Service Works for Overseas Nurses and Midwives

Step 1: Initial Contact

Get in touch with us at least 2-3 months before your revalidation deadline. Let us know where you are based, your time zone, whether you are revalidating for nursing, midwifery, or dual registration, and when your revalidation is due.

Step 2: Portfolio Review

Submit your revalidation portfolio digitally for review. We will check that you have:

• 450 practice hours for single registration or 900 hours for dual nursing and midwifery registration, with appropriate evidence
• 35 hours of CPD including 20 hours of participatory learning
• Five written reflective accounts linked to the NMC Code
• Five pieces of practice-related feedback
• Evidence of your reflective discussion
• Appropriate documentation for all requirements

We will provide feedback on any areas that need strengthening or clarification.

Step 3: Schedule Your Confirmation Meeting

We will arrange a video call at a time that suits your schedule and time zone. The meeting typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

Step 4: Confirmation Meeting

During the video meeting, we will:

• Review your completed revalidation form and evidence
• Discuss your reflective accounts and professional development
• Explore how you are meeting NMC Code standards in your overseas nursing or midwifery practice
• Verify your identity and registration details
• Complete the confirmation section of your revalidation application

Step 5: Submit to the NMC

After confirmation, you can submit your revalidation application to the NMC online. We will provide any additional documentation you need for your submission.

Specific Benefits for Nurses and Midwives Working Abroad

No Geographic Limitations

It does not matter where in the world you are working – our service is entirely online and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Understanding International CPD

We can help you document CPD activities completed overseas, including nursing and midwifery training delivered in different healthcare systems or even in other languages, ensuring it meets NMC requirements.

Guidance on Practice Hours Evidence

We will help you document your overseas practice hours in a way that clearly demonstrates you are working within your NMC scope of practice, even if your role or job title differs from UK equivalents. This is particularly important for midwives working in countries where midwifery models differ significantly from UK practice.

Support with Reflective Writing

We can guide you on how to write reflective accounts that link your international nursing or midwifery practice experiences to the NMC Code, even when you are working in very different healthcare contexts.

Help Finding Reflective Discussion Partners

If you are struggling to find another NMC-registered professional for your reflective discussion, we can provide guidance on options and, in some cases, facilitate this discussion as part of our service.

Reminders and Timeline Support

When you are busy with overseas work commitments, it is easy to lose track of revalidation deadlines. We provide timeline guidance and reminders to keep you on track.

Frequently Asked Questions: NMC Revalidation Abroad

Do I need to maintain my NMC registration if I am working abroad?

It is not legally required if you are not practising in the UK, but many nurses and midwives choose to maintain registration to keep their options open for returning to the UK, moving to other countries, or accessing opportunities that require NMC registration.

Can my overseas practice hours count towards NMC revalidation?

Yes! Practice hours completed anywhere in the world count towards your 450 hours (or 900 for dual registration), as long as you are using your nursing or midwifery knowledge and skills. You will need to provide evidence such as employment contracts, payslips, or employer letters.

Can CPD completed overseas count towards my 35 hours?

Absolutely. CPD completed in any country counts, including training provided by overseas employers, international conferences, online courses, or professional reading. You simply need to document it appropriately and link it to the NMC Code in your reflective accounts.

What if my CPD certificates are in another language?

You can include CPD completed in other languages. Provide the original certificate and a brief English explanation of what the training covered and how it relates to your nursing or midwifery practice and the NMC Code.

Can I use feedback from non-UK colleagues?

Yes! Practice-related feedback can come from anyone who has knowledge of your practice – patients, women in your care, colleagues, managers, or students – regardless of their nationality or registration.

How do I prove my identity if I am abroad?

Your confirmer will verify your identity during the video meeting using your passport or other photo identification. This is straightforward to do online.

What if I am moving between countries during my revalidation cycle?

That is perfectly acceptable. Your practice hours and CPD can be accumulated across different countries and roles. Simply ensure you have appropriate evidence from each position.

Do I need professional indemnity insurance if I am not working in the UK?

Yes, you still need appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Many overseas employers provide this, or you can obtain personal cover. This is particularly important for midwives working in independent practice. We can guide you on what is acceptable for NMC revalidation.

I am a midwife working in a country with a different midwifery model. Will this affect my revalidation?

No, as long as you are practising as a midwife using your midwifery knowledge and skills, your practice hours count. We can help you reflect on how different midwifery models relate to the NMC Code and UK midwifery standards.

Planning Your Revalidation from Abroad: Timeline

When you are working overseas, planning ahead is even more important. Here is a recommended timeline:

12 Months Before Revalidation

• Check your revalidation date on the NMC register
• Start organising your practice hours evidence
• Begin collecting CPD certificates and documentation
• Set up a system for tracking your revalidation requirements

6 Months Before Revalidation

• Review your CPD and identify any gaps
• Start collecting practice-related feedback
• Begin drafting your reflective accounts
• Arrange your reflective discussion with an NMC-registered colleague

3 Months Before Revalidation

• Complete all five reflective accounts
• Ensure you have all required evidence organised
• Contact an independent confirmer service to book your meeting
• Submit your portfolio for review

2 Months Before Revalidation

• The NMC will send your revalidation notification
• Complete any portfolio improvements based on feedback
• Attend your confirmation meeting via video call

1 Month Before Revalidation

• Submit your revalidation application to the NMC online
• Pay your registration fee
• Keep copies of all documentation for your records

Real Stories: Nurses and Midwives We Have Helped Revalidate from Abroad

Sarah - Nurse Working in Dubai

"I have been working in Dubai for five years and was dreading my revalidation. I did not know any other NMC-registered nurses here, and I was worried about finding a confirmer. The independent confirmer service was perfect – they understood my practice context, we had our meeting via video call at a time that suited me, and they helped me link my Middle Eastern CPD to the NMC Code. It was so much easier than I expected!"

Emma - Midwife Working in Australia

"As a midwife working in Australia, I was concerned about maintaining my NMC registration alongside my NMBA registration. The Australian midwifery model is quite different from the UK, and I wasn't sure how to reflect on this in my revalidation. The confirmer service was brilliant – they understood the differences in practice and helped me write reflective accounts that linked my Australian caseload midwifery experience to the NMC Code. The early morning UK appointment worked perfectly for my Australian evening."

James - Nurse Working in Canada

"The time difference between Canada and the UK made revalidation seem impossible. How was I supposed to have a confirmation meeting when we are 5 hours apart? The confirmer service offered an afternoon UK appointment which was perfect for me in the morning before my shift. They reviewed my portfolio beforehand and gave me really helpful feedback on my reflective accounts. I highly recommend this service for any nurses working overseas."

Lisa - Independent Midwife in Spain

"I run a private midwifery practice in Spain, offering homebirth and antenatal services to English-speaking families. I had no NMC-registered colleagues and was really struggling to find a confirmer. The independent confirmer service understood my autonomous practice and helped me document my CPD, which included Spanish-language training. They made the whole process straightforward and stress-free."

Maria - Nurse Working on Cruise Ships

"As a cruise ship nurse, I am constantly moving between countries and time zones. I had no idea how I would manage revalidation. The independent confirmer was so flexible – we scheduled our meeting for when I had port time with good internet access. They understood my unique practice setting and helped me document my CPD from various international training sessions. It gave me peace of mind that my UK registration was secure."

Why Maintaining Your NMC Registration Matters

Even when working abroad, keeping your NMC registration active offers significant benefits:

Career Flexibility

Life circumstances change. Maintaining your NMC registration means you can return to UK practice without having to go through the return to practice process, which can take months and involves supervised practice hours.

International Opportunities

Many countries recognise NMC registration for visa and employment purposes. It can open doors to opportunities in Commonwealth countries and beyond. For midwives, NMC registration is particularly valued internationally.

Professional Credibility

NMC registration is internationally respected and demonstrates your commitment to maintaining UK professional standards in nursing and midwifery.

Family and Personal Reasons

If family circumstances require you to return to the UK quickly, having active NMC registration means you can work immediately.

Brexit Considerations

For nurses and midwives working in Europe, maintaining NMC registration provides security and options in the post-Brexit landscape.

Dual Registration Benefits

Many nurses and midwives maintain both UK and overseas registrations, giving them maximum flexibility and career options across multiple countries.

What You Need to Prepare for Overseas Revalidation

Documentation

• Employment contracts or letters from overseas employers
• Payslips or other proof of practice hours
• CPD certificates (in any language, with English explanations)
• Practice-related feedback from colleagues, patients, women in your care, or managers
• Evidence of your reflective discussion
• Professional indemnity insurance documentation
• Valid passport or photo identification for identity verification
• For midwives: evidence of midwifery practice hours and midwifery-specific CPD

Technology

• Reliable internet connection for video call
• Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone
• Ability to share documents digitally (email, cloud storage, etc.)

Time

• 60-90 minutes for your confirmation meeting
• Time to prepare your portfolio in advance
• Flexibility to schedule around time zone differences

The Cost of Independent Confirmation Versus the Value

Whilst independent confirmer services charge a fee (unlike workplace confirmation which is typically free), for nurses and midwives working abroad, the investment offers exceptional value:

• Saves time: No need to search for NMC-registered colleagues overseas
• Reduces stress: Expert guidance ensures you meet all requirements
• Provides flexibility: Meetings scheduled around your international commitments
• Offers expertise: Professional confirmers who understand international nursing and midwifery practice
• Ensures success: Portfolio review minimises risk of revalidation issues
• Protects your registration: Your NMC registration is your professional licence – maintaining it is crucial

Consider the cost of losing your NMC registration – you would need to complete return to practice requirements, which involves supervised practice hours, additional training, and potentially months without being able to work in the UK. The investment in professional confirmation is minimal compared to this risk.

Get Started with Your Overseas Revalidation Today

Do not let distance from the UK become a barrier to maintaining your professional registration. Our independent NMC confirmer services are specifically designed to support nurses and midwives working internationally.

Whether you are in the Middle East, Australia, Europe, North America, Asia, or anywhere else in the world, we can help you complete your NMC revalidation smoothly and successfully.

What to Do Next

1. Check your NMC revalidation date on the NMC online register
2. Start organising your practice hours evidence and CPD documentation
3. Contact us at least 2-3 months before your deadline
4. Let us know your location, time zone, whether you are revalidating for nursing, midwifery, or dual registration, and your revalidation date
5. We will guide you through the rest of the process

Working abroad should not mean losing your UK nursing or midwifery registration. Our expert NMC confirmer services make international revalidation straightforward, flexible, and stress-free. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your revalidation, no matter where in the world you are practising.

Your professional development knows no borders – and neither does our support.