Become A Registered Nurse in Singapore

STEP 1 Obtain a Recognised Nursing Qualification

You must graduate from an approved nursing programme. This can include:

• Diploma in Nursing from Singapore polytechnics such as:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing such as:

• Other recognised international institutions

📌 If you are a foreign-trained nurse, your qualification must meet the education standards set by the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB).

STEP 2Register with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB)

After completing your studies, you must submit your online application to the SNB via their official portal.

Required Documents:

- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Passport or identification documents
- Employment history (if applicable)
- English language proficiency test results (for non-English speaking backgrounds)

📌 Local graduates are typically registered automatically upon graduation.

STEP 3Foreign-Trained Nurses – Assessment & Adaptation

If you earned your nursing qualifications outside of Singapore, SNB may request the following before approving your registration:

• Competency Assessment
A formal review of your qualifications and nursing experience.
• Adaptation Programme or Competency-Based Test (CBT)
This is designed to evaluate your readiness to practise under Singapore’s clinical and regulatory standards.

📌 The assessment ensures that all nurses in Singapore, regardless of origin, maintain the same level of care and professional integrity.

STEP 4Apply for and Renew Your Practising Certificate Annually

Once you are registered, you must hold a valid Practising Certificate (PC) to legally work in Singapore.

About the Practising Certificate:

- Valid for 1 year only
- Must be renewed annually through the SNB online portal
- Requires evidence of Continuous Professional Education (CPE) hours and proof of ethical conduct

📌 Practising without a valid certificate is not permitted and may lead to disciplinary action.

Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Singapore