NMBI does not prescribe a specific timeframe for how often preceptorship training must be undertaken or refreshed. As the regulator, NMBI sets standards for professional practice and conduct through the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives incorporating the Scope of Practice and Professional Guidance (NMBI, 2025) and through the Registered Midwife Programmes Standards and  Registered Nurse Programmes Standards rather than specifying mandatory renewal intervals.

Preceptors are required to maintain their competence in line with the Code. This means being uptodate facilitating learning in a quality learning environment, supervising, and assessing students fairly, consistently, and respectfully, using approved standards and criteria. Registrants have an individual professional responsibility to recognise when updates or further development are needed to support their role as a preceptor.

Education bodies are responsible for ensuring that appropriate education, preparation, and ongoing development opportunities are available to support preceptors in carrying out their role effectively.

NMBI reviews standards relating to the supervision of students in practice learning environments at least every five years, or more frequently where required, to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.

At local level, health service providers may set their own expectations for how often preceptorship updates should be completed. Registrants should check local policies and requirements with their line manager or practice development team.

Education bodies have overall responsibility for ensuring that undergraduate programmes meet required standards for the student learning experience, including practice placement areas. NMBI, as the regulator, sets these standards and monitors compliance through programme approval and inspection. Any issues experienced by students on placement should be raised through the Education body’s established reporting structures, such as the Clinical Placement Coordinator, link lecturers, or SALO.

Yes. Under the NMBI Registered Nurse Programme Standards, the 36 week internship includes all rostered weeks, including annual leave.

If a student completes a full week of night duty, where the hours worked are equivalent to two rostered weeks, the following week off is considered rostered time off. This week still counts toward the 36‑week internship requirement.

For any individual circumstances or clarification, students should contact their education body or clinical representative (e.g., CPC) responsible for student practice learning.

Please refer to our guidance for programme providers on two pathways for awarding CPD hours. 

• Short course pathway: this is where programme providers are guided on how to award CPD hours for a range of educational activities. This checklist does not need to be submitted to NMBI for approval.
• Competency-based programme pathway: this is where programme providers are guided on submission criteria required to apply for NMBI programme approval. 

The guidance and forms are available on the NMBI website.

Full information and the application process for NMBI Category 2 or equivalent approval can be found here. Please be aware that specialist allowances are approved by the employer and not by NMBI. NMBI will review and verify if the course/ programme completed is approved as a Category 2 or equivalent programme but does not grant or advise employers on specialist allowances.

NMBI approve post-registration courses in the Republic of Ireland. These courses have gone through our programme approval processes.  A list of NMBI approved programmes is available on our website and can be found here. 

For nurses and midwives that have been out of practice for 5 years or over, it is recommended that they complete a return to nursing or midwifery programme. This is for the employer to decide as it is not a requirement for registration.