The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the professional regulator for nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK, ensuring public safety and professional standards. This article explains what nursing students need to know about the regulator’s role, from maintaining the code of conduct to setting education standards, overseeing revalidation and managing fitness to practise (FtP) cases. Plus, how the regulator operates, where your NMC registration fee goes, and how the regulator is addressing criticism about its FtP processes and culture.