Record revalidation rate as NMC begins review

Revalidation is the three-yearly process that all nurses, midwives and nursing associates follow to maintain their registration. It supports them to continually develop and reflect on their practice, in line with the Code.

Our latest annual revalidation report shows that just over 240,000 nurses, midwives and nursing associates successfully revalidated between April 2024 and March 2025, which is up from 94 percent in 2023–24.

High revalidation rates mean more nursing and midwifery professionals with the right knowledge and skills remain eligible to practise, and can continue providing the high-quality care people have a right to receive.

This record completion rate comes as we seek feedback to shape the future of the revalidation process – we have launched reviews of revalidation and of the Code to make sure they:

• reflect today’s health and social care landscape
• support professionals’ evolving roles
• continue to meet the expectations of the public, professionals and employers.

These reviews are part of a wider programme of work to modernise our standards, which are fundamental to nursing and midwifery professional practice and to public protection. This programme also includes our review of practice learning requirements for students, and a review of advanced practice regulation.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the Code and revalidation reviews should join our community of interest to be kept up to date, including about opportunities to get involved. People can also watch our webinars for information.

Donna O’Boyle, Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice, said:

“Revalidation is fundamental to safe and effective nursing and midwifery practice. It ensures professionals continually reflect on their practice to maintain the vital knowledge and skills required to meet people’s evolving care needs throughout their careers.

“It’s great to see more nurses, midwives and nursing associates revalidating than ever before. Now, as we embark on a review of revalidation, we encourage both professionals and the public to engage with us ahead of any changes. Their insight will be key to shaping the future of the process.

“This review sits alongside a wider programme to modernise our standards, including a refresh of the Code, a review of practice learning requirements for students, and also advanced practice regulation. We’re committed to collaborating widely to ensure these standards and guidance support professionals to deliver the best possible care for communities across the UK.”

Further information

• Revalidation supports nurses, midwives and nursing associates to maintain high standards of practice throughout their careers, benefiting the health and wellbeing of people in their care. It also encourages reflection on the Code. Professionals on our register must revalidate every three years to maintain their registration.
• We verify the evidence provided for revalidation on a sample of applications based on the total number of people on our register. This year’s revalidation report includes these figures for the first time. Between April 2024 and March 2025, we selected 2,213 people for verification of their revalidation applications. Of these, 2,181 went on to revalidate successfully.
• The Code sets out the professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates on our register.

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