Test of Competence for nursing associates

Part two of the Test of Competence is a practical exam known as the OSCE. In this part you'll be tested on your clinical and communication skills.

You can sit your CBT or OSCE in any order, but you must successfully complete both parts to continue with your application for initial registration or readmission.

There are five approved OSCE test providers delivering the Test of Competence for nursing associates:

For an overview of the OSCE read the following: Test of Competence for nursing associates: OSCE information booklet


OSCE structure

The OSCE has 10 stations:

  • Three stations are linked together around a nursing associate care process scenario: the AIE (one station for assessment, implementation and evaluation)
  • Five stations to test skills
  • Two new stations to assess the candidate's values and behaviours and evidence-based practice.


Test maintenance and upcoming changes

We work closely with our test development partner to regularly review and refresh test content for the Test of Competence. This is to:

• ensure it is reflective of clinical practice,
• retire stations that have been in circulation for some time,
• introduce new skills that candidates may face in clinical practice.

 There won’t be any changes to the number of stations candidates will be asked to sit, but they may be presented with a different clinical scenario or skill which other candidates may not have experienced.   

Candidates who are ready to practise in the UK and meet the standards set out in the NMC Code should be confident of passing these stations and we plan to share our timetable for future test updates on this page.


Fees

The fee for the OSCE is £794. The reduced resit fee is £397 if you need to resit 7 or fewer stations.


Booking your OSCE

Applying for initial registration

Once we've confirmed that you need to take the Test of Competence, you can book and pay for your OSCE with one of our test providers.

Applying for readmission

You can book your Test of Competence in your NMC Online account.

We’ll then send you an email with details of how to book and pay for your OSCE with one of our test providers.


Preparing for your OSCE

We suggest you read the following to prepare for your OSCE:
• The Code - these are the professional standards that everyone on our register must uphold throughout their practise.
• Test of Competence: OSCE information booklet for nursing associates
• Preparing for your OSCE All Nursing fields (2021)
For all other preparation materials: Test of Competence: preparation materials


What to expect on the day

The information booklets above explain what you can expect throughout the entire OSCE process.

It also tells you what will happen on the day, as well as the rules for taking your OSCE.


Verifying your identity

You will need to show the test centre your valid passport so that they can verify your identity. This must be the same passport that you provided earlier in your application.
Someone at the test centre will also take your photograph for your ID that you need to wear while you're there.


I need to update my passport

If you get a new passport in the meantime, please contact us and we'll update this information within seven working days.

If your OSCE is in less than seven working days, please call us on 020 7333 6600.


Getting your result

The test centres will email your results to you within 5 working days of the date of your OSCE.

If you pass your OSCE, you’ll get an email with details of what to do next.

If you fail your OSCE, you’ll get an email with feedback on which stations and elements you were unsuccessful in. This information will help you prepare for your resit attempt as you only need to resit the stations you did not pass.

If your NMC Online account shows you were unsuccessful but you haven’t received your feedback, please contact your test centre. We cannot provide the feedback to you.


Resitting the OSCE

You can take the OSCE a maximum of three times as part of your application, but you need to wait at least 10 days between each sitting.

You can choose your preferred test centre to sit your OSCE. However, all resits must be taken at the same test centre where you sat your first attempt.

If you do not pass your OSCE on your third attempt, your application will close, and you’ll need to start a new application if you want to register with us. You must wait at least six months before you sit the OSCE again and retake the 10 stations.


Appeals

You may be able to appeal if you believe that the process was compromised during the exam or an irregularity occurred in the conduct of the examination.

For more information about the appeals process, please read the OSCE information booklets.

Questions about your OSCE

If you have a query about your OSCE booking or exam results, please contact your test centre.