NMC use the Test of Competence (ToC) to assess the skills and knowledge of people applying to join our register from overseas or rejoin our register after a long period away from practice. 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.
Each Test of Competence is split into two parts:
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Part one is a multiple-choice computer based test known as the CBT. Pearson VUE Test Centres available globally
- Multiple choice
- 120 questions
- 4 hours to complete
- 60% score overall to pass
- 90% of critical questions related to patient safety, must be answered correctly
- Maximum 2 re-sits for applications started after 06/Apr/2017
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Part two is a practical test known as the Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). There are three approved OSCE test providers: University of Northampton, Oxford Brookes University and Ulster University
- OSCE is made up of six stations
- 20 minutes per station with 5 minutes familiarisation
- 4 stations are scenario based, related to holistic patient centred nursing and midwifery care
- 2 stations are focused on practical clinical skills
- Unique 20 criterion based assessment sheet for each station
- Maximum 3 re-sits