The Test of Competence Exam Process

What to expect on the day

Duration

The test takes approximately three hours. 

Getting here

Please allow plenty of time to travel to the competence test centre. Click here for travel information.

Before you arrive

Prior to your arrival at the NMC Competence Test Centre please ensure you have completed the following:

  • Watched the online briefing video.
  • Completed the Confidentiality agreement and Declaration.
  • Completed the Health Declaration.
  • Completed the NMC ID Document Form. You are required to bring only the documents listed on this form. These are used to complete your NMC ID verification check on the day of your OSCE.

When you arrive

We will check the documents that you are required to bring.

Your photograph will be taken and stored on our database. We store your photograph so that we can prove that you are the person we saw in case of identity theft.

We will show you our changing rooms and lockers so you are able to get changed into your appropriate clothing for the exam and store your belongings away. 

You will then be shown the Breifing before your examiner collects you. 

Important information for your ID check:

  • Please ensure that you have submitted your NMC application and paid the registration fee. Guidance on how to do this can be found in the application guides for Nursing/Midwifery and Nursing Associate.
  • You will need to provide all required documents as original for your ID check to be conducted.
  • The NMC will not accept documents via post.
  • Each time you attend a test centre, you must provide a valid passport.

We cannot conduct your ID check if your application is not submitted or any of your documents are not original/missing on the day of your OSCE, and a further in-person appointment will be required at your own expense. 

Further information: 

  • Further information on the documentation required for the NMC ID Check can be found in the OSCE information booklets for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates.
  • If we are unable to conduct your ID check on the day of your exam, we will provide you with a follow-up sheet with the reason why and further instructions. 
  • If your ID Check is not conducted on the day of your OSCE, you must book an appointment. Please be aware that this appointment needs to be made separately to any bookings you may have for an OSCE resit.
  • To book an appointment, or if you have any specific questions regarding the ID Check, you can contact the ID Team at ID.Checks@nmc-uk.org
  • Your OSCE result will still be processed and uploaded to your NMC portal within five working days. However, you should note that you cannot fully register with the NMC until your ID Check has been completed.

Friends or family

We do not have room to allow friends or family, including children, to wait for you while you are taking the OSCE.

Your belongings

You will be asked to store your belongings in a small locker which will be locked with a key you can keep on your throughout the exam.

We also have an area for larger luggage to be stored.

Regulations, Appeals and Complaints

Candidate Regulations

The Summary of Regulations for Candidates document outlines the regulations which you are bound by during the exam. All candidates are expected to read these before taking their exam. Take time to read these exam regulations.

Candidate Appeals

Should you wish to appeal and have grounds to appeal, please download and fill out the attached document and return it to CTCGeneralEnquiries@northumbria.ac.uk within 5 days of receiving your results.

Appeal Guide and Form Level 1

Complaints

Should you wish to complain, please download and fill out the attached document and return it to CTCGeneralEnquiries@northumbria.ac.uk 

General Complaints Procedure and Form