About the OSCE

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced a Test of Competence for internationally registered nurses and midwives in October 2014. The Test of Competence measures candidates against the current UK pre-registration standards.

Nursing in the United Kingdom (UK) comprises of separate and distinct fields of practice, each requiring three years of pre-registration undergraduate education. The distinct nursing fields of practice are:

  • RNA Adult nursing
  • RNC Children’s nursing
  • RNLD Learning disabilities nursing
  • RNMH Mental health nursing
  • NAR Nursing associate

In the UK, midwifery is a separate and distinct profession, also requiring three years of pre-registration undergraduate education.

The Test of Competence is specific to a field of nursing or midwifery practice and consists of two parts. This website provides information about Part two of the Test of Competence. 

We are aware that some organisations and consultancies are offering OSCE preparation training sessions for candidates undertaking the Test of Competence. These sessions are NOT endorsed or approved by Oxford Brookes University or the NMC.

Contact us

NMC Competence Test Centre (individual enquiries)

ctc@brookes.ac.uk

NMC Competence Test Centre (group enquiries)

trustbookings@brookes.ac.uk