07/12/2023 - Midwifery OSCE update
As part of the ongoing development of the OSCE we have made some changes to the existing midwifery materials. When we introduced our new and revised test content in June 2023, feedback and ideas were shared with us on how we could strengthen and improve the candidate experience.
We have introduced the IV flush and VIP station. Following the feedback, we have re-introduced the marking schemes for all midwifery stations as we do for nursing. We have updated the charts and diagrams in the mock examination to reflect the changes we have made in the diagrams and charts that candidates use in the live exam. We hope this will provide candidates with the opportunity to use this as part of their ongoing preparation and learning for the test of competence.
Over the coming days the following documents will be updated and published on our website reflecting all of our 2021 materials:
- Midwifery Station Timings – to include the IV flush and VIP station which has been set at 12 minutes. We have not reduced any of the timings across any aspect of the test at this time.
- Midwifery Marking Criteria – to include the IV flush and VIP station.
- Midwifery Mock OSCE
- Supporting Documents
The changes to the above documents will be implemented from 11 December 2023 (excluding the IV flush and VIP station).
To give employers and candidates time to prepare and incorporate this skill into their learning and preparation programmes, the IV flush and VIP station will not be implemented until 15 January 2023.
ACER, our new test development partner, have recently taken on the test of competence work. They have reviewed many areas of the midwifery test and we have made some minor changes and updates which do not impact the preparation that employers are providing to candidates or change the level of preparation candidates need to do prior to the exam.
Please see the NMC announcement link here.
14/11/2023 - NMC ID Checks
Important Note regarding your NMC ID Check
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the NMC revised their ID Check process to best support candidates, allowing this to be conducted prior to the application being submitted. They also allowed candidates to post any outstanding documentation not presented at the initial check.
As this is no longer required, they are returning to the original process commencing Monday November 13th. They would therefore like to remind everyone:
- Applications must be fully submitted and all required original documentation should be provided, at the initial ID Check.
- The documentation requirements remain the same.
- The NMC will no longer accept documents via post.
- Each time you attend a test centre, you must provide a valid passport.
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.
- 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.
23/08/2023 - Bank holiday and Concessionary day closure
Please note that the University will be closed on the 28 and 29 August 2023 for bank holiday and a concessionary day. During this time inboxes will not be manned, and there may be a delay replying to any emails sent or returning any phonecalls made to the Competence Test Centre.
26/06/2023 - Road closure Jack Straw's Lane from Marston Road entrance
Due to gas works, there is an unplanned closure to Jack Straw's Lane from the Marston road entrance. Please enter Jack Straw's Lane via Headley Way. This is expected to continue upto and including the 29 June.
11/05/2023 - Update on face masks
From Monday 15 May 2023 the Covid-19 Risk Assessment has been reviewed locally by Oxford Brookes University and the requirement to wear a disposable mask during the OSCE exam will no longer by required by candidates or examiners whilst at the NMC Competence Test Centre at Oxford Brookes University
Candidates are reminded to continue to adhere to good hygiene practice and to apply the usual principles of Personal Protective Equipment use for all clinical skills and stations taken as part of their OSCE examination.
05/05/2023 - Test maintenance and upcoming changes
As part of the ongoing development of the Test of Competence OSCE for midwifery, we have made some changes to the existing assessments and released a small number of new stations which will come into use from Monday 26 June. These changes will ensure a wider coverage of the standards, code of practice and blueprint and forms part of our routine maintenance to keep the test valid and reliable.
Candidates will still sit a 10 station OSCE but these changes will mean that there will be a greater selection of skills that could be assessed which will make the assessment less predictable. We will continue to develop new stations covering different skills and scenarios, so it is important that candidates and those supporting them incorporate the NMC blueprint and standards into their preparation for the test.
The new stations are:
APIE stations
- Antenatal
- Postnatal
Clinical skills stations
- Birth
- Postnatal Sepsis
- Unexpected Breech Birth
- Neonatal blood glucose monitoring
- Intramuscular injection
- Removal of urinary catheter
Evidence Based Practice
- Induction of labour at term
Professional Values
- Safeguarding women and children
In addition to these changes the existing stations have been updated. Systematic Examination of the Newborn has been amended to require candidates to carry out two
aspects (heart, eyes hips or testes) as opposed to one aspect and it has been split from the postnatal check. There are also other small changes to the existing stations to bring them into line with the latest best clinical practice and to ensure that the APIE stations flow more logically and are clearer and there is no duplication of tasks for candidates.
The marking criteria available to trusts and candidates have also been updated as we are seeing higher numbers of candidates attempting to rote learn the marking criteria.
This is problematic as they no longer approach the assessment with an open mind and in some cases find the assessment challenging when presented with new or different scenarios. The updated marking guidance are more holistic and will give trusts and candidates the key points that that all candidates will be assessed on. They should be used by candidates to confirm understanding of the different skills that they need to demonstrate across the OSCE but the standards, code, and blueprint should form the basis of all teaching and learning.
All candidates who sit their assessment prior to 26 June 2023 will not be presented with the updates covered above. All candidates who sit on or after 26 June 2023 will experience the changes we have made.
14/04/2023 - Test maintenance and upcoming changes
The Midwifery OSCE assessment will be updated from Monday 5 June with revised and new stations being introduced to assess more widely across the Midwifery Standards and the Code. In order to support this change some of the support materials have been updated and new support materials have been developed. These new materials will help candidates to prepare for their OSCE. Candidates are increasingly rote learning the marking criteria to prepare for their OSCE, which is often detrimental to their performance. Therefore, we have been looking at ways to strengthen the materials and give candidates the best chance to prepare for being a competent midwife in the UK healthcare system. The new marking guidance document highlights the important aspects to consider when preparing for OSCE assessment for the different stations and should lead to performances which are less stilted and more authentic and are a better reflection of the Midwife’s practice.