NMC Test of Competence OSCE 2026-2027 : 1000 MCQ with Answers

The NMC Test of Competence OSCE is a practical clinical examination for internationally educated nurses and midwives seeking registration with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council. It assesses whether you can apply safe, effective knowledge and skills in realistic clinical scenarios.

Most internationally educated nurses and midwives who are applying for NMC registration and have been instructed to complete the Test of Competence must pass the OSCE. You normally need to meet the NMC eligibility requirements and complete the required computer-based test stage before booking the practical examination.

The OSCE uses a series of timed clinical stations rather than a traditional written paper. Stations assess practical skills and clinical decision-making, including assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, communication, documentation and patient safety. Check the current NMC and approved test-centre guidance because station arrangements can change.

The examination is made up of multiple timed stations and includes time for instructions and movement between stations. The commonly published nursing format contains 10 stations, but candidates should confirm the current number, timings and examination-day arrangements with the NMC or their approved test centre before attending.

The OSCE is delivered through test centres approved for the NMC Test of Competence, often in partnership with UK universities or other authorised providers. It is not a GCSE-style examination run by AQA, Pearson Edexcel or OCR, so booking and assessment information should come from the NMC and the approved centre.

Preparation commonly includes patient assessment and documentation, vital signs and escalation, infection prevention, wound care, hygiene, positioning, falls prevention, medication safety, insulin, intravenous therapy, opioids, anticoagulants, antibiotics and oxygen therapy. You should also revise the nursing implications of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, musculoskeletal and endocrine conditions.

Each station is assessed against defined criteria relating to safe practice, clinical technique, communication, documentation and professional judgement. There is not usually one GCSE-style grade boundary for the whole examination; the required standard and any station or component rules are set out in the current official guidance. Always check the latest NMC information for resit and pass requirements.

Read the current NMC Test of Competence materials, practise each skill in the required sequence and rehearse speaking clearly while explaining your actions to the patient and assessor. Use timed mock stations, review documentation and escalation, and obtain feedback from an experienced nurse, educator or approved preparation provider.

You can usually arrange the OSCE after the NMC has confirmed that you are eligible to continue and you have completed any required earlier stage of the Test of Competence. Available appointments, booking deadlines and fees depend on the approved test centre, so candidates should use the booking instructions provided by the NMC and their centre rather than relying on unofficial dates.

Passing the OSCE is one part of the NMC registration process and does not by itself guarantee immediate registration. The NMC must still complete the remaining checks and requirements on your application before you can join the register and practise as a nurse or midwife in the UK.