FAQs
What is OSCE/Pt 2 test of competence & why is it needed?
OSCE stands for Objective Structured Clinical Examination, and it is usually the final step for internationally educated (IEN) or UK return to practice (RTP) nurses to achieve NMC registration and be able to work as a registered nurse (RN) in the UK. They will usually have completed their Pt 1-CBT and potentially an English language requirement to fulfill (OET, IELT’s or other-IENs only), so the process is not without its challenges. Nurses sitting OSCE will be examined at the level of a newly registered UK nurse, so back to basics!
How many stations are there and what to expect?
There are 10 timed stations to complete and during the exam, an examiner will observe each nurse closely, to assess their competence. The exam is recorded, to ensure fairness and accuracy when making the decision to pass or not. All stations must be passed for the nurse to gain their UK NMC pin. If unsuccessful on the 1st attempt, the nurse will have 2 further attempts, then they must wait 6 months and try again.
I/My team member is already a nurse in another country/was a nurse previously, why do I/they need OSCE preparation training?
OSCE/test of competence has been completely overhauled since 2021, and is regularly updated with a lot of information to refresh and remember. Nurses will come from a variety of backgrounds with varied experience and may not have completed some of the required skills in some time, due to their specialist area of practice. In fact, some nurses may have never carried out some of the skills required for OSCE, due to their training or experience. In addition, UK nursing practice has evolved according to evidence and requires frequent continuing professional development to practice safely. Thankfully, our feedback suggests that nurses who receive training, support & guidance before sitting OSCE have a more positive experience and chances of passing 1st time are increased.
Abbreviations
OSCE-Objective, Structured, Clinical Examination.
CBT-Computer, Based Test
ToC-Test of Competence
CTC-Competence Test Centre
IENs-Internationally Educated Nurses
RTPN-Return to Practice Nurse
NMC-Nursing & Midwifery Council
RGN-Registered General Nurse (Adult Nurse)
RN-Registered Nurse
UKRN-United Kingdom Registered Nurse
*Auxiliary Nurse-Sometimes used in place of HCA/SCA/CA in ward/trust settings.
*SW-Support Worker or Social Worker
*HCSW-Healthcare Support Worker
*HCA-Health Care Assistant
*SCA-Senior Care Assistant
*CA-Care Assistant
Please see updated 2024 terms in keeping with new framework from NISCC-Social Care Practitioner or Enhanced Social Care Practitioner
HM-Home manager
RM-Regional Manager
CL-Clinical Lead
Sister/Charge Nurse – Nurse in charge/ward/unit manager.
APIE-Assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation
PV-Professional Values
EBP-Evidence based practice.
CPD-Continuing Professional Development
OSCE stands for Objective Structured Clinical Examination, and it is usually the final step for internationally educated (IEN) or UK return to practice (RTP) nurses to achieve NMC registration and be able to work as a registered nurse (RN) in the UK. They will usually have completed their Pt 1-CBT and potentially an English language requirement to fulfill (OET, IELT’s or other-IENs only), so the process is not without its challenges. Nurses sitting OSCE will be examined at the level of a newly registered UK nurse, so back to basics!
There are 10 timed stations to complete and during the exam, an examiner will observe each nurse closely, to assess their competence. The exam is recorded, to ensure fairness and accuracy when making the decision to pass or not. All stations must be passed for the nurse to gain their UK NMC pin. If unsuccessful on the 1st attempt, the nurse will have 2 further attempts, then they must wait 6 months and try again.
OSCE/test of competence has been completely overhauled since 2021, and is regularly updated with a lot of information to refresh and remember. Nurses will come from a variety of backgrounds with varied experience and may not have completed some of the required skills in some time, due to their specialist area of practice. In fact, some nurses may have never carried out some of the skills required for OSCE, due to their training or experience. In addition, UK nursing practice has evolved according to evidence and requires frequent continuing professional development to practice safely. Thankfully, our feedback suggests that nurses who receive training, support & guidance before sitting OSCE have a more positive experience and chances of passing 1st time are increased.
OSCE-Objective, Structured, Clinical Examination.
CBT-Computer, Based Test
ToC-Test of Competence
CTC-Competence Test Centre
IENs-Internationally Educated Nurses
RTPN-Return to Practice Nurse
NMC-Nursing & Midwifery Council
RGN-Registered General Nurse (Adult Nurse)
RN-Registered Nurse
UKRN-United Kingdom Registered Nurse
*Auxiliary Nurse-Sometimes used in place of HCA/SCA/CA in ward/trust settings.
*SW-Support Worker or Social Worker
*HCSW-Healthcare Support Worker
*HCA-Health Care Assistant
*SCA-Senior Care Assistant
*CA-Care Assistant
Please see updated 2024 terms in keeping with new framework from NISCC-Social Care Practitioner or Enhanced Social Care Practitioner
HM-Home manager
RM-Regional Manager
CL-Clinical Lead
Sister/Charge Nurse – Nurse in charge/ward/unit manager.
APIE-Assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation
PV-Professional Values
EBP-Evidence based practice.
CPD-Continuing Professional Development