Test of Competence for nursing associates
Who needs to take the Test of Competence?
Applying for initial registration
Regulations passed by the UK Government following the UK’s departure from the EU allow for certain EU general nursing and midwifery qualifications to be recognised.If you have a relevant European qualification that meets the requirements for automatic recognition, we’ll recognise your qualification and you won’t need to take the Test of Competence.
This applies even if you are not an EU national, but you have a relevant European qualification.Check if your qualification is on the list of European qualifications that meet the requirements for automatic recognition.
If you do not hold a relevant European qualification, you will need to take a Test of Competence as we cannot recognise your qualification.
Applying for readmission
If you don’t have enough practice hours for readmission to the register, you can either complete an approved return to practice programme or take a Test of Competence to meet the practice hours requirement.
What does it involve?
Each Test of Competence is split into two parts:
- A multiple-choice computer-based test known as the CBT.
- A practical test known as the OSCE.
You will need to take a test that’s specific to the part of the register you’re applying to join or rejoin. These are:
- Nursing associate (NAR)
- Adult nurse (RNA)
- Mental health nurse (RNMH)
- Learning disabilities nurse (RNLD)
- Children’s nurse (RNC)
- Midwife (RM)
How long is it valid for?
You must pass the CBT and OSCE within two years of each other.
You can sit your CBT or OSCE in any order, but you need to complete both parts to continue with your application for initial registration or readmission. Once you have successfully passed both the CBT and OSCE, your ToC will remain valid for five years.
Test of Competence review
Since 2019, we’ve been working in partnership with Alpha Plus to develop a new test that reflects our new standards for nurses and midwives. We launched the new version of the test for nurses and midwives on 2 August 2021, and on 31 January 2022, for nursing associates. This is known as the Test of Competence. From 2 August 2021, until 31 January 2023, eligible candidates were able to complete their registration taking the legacy Test. This transition period ended on 31 January 2023. Since this date, no candidates are allowed to take the legacy CBT or OSCE.
Booking your OSCE
Applying for initial registration
Once we’ve confirmed that you need to take the Test of Competence, you can book and pay for your OSCE with one of our test providers.
Applying for readmission
We’ll send you an email with details of how to book and pay for your OSCE with one of our test providers.
Preparing for your OSCE
We suggest you read the following to prepare for your OSCE:
- The Code – these are the professional standards that everyone on our register must uphold throughout their practise.
- Test of Competence: OSCE information booklet for nursing associates
- Preparing for your OSCE All Nursing fields (2021)
For all other preparation materials: Test of Competence: preparation materials
What to expect on the day
The information booklets above explain what you can expect throughout the entire OSCE process. It also tells you what will happen on the day, as well as the rules for taking your OSCE.
Verifying your identity
You will need to show the test centre your valid passport so that they can verify your identity. This must be the same passport that you provided earlier in your application. Someone at the test centre will also take your photograph for your ID that you need to wear while you’re there.
I need to update my passport
If you get a new passport in the meantime, please contact us and we’ll update this information within seven working days.
Getting your result
The test centres will email your results to you within 5 working days of the date of your OSCE.
If you pass your OSCE, you’ll get an email with details of what to do next.If you fail your OSCE, you’ll get an email with feedback on which stations and elements you were unsuccessful in. This information will help you prepare for your resit attempt as you only need to resit the stations you did not pass.
If your MyNMC account shows you were unsuccessful, but you haven’t received your feedback, please contact your test centre. We cannot provide the feedback to you.
Resitting the OSCE
You can take the OSCE a maximum of three times as part of your application, but you need to wait at least 10 days between each sitting. You can choose your preferred test centre to sit your OSCE. However, all resits must be taken at the same test centre where you sat your first attempt. If you do not pass your OSCE on your third attempt, your application will close, and you’ll need to start a new application if you want to register with us. You must wait at least six months before you sit the OSCE again and retake the 10 stations.
Contact Details:
Register via PAETraining.com, email info@paetraining.com, or call 02046100720 for course fees, tuition, and examination support. Students may request additional support if needed. Our team is available daily to assist all applicants