OSCE
Step-by-Step Guide
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international nurses and midwives to work, but before they can start practising, they must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Every nurse, midwife, and specialist community public health nurse and nursing associate eligible to practise in the UK is included in the NMC registration database. Let us outline the 10 crucial steps an overseas nurse or midwife has to take in order to successfully apply for NMC registration and find employment in the UK.
Step 1:
Qualification Assessment
For the nursing profession, the NMC requires that your credentials must be on par with a UK Level 1 nurse. This refers to a nurse who has undergone a three-year educational program, culminating in a nursing qualification and an academic degree or diploma. In the case of midwifery, your qualification must enable you to register as a midwife in the nation where you received your training.
Step 2:
Demonstrating English Language Proficiency
A crucial component of the NMC registration process is proving your ability to effectively communicate in English. This includes showcasing proficiency in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. The NMC acknowledges three types of evidence:
- A passing score on an English language exam recognized by the NMC.
- A pre-registration qualification in nursing, midwifery, or nursing associates, which involved instruction and examination in English.
- A minimum of one year's recent experience working in an English-speaking country.
Step 3:
Self-Eligibility
This step involves filling out an online self-assessment form to determine if you are eligible to apply for NMC registration. During this process, you must verify that you fulfil the NMC's health, good character, and English language requirements. Additionally, you need to acknowledge that you will be required to submit supporting documents as evidence later in the application process.
Step 4:
Test of Competence
After the NMC confirms your eligibility, you will be required to take the CBT (Computer-Based Test). This online exam assesses your theoretical knowledge based on practice. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and can be administered at test centres worldwide.
The NMC allows three attempts at the CBT within a single application, with at least ten days between each attempt. You must pass the CBT within six months of completing your eligibility. The test provider, Pearson VUE, should be contacted directly to schedule and pay for your exam. As of March 2023, the test fee is £83.
Step 5:
Submission of Required Documents
Upon passing the CBT exam, you'll be requested to submit the necessary documents to support your application. The NMC requires the following:
- Your valid current passport
- Your birth certificate
- Official qualification certificates from each country where you have practised and/or been registered
- A police clearance certificate from every foreign country where you have lived or visited for more than three months since turning 18
- Registration verification from each country where you have practised or previously registered
- A completed Form to Accompany Transcript of Training (FATT) and a full transcript of your training
- A declaration of good health from your General Practitioner or your workplace's Occupational Health Department
Keep in mind that all relevant forms are available for download from your online portal once you reach the assessment stage, but not earlier.
Step 6:
Evaluating your Evidence
After the NMC has obtained all required documents, a representative from the International Registrations Team will evaluate your application. The assessment typically takes place within 60 calendar days from the receipt of your supporting evidence.
Step 7:
Qualifying for Healthcare Assistant Positions
Upon completion of the previous steps, you will be eligible to apply for a Band 5 Registered Nurse role. Initially, you will hold the status of a pre-registered nurse and work as a Band 3 or 4 healthcare assistant until you successfully complete your Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) After being offered a position in the UK, you can apply for your Tier 2 visa and begin your UK post. It is important to note that you must pass your OSCE within 3 months of arrival.
Step 8:
OSCE
Upon arriving in the UK, you will have a three-month window to pass your OSCE exam. This examination evaluates your clinical expertise and can only be taken in the UK. The OSCE replicates a clinical setting and patient situations that all registered nurses and midwives are expected to face while assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care. Please visit our OSCE training page to find out more about how we can help you pass on your first attempt, saving you time, money and the stress of having to re-sit the exam.
Step 9:
Identity Verification
An in-person ID Check will be conducted at our OSCE venue on the same day as your OSCE exam. You must bring all original documents that you submitted during your application process. This includes your passport, registration certificates and UK DBS.
Step 10:
Begin Your Nursing Journey in the UK
Congratulation! With all your hard work and dedication, you are now prepared to work as a Band 6 or 7 Nurse or Midwife, contingent on your experience. Please remember that you will still need to apply for a higher-banded nursing opportunity. We are, of course, here to support you throughout this process.