If you are an international nurse working towards UK registration, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a critical milestone in your journey. This practical test of competence assesses your clinical skills and decision-making in simulated scenarios. Understanding where you can take this exam and how to book your place is essential for planning your NMC registration for international nurses.
The OSCE forms part two of the NMC Test of Competence, required for nurses and midwives trained outside the UK who wish to join the NMC register. While the first part is a computer-based test (CBT), the OSCE evaluates your hands-on nursing abilities through a series of timed clinical stations. Knowing which test centres are available, their locations, and the booking process will help you prepare effectively.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Governing body | Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) |
Exam format | Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with multiple timed stations assessing clinical competence |
Test centre locations | Currently three active centres in England and Northern Ireland (Leeds, Northampton, and Ulster) |
Booking process | Directly through individual test centres after receiving NMC eligibility confirmation |
Current fees | Check the NMC OSCE official page and individual test centre websites for up-to-date costs |
Understanding the NMC OSCE requirement
The Test of Competence OSCE is mandatory for internationally educated nurses and midwives seeking registration with the NMC. This practical examination replaced the previous Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP) and provides a standardised way to assess whether your clinical skills meet UK standards.
The OSCE consists of several stations where you demonstrate competencies such as patient assessment, medication administration, communication, and clinical decision-making. Each station is observed and scored by trained assessors. You must pass all stations to complete this part of your registration journey successfully.
Before you can book an OSCE, you need to have passed the computer-based test (CBT) and received confirmation of your eligibility from the NMC. The NMC will notify you when you are eligible to book, and you must then contact a test centre directly.
Current NMC OSCE test centres locations
The NMC works with approved universities and NHS trusts to deliver the OSCE across the UK. As of 2026, there are three active test centres where international nurses can sit the exam.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Competence Test Centre
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals OSCE centre opened as the fifth NMC test centre and operates from facilities in Leeds, West Yorkshire. This centre serves candidates across northern England and offers regular test dates throughout the year.
Leeds provides a modern testing environment with experienced clinical assessors. The centre publishes detailed information about the OSCE process, what to expect on test day, and preparation guidance on their website.
University of Northampton Competence Test Centre
The University of Northampton operates an NMC-approved test centre in the East Midlands. This centre has been delivering OSCEs for several years and provides comprehensive candidate support.
Northampton publishes eligibility and booking information on their website, including guidance on what documents you need and how to schedule your test date.
Ulster University NMC Competence Test Centre
The Ulster University centre in Northern Ireland serves candidates across Ireland and provides an alternative location for those who find travel to England challenging. This centre offers the same standardised OSCE as all other approved locations.
Ulster University has extensive experience in healthcare education and provides a supportive environment for international candidates taking their competence test.
Closed test centres
It is important to note that not all centres that previously offered the OSCE remain operational. Oxford Brookes University and Northumbria University previously ran test centres but are no longer accepting new bookings. Always verify current availability directly with the NMC or the test centre before making travel arrangements.
OSCE exam booking for international nurses
Booking your NMC OSCE requires several steps and advance planning, particularly if you are travelling from outside the UK.
Eligibility confirmation
You cannot book an OSCE until the NMC confirms your eligibility. This confirmation comes after you have successfully passed the computer-based test and the NMC has reviewed your application documents. The NMC will send you written notification when you are eligible to proceed.
Contacting test centres
Once eligible, you contact test centres directly to check availability and book your exam date. Each centre manages its own booking system, so you may need to reach out to multiple locations to find a date that suits your schedule.
Test centres typically require you to provide your NMC reference number, proof of identity, and confirmation of your eligibility. Some centres have online booking systems, while others require email or telephone contact.
Planning your travel
For international nurses travelling to the UK specifically for the OSCE, careful planning is essential. You will need to arrange appropriate visitor or student visa documentation if required for your nationality, book accommodation near the test centre, and allow time for potential jet lag or travel delays.
Consider arriving at least one day before your test date to familiarise yourself with the location and recover from travel. Some candidates also choose to stay an extra day in case of any administrative needs following the exam.
Costs and payment
Test centres charge fees for the OSCE examination. These fees are separate from the NMC application and CBT costs. Current fee information is available on each test centre's website and should be verified before booking, as costs can change.
Payment methods vary by centre, but most accept bank transfers or card payments. Ensure you understand the payment deadline and any cancellation or rescheduling policies before confirming your booking.
What happens on OSCE test day
Understanding what to expect on the day of your OSCE can help reduce anxiety and ensure you perform at your best.
You will be required to arrive at the test centre at a specified time with valid photo identification. The centre will provide a briefing about the examination format, timings, and any specific instructions.
The OSCE consists of multiple stations, each lasting a set number of minutes. You will rotate through stations that test different clinical competencies. Trained actors may play the role of patients, and assessors will observe and score your performance against standardised criteria.
After completing all stations, you will be informed about when to expect your results. The NMC processes results and notifies candidates directly. If you pass all stations, you can proceed with the final steps of your registration. If you do not pass all stations, the NMC will provide information about retaking the necessary components.
Preparing for your NMC OSCE
Thorough preparation is crucial for OSCE success. While test centres cannot provide specific exam content in advance, they do publish general information about the competencies assessed and the format of the examination.
Many international nurses benefit from OSCE preparation courses, which are offered by various private training providers and nursing colleges. These courses simulate the exam environment and help you practise clinical scenarios under timed conditions.
Reviewing UK nursing protocols, medication administration procedures, and communication standards is essential. The NMC provides guidance documents about the standards expected of nurses on the UK register, and these should inform your preparation.
Practising with colleagues or study groups can also be valuable. Working through clinical scenarios, giving and receiving feedback, and timing your responses helps build confidence and competence.
After passing the OSCE
Once you have successfully completed both the CBT and OSCE components of the Test of Competence, you can complete your NMC registration. The NMC will add you to the register, and you will receive your PIN (Personal Identification Number), which allows you to practise as a nurse or midwife in the UK.
With your NMC registration complete, you can pursue employment with NHS trusts, private healthcare providers, or care organisations across the UK. Many international nurses secure positions that offer visa sponsorship, enabling them to obtain a UK Skilled Worker visa for nurses and build a long-term career in the UK healthcare system.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the NMC OSCE outside the UK?
No, currently all NMC OSCE test centres are located within the UK (England and Northern Ireland). International nurses must travel to the UK to sit the examination. There are no approved test centres in Nigeria, Kenya, India, the Philippines, or other countries outside the UK.
How long does it take to get an OSCE test date after passing the CBT?
The waiting time varies depending on test centre capacity and demand. After receiving your eligibility confirmation from the NMC, you should contact test centres as soon as possible to check availability. Waiting times can range from a few weeks to several months during busy periods, so early booking is advisable.
What happens if I fail some OSCE stations?
If you do not pass all stations on your first attempt, the NMC will inform you which competencies you need to retake. You can book a resit for the failed stations only, rather than repeating the entire examination. The NMC provides specific guidance on the resit process and any waiting periods that apply.
Can I choose which test centre to attend?
Yes, once you are eligible to book, you can contact any of the active NMC-approved test centres to check availability and choose the location that best suits your circumstances. Factors to consider include travel distance, accommodation costs, and available test dates.
Do I need a visa to take the OSCE in the UK?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many international nurses can visit the UK as tourists for short stays to take the exam, while others may need to apply for a visitor visa. Check the UK government's official visa requirements for your specific country well in advance of your planned travel date.
