Updates to the OSCE and accompanying materials
As part of routine maintenance and to ensure the test continues to be reliable and authentic, we have made a number of changes. Following feedback, our test design and development partner have made some updates to the preparation materials to improve clarity, as well as to address some changes in clinical practice, to support those sitting the test.
|
Document |
Change |
Why we made this change |
|
Nursing Station Timings |
Fluid Balance timing increased from 12 to 14 minutes. MSU and Urinalysis timing increased from 8 to 12 minutes. |
Feedback from candidates and our test delivery partners indicated the time available for these two stations was not sufficient. |
|
OSCE Supporting Documents |
New PEWS charts added. |
A new national PEWS chart has been implemented in clinical practice. |
|
Adult, Children’s, Mental Health, and Nursing Associates Marking Criteria |
Changes to ANTT procedures.
|
ANTT technique has changed in clinical practice. |
All test delivery centres will be using the updated materials from Monday 9 September 2024, which will give candidates and employers time to prepare and incorporate the updated preparation materials into their learning and preparation programmes.
If your exam is before Monday 9 September, then you should continue to use the existing versions of the materials. If your exam is on or after Monday 9 September, you should prepare by using the updated versions of the materials.
Part of this development will actively discourage rote learning so all candidates should be encouraged to review their exam papers as they may be given a different scenario to test the failed skill at their resit.
Updated NAR Marking Criteria
Updated NAR Mock OSCE
Updated OSCE Supporting Documents
Following feedback from our test development partner, we have reviewed and updated the preparation materials that were released on Monday 29 July, and will be postponing the launch date of these materials to Monday 30 September, and all test delivery centres will be using the updated materials from this date.
This will allow candidates time to prepare and incorporate the updated preparation materials into their learning and preparation programmes.
If your exam is before Monday 30 September, you should continue to use the existing versions of the preparation materials.
If your exam is on or after Monday 30 September, you should prepare by using the updated versions of the preparation materials. The updated versions can be found as part of the above July 2024 announcement.
Please note, any candidates who sit BLS, IHR and/or NPS before 9 September and fail, will resit the same station up until December 2024.
Webinars
On 31 January 2022, we introduced the Test of Competence for nursing associates.
We held some webinars covering different aspects of the Test of Competence providing further information and outlining the changes we made to the CBT and OSCE. You can download slides from each of the webinars here.
Nursing OSCE APIE (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation) stations:
Nursing OSCE skills stations:
Candidate information booklets
These booklets give an overview of the CBT and OSCE, what nursing associates candidates should expect on the day and how they can prepare.
- Test of Competence for nursing associates: CBT information booklet
- Test of Competence for nursing associates: OSCE information booklet
- Preparing for your OSCE TOC for Nursing Associates
Test specification
Test specification shows how the test is designed, what it will assess and how, and how results will be produced and presented.
Test blueprint
This blueprint shows how the relevant standards of proficiency and associated skills and procedures may be tested in either the CBT, OSCE or both parts.
Other support materials
CBT
You can find CBT practice tests on Pearson VUE's website. They are accessible to all and do not need to be booked.
Taking these practice tests will help you check your understanding and readiness for the new CBT and learn more about the question format, style and level of difficulty.
OSCE
The following documents will support your preparation for the OSCE. We highly recommend you take the time to read these.
We have provided links to a number of documents that will support you in preparing for the OSCE.
As part of your learning and preparation, you should refer to the reading lists, understand and apply the NMC Code to all aspects of your practice, and access our useful documents as mock OSCE materials and station timings. By the time you sit the OSCE, you should be competent at practising at the level of a newly qualified nurse or midwife in the UK and your approach to the stations should reflect the actions you would take in a contemporary UK clinical setting.
We have also provided marking criteria for the relevant fields. Please note that this should only be used to supplement your education and learning.
If you have any questions about any of these documents, please contact the NMC Test of Competence team at toc@nmc-uk.org.
Key documents for OSCE preparation covering all fields of nursing and midwifery
- Glossary of technical terms for nursing and midwifery
- Equipment List for nursing and midwifery OSCEs
- Specific equipment List
- OSCE Supporting Documents
Nursing Associates
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