The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) new test of competence goes live in August.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced that its new test of competence (ToC) will go live on 2 August 2021.
Launch of the new ToC has been delayed as a result of the pandemic and the NMC is keen to give candidates, employers and recruiters enough time ahead of launch to become familiar with the new approach and content.
How the test is changing
The computer-based test (CBT) will be split into two parts:
- Part A will cover numeracy
- Part B will cover nursing or midwifery theory.
The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) will have 10 stations:
- four stations will continue to be linked together around a scenario: the APIE (one station for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation)
- four stations will test skills – two pairs of two skills
- two new stations will be introduced – one will assess the candidate’s values and behaviours and the other will assess evidence-based practice.
New OSCE marking criteria:
- each station will be assessed against assessed against an updated list of relevant criteria
- updated test content – the NMC has worked with clinical partners to review the existing bank of examination materials and develop new material
- improved candidate support – the NMC are improving the range and quality of preparation materials for candidates, employers and recruiters.
Next steps and more information
Updated resources are expected from the NMC in March to include a robust programme of engagement.
You can find out more about the ToC and the changes ahead on the NMC website.
