NMC Latest updates in CBT and OSCE
July 9, 2021 2021-09-04 21:26NMC Latest updates in CBT and OSCE
NMC latest update is changing the CBT and OSCE format. NMC will start testing candidates with the new ToC from 2 August 2021.
The Test of Competence (ToC) is used to assess the skills and knowledge of people wanting to join the UK NMC register from overseas or re-join the register after a long period away from practice.
Since 2019, NMC was working in partnership with AlphaPlus to develop a new test that reflects the new standards for nurses.
When is the new test launching?
NMC will start testing candidates with the new ToC from 2 August 2021.
Who will take the new test?
You will take the new ToC test if:
- You apply through NMC’s overseas registration route, and you need to take the ToC, after 2 August 2021
- If you apply to do the ToC as part of your return to practice after 2 August 2021
- You’ve started an application, but you’ve not yet taken either the CBT or the OSCE before 2 August 2021.
If you’ve sat an attempt at either the CBT or the OSCE before 2 August 2021, you will have up to 12 months to complete the current ToC. The current TOC will no longer be available for appointments after 12 months.
Computer-based test (CBT)
New structure
The new CBT is split into two parts. Part A will cover numeracy and Part B will cover clinical questions for nursing or midwifery.
Fees
The fee for sitting both parts of the new CBT will stay at £83. If you need to re-sit the new CBT, the following fees will apply:
- Resit Part A and Part B: £83
- Part A only: £50
- Resit Part B only: £70
NMC latest updates Changes to CBT booking process
NMC is making some changes to the CBT booking process for nurses and midwives ahead of the launch of the new ToC.
Booking the current CBT
- You can no longer book to sit the current CBT after 1 August 2021.
- On 18 July, bookings will close for the current CBT. If you hold a CBT authorisation and you want to sit the current CBT by 1 August, you must book your CBT with Pearson VUE by 18 July.
- If you’re eligible to take the current CBT after bookings close on 18 July, you need to contact us at merlin@mentormerlinexam.com or the ToC team at ToC@nmc-uk.org who will arrange this for you.
- Do not book your CBT via your Pearson VUE account after 19 July if you’re taking the current CBT, as the appointments will be for the new CBT only.
- If you started an application via the old overseas process before 7 October 2019 and your CBT is due to expire, you must contact TOC@nmc-uk.org to get another authorisation to re-sit the current CBT if you have an OSCE decision letter.Â
** Please do not re book your CBT via your Pearson VUE account.
Booking the new CBT
- From 19 July, bookings for the new two-part CBT will open on Pearson VUE’s booking platform. You’ll have the option to sit the new CBT from 2 August 2021.
- If you become eligible for the Test of Competence from 16 July 2021, you will no longer receive an ‘Authorisation to Test’ (ATT) email from Pearson VUE. Instead, if you are a new applicant, you will receive an email prompting you to log in to your Pearson VUE and book your CBT.
Contact us if you have any queries
Preparation materials
See our Crack Course page for links to preparation materials, including practice tests and resource lists.
Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
New structure
The new OSCE has 10 stations:
- Four stations will continue to be linked around a scenario: the APIE (one station for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation)
- Four stations to test skills (two pairs of two skills)
- Two new stations to assess the candidate’s values and behaviours and evidence-based practice.
They will assess each station against an updated list of relevant criteria.
Fees
The fee for the new OSCE will stay at £794. You’ll also pay the same reduced resit fee of £397 if you need to re-sit 7 or fewer stations.
Preparation materials
See our Crack Course page for links to preparation materials, including practice tests and resource lists.
