Competence Test Centre
Welcome to the webpage of the University of Northampton Competence Test Centre (CTC).
We provide the NMC’s Test of Competence (Objective Structured Clinical Examination – OSCE) for nurses, nursing associates and midwives seeking registration with the NMC. To understand more about the registration process, please refer to the NMC Website for the most up to date guidance. We have a designated Test Centre at our Innovation Centre, located directly opposite Northampton Train Station.
Our Mission Statement
Supporting healthcare professionals to reach their full potential through exceptional training, assessment, and development services.
The first in the UK
The CTC at the University of Northampton was the first in the UK – testing over 40,000 candidates since 2014!
Further Information about the CTC
Location
Competence Test Centre
University of Northampton
Innovation Centre
Green Street
Northampton
NN1 1SY
Telephone: 01604 892066
Candidate email enquiries
- Nurses and Midwives: ctc@northampton.ac.uk
- Nursing Associates: NA@northampton.ac.uk
- EU Nurses: EUAptitudeTest@northampton.ac.uk
Trust and training organisations
Opening hours
The Operations office is open Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays and University closure days) from 8am to 4pm
The University of Northampton Innovation Centre
Green Street
Northampton
NN1 1SY
Email: ctc@northampton.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1604 892066
Please note: we are not based at the main Waterside Campus.
Car parking for blue-badge holders
There is a small car park at the Innovation Centre for blue-badge holders only. Please display your blue badge if you park here.
Car parking
Please visit West Northamptonshire Council website for information about nearby car parks.
Rail
We are opposite Northampton Rail station. You can plan your journey on the National Rail website.
Bus
We are a ten-minute walk from Northampton bus station; further information is available on the Stagecoach website.
Coaches
National Express offer routes to Northampton. You can plan your journey on the National Express website.
- 98% of our candidates who sat from July to December 2024 and responded to our Candidate Evaluation Survey said they agreed or strongly agreed that they were treated with respect and dignity throughout their OSCE.
- 97% of the same candidates said they agreed or strongly agreed that they were provided with effective support and guidance by CTC staff on the day of their OSCE.
Recent feedback from University of Northampton CTC OSCE candidates:
- “Assessors and actors were all professional and approachable and that made the atmosphere less nerve-wracking for the candidates.”
- “It was a great experience and opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge.”
- “The environment is clean and all staff are very kind and helpful.”
- “Thank you for being so supportive, I really had a lovely experience at the centre.”
- “Your staff are just amazing and lovely. The best I could possibly ask for!”
- “The staff at Northampton went above and beyond to make us comfortable and help us relax. AMAZING team.”
We always listen to what our candidates tell us to make their experience even better in future
- Recently candidates told us that they wanted to be safe and comfortable while preparing for their OSCE. We have redecorated and improved our waiting room, including a video information screen, new photographic artwork and plants. We have also created a quiet room where you can take a few moments to calm yourself or have space to perform prayers.
- You also told us that you would like time to understand and practice with the equipment that you will use in the exam. We now demonstrate the exam equipment during the candidate briefing before your exam.
Getting Here
The University of Northampton Innovation Centre
Green Street
Northampton
NN1 1SY
Email: ctc@northampton.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1604 892066
