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Competence Test Centre

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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.

OSCE candidates

Booking and testing information

Trusts and training organisations

For practice educators at trusts and training organisations

CPD opportunities

Further studies for nurses who’ve already passed their OSCE

Our Mission Statement

Supporting healthcare professionals to reach their full potential through exceptional training, assessment, and development services.

Recent Candidate Feedback

Find out more

Recent Improvements

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University of Northampton CTC 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
    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

    Get Directions

    What 3 Words

    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 There

The University of Northampton Innovation Centre
Green Street
Northampton
NN1 1SY

Get Directions

Email: ctc@northampton.ac.uk 
Telephone: +44 (0)1604 892066

Competence Test Centre