Competence Test Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

• Preparing for the Test

  Can I change my test date?

  Candidates can change or reschedule their exam date, however, it is important to note our Refund Cancellation Policy and take into account those timescales. Should you wish to cancel or reschedule your test, please email ctc@northampton.ac.uk, NA@northampton.ac.uk, EUAptitudeTest@northampton.ac.uk or trustbookings@northampton.ac.uk.

  What is the process of the Test of Competence?

  To understand the process of the Test of Competence, please refer to the NMC website for the most up to date guidance.

  How can I prepare for my OSCE?

  There is specific information and support in the Test of Competence 2021 section of this website for your relevant OSCE.

  When do I book my test?

  You can only begin the OSCE stage of the Overseas Registration Process once you have received confirmation from the NMC that you are eligible to sit the Test of Competence. Only at this stage can you contact us to book your test. Please note that we are only able to book tests for candidates that have received this confirmation.

  For EU candidates, you must receive a decision letter from the NMC confirming your eligibility to sit the Test of Competence before contacting us to book your test. Again, we are only able to book tests for candidates that have received this decision letter.

  What happens next?

   In order to book an OSCE or an OSCE resit, please visit our online booking system.

  I have more questions about the test

  For questions regarding the test day, reading materials and equipment used please see our Candidate Information Booklets below. This is all the information we are able to provide in relation to the actual test in order to protect its integrity.

  • Overseas Nursing Test of Competence
  • EU Nursing & Midwifery Test of Competence
  • Overseas Midwifery Test of Competence
  • Nursing Associate Test of Competence

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• On the Day of the Test

  What is expected of me on the test day?

  To ensure that you fully understand the expectation of the test, please refer to the relevant Candidate Information Booklet:

  • Overseas Nursing Test of Competence
  • EU Nursing & Midwifery Test of Competence
  • Overseas Midwifery Test of Competence
  • Nursing Associate Test of Competence

  How long does the test take?

  Further information about the test can be found on the About the Test section of this website and in the Test of Competence 2021 section when you have booked and paid for your test.

  What happens to my ID if an NMC ID Officer is not present on the test day?

  The NMC website advises candidates of the process should an ID officer not be present on the day of their OSCE.

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• Support and Disabilities

  What support do you offer candidates with a disability?

  The University’s ASSIST team provides advice for students with additional needs to promote equal opportunities and help for disabled students to allow them to achieve their full potential. Disabilities include:

  • Physical impairments
  • Sensory impairments
  • Mental health difficulties
  • Medical conditions
  • Autistic spectrum disorders
  • Specific learning difficulties – which have been assessed e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia.

  Please contact the CTC (ctc@northampton.ac.uk, NA@northampton.ac.uk, EUAptitudeTest@northampton.ac.uk or trustbookings@northampton.ac.uk) at least 2 weeks before your exam if you have additional needs. We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to sit your exams.

  What support do you offer pregnant candidates?

  The University will:

  • ensure that a candidate who is pregnant, or has given birth within the last 26 weeks, is protected from unfavourable treatment
  • accommodate their needs both before and during the OSCE in so far as is reasonably practicable to allow her to successfully complete the OSCE
  • publish this guidance and review/update as necessary in order that all members of the University community are aware of the support available and their role in providing that support
  • encourage candidates to disclose a pregnancy in confidence at an early stage to the Test Centre

  When a candidate’s pregnancy is disclosed, the Test Centre Manager is expected to:

  • read and follow this guidance
  • treat any disclosure confidentially and verify that a candidate has no objections to their pregnancy being discussed with other University staff; agree a support plan and ensure that it is implemented; complete a risk assessment

  Further details on support for pregnant candidates can be found in our Candidate Information Booklets:

  • Overseas Nursing Test of Competence
  • EU Nursing & Midwifery Test of Competence
  • Overseas Midwifery Test of Competence
  • Nursing Associate Test of Competence

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• Test and Resit Fees

  How much does the test cost?

  The fee for the OSCE is £794.

  How much will a resit cost?

   If you need to resit 8 or more stations, then the fee is £794. If you need to resit 7 or fewer stations, then the fee is £397.

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