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. We have a designated Test Centre at our Innovation Centre, located directly opposite Northampton Train Station.

There are now two types of OSCE – the Legacy Test of Competence 2014 and the Test of Competence 2021. To understand which Test of Competence you are required to sit and the registration process, please refer to the NMC Website for the most up to date guidance.

We are aware that some organisations and consultancies are offering OSCE preparation training sessions for candidates for the Test of Competence. Please be aware that by attending these courses you do so at your own discretion. These training sessions are not endorsed or approved by either the University of Northampton or the NMC and could prepare you inaccurately for the test.

We have developed a downloadable guide book to help you prepare for your test.

As part of the review of the overseas registration process, we have listened to feedback from applicants, employers and recruiters about how we best support applicants taking the OSCE.

As a result, we’re pleased to let you know that, in conjunction with all three test centres, we have revised and updated our test supporting materials.

For the Legacy Test of Competence 2014, the Top Tips document is available in the Nursing and Midwifery Fields section of this website. Please click on the relevant Nursing or Midwifery Field within this section to log in and access this document.

We’ll review the guidance document regularly, so candidates need to check this website regularly to make sure they are using the latest version.

For Return to Practice (RTP) candidates, please refer to this Health Education England letter for further guidance.