Nursing and Midwifery Council EU Aptitude Test

The EU Aptitude Test has been developed to enable Nurses and Midwives who trained in the EU to provide evidence of having met the requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for entry to the UK register of Nurses and Midwives.

The EU Aptitude test is designed to assess your theoretical and practical knowledge against the standards of entry to the NMC register. The test is constructed around proficiencies and requirements of the NMC for entry to the register.

There are separate tests for adult nursing, mental health nursing, children’s nursing and for Midwives, each addressing different aspects of knowledge applied to practice, but the structure for each is similar consisting of four assessments.

Please note that not you might not need to undertake all elements of the test. The NMC will advise you on your deficit within your decision letter.

Your individual deficit, of either theory or practice, will be mapped against the NMC (2010) Standards of Proficiency for Pre-Registration Nurses and NMC (2019) Standards framework for nursing and midwifery Education. This initial process will indicate to the University of Northampton which elements of the EU Aptitude Test that you need to achieve in order to successfully gain registration with the NMC in the UK. You will be notified of the test elements required at point of registration with the University of Northampton.

• Standards for competence for registered nurses

Testing will be offered over a two-day period four times a year and you can choose which date is most suitable for you. You will need to pass the test elements in order, to proceed to the next part of the test. Tests can be taken on separate occasions, however, please note that a maximum of only two tests can be undertaken in one day.

All elements of the test must be sat and passed within two years of your decision letter from the NMC to enable you to be eligible for entry to the UK register.

If you require any further information regarding your eligibility for the EU Aptitude Test please contact the NMC for further advice.

The four test elements that make up the EU Aptitude Test are:

1. Multiple Choice Question paper 1 (MCQ1)
2. Multiple Choice Question paper 2 (MCQ2)
3. Short Answer Question Paper (SAQ)
4. Practical Examination (OSCE)

You will need to pass the test elements in order, to proceed to the next part of the test. Tests can be taken on separate occasions. Please note that a maximum of two tests can be taken in one day. All elements of the test must be sat and passed within two years of your decision letter from the NMC to enable you to be eligible for entry to the UK register.

The cost of the EU Aptitude Test is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. If you wish to rearrange your test date you are required to notify the University by emailing ctc@northampton.ac.uk with a minimum of 14 days’ notice of your original booked test date. If you notify us after this time, you will be required to book a new test date with a full payment.

All the test bookings are made through Eventbrite – you will be sent the link to this to enable you to book and pay. Payment for each test is made at the point of booking:

• MCQ 1: £80.00
• MCQ 2: £80.00
• Short answer questions (SAQ): £115.00
• OSCE – Practical exam: £590

It is advised that candidates do not sit more than 2 exams on one date. Therefore, the exams will be offered as follows:

Day 1

• Morning – MCQ1
• Afternoon – SAQ

Day 2

• Morning – MCQ 2
• Afternoon – OSCE

There are set dates for the EU Aptitude Test throughout the year.

We are aware that some organisations and consultancies are offering preparation training sessions for candidates for the EU Aptitude Test. 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 any element of the testing process.

Please see an example of our candidate process map it provides an example of the steps required to undertake the EU aptitude tests.

We have a range of downloads available that will aid and support your EU Aptitude Test preparation. We highly recommend that you take the time to read the Candidate Booklet – EU Candidate Information Guide – March 2019.

It is essential that you prepare for your EU Aptitude Test and we recommend at least 14 days preparation time from the booking of your test date to the actual test to sufficiently prepare yourself. On successful registration and fee payment to The University of Northampton, you will receive access to additional resources relevant to the test via our NILE blackboard site.

All elements of the EU Aptitude Test will be taken in a purpose-built Test Centre based at the University of Northampton Innovation Centre. The Innovation Centre is located opposite Northampton Train Station, meaning there is an easy commute from major cities directly to the test centre.

You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation, the following accommodation is located close to the test centre:

• Ibis – Northampton
• Premier Inn – Northampton

• Support video – soft skills.
• Refund, cancellation and substitution policy.
• Candidates with additional needs.