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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.

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 well as other supporting materials which can be found in the Test of Competence section below.

We’ll review these supporting materials regularly, so candidates need to check this website regularly to make sure that they are using the latest version.

For Return to Practice (RTP) candidates, please refer to this Health Education England letter, Self-Registration document and Making a Claim document for further guidance.

CTC Announcements

Preparing Candidates For UK Practice

For educators only

About the Test

Information about the test

Booking Your Test

How to book your test

Reasonable Adjustments

Find out more

Preparing for the Test

How to get ready for the test

Test of Competence

Revision material for your test

Additional Information

Essential Reading

NMC information

Forms and Policies

Important documents

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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 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.

    How can I contact the CTC?

    You can contact the University of Northampton Competence Test Centre (CTC) by the following:

  • 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:

    How long does the test take?

    Further information about the test can be found in the About the Test and Test of Competence sections of this website.

    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.

  • What support do you offer candidates with a disability?

    Our staff are committed to ensuring impartiality and equality of opportunity in the delivery of our services. Our premises are wheelchair accessible, and the Competence Test Centre (CTC) will also act on NMC guidance regarding this. We may be able to make reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, or for those registered as dyslexic or with other additional needs to enable them to sit their OSCE.

    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 by submitting the reasonable adjustments form.

    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 them 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:

  • 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.

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