University of Northampton to move Centre that tests competence of international nurses to new site

The University of Northampton recently had its Competence Test Centre contract extended for a further three years, and to meet increased demand, the University will move the testing facility to a larger site based in Northampton town centre.

The University is home to the UK’s first Competence Test Centre, where nurses and midwives who completed their training outside of Europe undertake a practical clinical assessment before becoming eligible to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) register. The test ensures that nurses’ skills are assessed in a robust and objective way, in order to protect the public.

The Centre plays a role in ensuring that internationally-educated nurses and midwives’ skills are up to vigorous UK standards, and since opening in 2014, over 3,000 nurses have taken a test in Northampton.

Dr Steve O’Brien, Dean of the University’s Faculty of Health and Society, commented: “As a Faculty, we are looking forward to continuing our support to the Nursing and Midwifery Council over the next few years for candidates obtaining their registration to work in the UK.”

The Competence Test Centre will be based at the Innovation Centre, opposite Northampton Railway Station from Monday 20 March. For more information regarding the competence testing, visit the webpage.