Skip to content
Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
+44 7345 636009
info@alfordzinternational.com
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 17:30 (UK Time)
OSCE Preparation

UK OSCE & Clinical Guidance

Structured preparation for the NMC Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) — the practical part of the Test of Competence taken in the UK — plus guidance for your first weeks in UK clinical practice. Work from the current NMC OSCE candidate information for your field; the NMC sets the stations and updates them (most recently from 23 February 2026). See also UK Nursing & NMC Registration and OET, IELTS & NMC CBT.

Who this is for

Nurses at the OSCE stage of the UK NMC route.

Nurses who passed the CBT

You have cleared the computer-based test and the OSCE is your next step.

Nurses arriving in the UK

You have a job offer and a visa and will sit the OSCE at an approved UK test centre.

Nurses preparing for the ward

You want to feel ready for your first weeks in UK clinical practice, not just the exam.

What OSCE preparation covers

The structure, the framework and the stations.

OSCE structure & stations

The current exam has 10 stations over about three hours: four linked APIE stations around one patient scenario, four clinical skills stations in two timed pairs, and two silent written stations.

The APIE framework

Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation — four stations following one scenario. From 2026 this includes a deteriorating-patient scenario using NEWS2 and SBAR.

Clinical skills stations

Four skills stations in two timed pairs — for example wound assessment, aseptic non-touch technique, medicines management and safe practice.

Written values & evidence-based practice stations

Two silent written stations — one on professional values and behaviours, one on evidence-based practice.

Standards & documentation

Working to current NMC standards, recording care correctly, and applying evidence to practice.

Mock OSCE with feedback

Full timed practice with structured marking and feedback based on published criteria, and a written improvement plan.

How OSCE preparation works

A short, focused programme built around your test date.

1
Readiness assessment and OSCE date check
2
A study plan covering all 10 station types for your field
3
Skills practice and the APIE framework
4
Communication and values-station practice
5
Full mock OSCE with detailed feedback
6
A final confidence check before the real exam

UK OSCE & Clinical Guidance: common questions

The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is the practical part of the NMC Test of Competence for internationally trained nurses and midwives, taken in the UK. It has 10 stations. There are different versions for adult, children’s, mental health and learning disability nursing and for midwifery, and the NMC updates the stations — always use the current NMC OSCE candidate information for your field.

At approved NMC test centres in the UK. You normally sit it after you arrive on your Health and Care Worker visa.

Employers usually give new international nurses a set period to pass the OSCE. We help you plan your preparation so you are ready in good time.

No. The result is decided by the NMC-approved test centre. We prepare you thoroughly with structured practice and full mock exams.

Explore more

UK Nursing & NMC Registration
The full NMC route the OSCE is part of.
OET, IELTS & NMC CBT Training
English and CBT preparation earlier in the route.
Ethical Healthcare Career Placement
Introductions to compliant UK employers.

OSCE coming up?

Send us your test date and centre. We will assess where you stand and build a station-by-station practice plan.