OSCE Overview
November 18, 2025 2026-01-21 15:47OSCE Overview
Understanding the NMC OSCE
The journey to becoming a Registered Nurse in the UK starts with demonstrating that you have the correct knowledge, judgement, and professional skills and values to deliver safe effective care in line with the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Table of Contents
What is an OSCE?
OSCE is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination – a practical, scenario-based assessment designed to examine how nurses implement their theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical situations.
OSCEs are conducted in controlled environments such as simulation wards, clinics, or care units, where each candidate rotates through a series of stations, performing specific tasks under observation by trained examiners.
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a cornerstone of medical and nursing education worldwide. Designed to assess clinical competence in a structured, standardized manner, the OSCE evaluates not only knowledge but also practical skills, communication, and professionalism. For internationally educated nurses preparing for the NMC OSCE in the UK, or medical students facing OSCEs in their curriculum, mastering this exam is essential for career progression.
This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap: from format and scoring to common stations, scenarios, checklists, mistakes, and practice resources.
Objective
All candidates are examined using the same standardised NMC OSCE Marking criteria.
Structured
Follows scheduled time limits, clear station layouts, and specific objectives.
Clinical
Evaluates clinical, professional, and communication skills for UK practice.
Examination
It is a formal test used to evaluate competence.
The NMC OSCE Test Centres in the UK
OSCE Structure
The ToC Part 2 OSCE consists of 10 stations and is typically completed within approximately three hours.
Format
- Stations: Typically 10 stations, each lasting 8–20 minutes.
- Structure: Each station tests a specific skill.
- Standardization: All candidates face the same scenarios, ensuring fairness.
- Examiner Role: Observes performance using structured checklists and global rating scales.
Scoring
- Checklist-based: Each step in a skill (e.g., hand hygiene, patient consent, examination technique) is scored.
- Global rating: Examiner gives an overall impression of competence.
- Pass mark: Meeting all the points in the marking criteria.
- Critical errors: Missing safety steps (e.g., failing to check allergies before prescribing) may result in a failure.
Preparation Strategies
- Understand the blueprint: Review NMC OSCE station lists.
- Practice under timed conditions: Simulate exam pressure.
- Role-play with peers: Alternate between candidate, patient, and examiner roles.
- Feedback loops: Record practice sessions, review, and refine.
- Balance knowledge and empathy: Examiners value both technical accuracy and patient-centered communication.
APIE Stations (4 stations)
These four NMC OSCE stations simulate the complete patient care cycle and are interlinked through one scenario.
Assessment
Holistic patient assessment using ABCDE approach
Planning
Silent written station for care planning.
Implementation
Safe medication administration
Evaluation
SBAR handover and clinical reasoning
Skills Stations (4 stations)
Two pairs of linked skills stations, each pair lasting 21 minutes.
Administration of Inhaled Medication
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Fine-bore Nasogastric Tube Insertion
Intravenous Flush and Visual Infusion Phlebitis
Oral Care Plan
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
Subcutaneous Injection
Administration of Suppository
Bowel Assessment
Fluid Balance
Mid-stream Specimen of Urine
Oxygen Therapy
Pressure Area Assessment
Wound Assessment
Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
Catheter Specimen of Urine
Intramuscular Injection
Nutritional Assessment
Pain Assessment
Removal of Urinary Catheter
Silent Written Stations (2 stations)
Each 10 minutes, testing professional values & behaviours and evidence-based practice
Professional Values (PV)
Evaluates ethical judgement, accountability, and professional integrity aligned with the NMC Code.
Sample topics:
- Bullying
- Drug error
- Falsifying Observations
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Ability to interpret and apply research results to nursing care.
Sample topics:
- Ankle Sprain
- Bedside Handover
- Cervical Screening
1.Where to Study for the OSCE?
Which centres or resources are best?
- University/Trust Training Centres
- Many NHS trusts run their own OSCE preparation courses.
- Advantage: Tailored to the NMC exam format, often free for sponsored nurses.
- Private OSCE Training Providers
- Examples: Mentor Merlin, Envertiz Academy, IANS, and others.
- Advantage: Offer intensive hands on Practice, mock exams, and pass guarantees.
- Good for self-sponsored candidates or those needing extra support.
- Self-Study Resources
- NMC OSCE blueprint (official guide).
- YouTube channels with OSCE demonstrations.
- OSCE practice books (e.g., “Merlin Book of OSCE, OSCE Stations for Nurses”).
- Online forums and WhatsApp study groups.
2.How to Prepare for the OSCE?
Step-by-Step Approach
- Understand the Exam Blueprint
- Review NMC’s official OSCE station list.
- Know the domains: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation (APIE) + Skills stations.
- Break Down Stations
- Introduction, Article collection, procedures and conclusion for performing stations
- Write and practice for silent stations
- Use checklists to ensure no step is missed.
- Practice Under Exam Conditions
- Time yourself (6-18 minutes per station).
- Role-play with peers: one as patient, one as examiner.
- Use Feedback Loops
- Record practice sessions.
- Compare against checklists.
- Ask mentors or peers for corrections.
- Balance Knowledge & Empathy
- Examiners score both technical accuracy and patient-centered communication.
- Practice explaining procedures in simple language.
3.What Resources to Use?
What books, websites, or materials should you use?
- Official NMC OSCE Blueprint (must-read).
- OSCE Practice Books
- Merlin Book of OSCE
- OSCE Stations for Nurses
- Ultimate OSCE Guide (covers scenarios, checklists, examiner expectations).
- Online Videos
- YouTube channels demonstrating OSCE skills.
- Mock OSCE recordings.
- Websites/Apps
- OSCE practice courses with flashcards and checklists.
- Peer Groups
- WhatsApp/Telegram study groups.
- Local nurse networks.
4. How to Plan Your Study?
How long should you prepare?
- Recommended Timeline:
- 6–8 weeks of focused preparation.
- Week 1–2: Learn the blueprint, review skills.
- Week 3–4: Practice stations daily, role-play.
- Week 5–6: Mock exams, refine weak areas.
NB:- If you’re working full-time, aim for 2–3 hours daily practice plus weekend mock sessions.
5. Exam-Day Preparation
What should you do on exam day?
- Before the Exam
- Sleep well the night before.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior at the test centre.
- Bring required ID and documents.
- Wear professional attire (scrub)
- During the Exam
- Read station instructions carefully.
- Speak clearly and verbalize steps (examiners can’t score what they don’t hear).
- Manage time, don’t get stuck on one step.
- Stay calm, if you miss a step, move on.
- After the Exam
- Results are usually released within 5 working days.
- If unsuccessful, review feedback and rebook quickly.
Passing OSCE with Self‑Practice vs Training Institute
NMC Official Pass Rates
According to the NMC’s published statistics and independent analysis:
- University of Ulster: ~54% first‑attempt pass rate.
- University of Northumbria: ~48% first‑attempt pass rate.
- University of Northampton: ~42% first‑attempt pass rate.
- Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust: ~41% first‑attempt pass rate.
- Oxford Brookes University (2024): ~38% first‑attempt pass rate.
These figures reflect self‑prepared candidates and varied preparation quality. Many nurses fail on their first attempt without structured training.
Training Institute Pass Rates
Specialized OSCE training providers (e.g., Mentor Merlin, NursingJobsUK, ONT‑UK) report much higher success:
- Mentor Merlin: Provides a “Guaranteed First Attempt Pass Program,” boosting candidates well above the average 60–70% seen at test centres.
- ONT‑UK: Marketed as one of the most trusted centres with “unmatched pass rates” and unlimited learning access.
- NursingJobsUK: Offers OSCE pass guarantee; internal data shows 30–40% first‑time success.
Self‑Practice vs Training Institute
| Factor | Self-Practice | Training Institute |
| Pass Rate (First Attempt) | 38 – 54 % depending on the centre | 80-95% (reported by providers) |
| Cost | Low (books, online resources) | Higher(course fees, travel and accommodation) |
| Flexibility | Study at own pace | Fixed schedules, structured modules |
| Support | Limited peer feedback | Expert trainers, mock stations, pastoral care |
| Risk | Higher chance of resit fees and delays | Lower risk, often guaranteed pass |
Your Journey with Mentor Merlin
A structured pathway from enrollment to success, tailored to your learning style
Understanding the Process
- Complete the NMC registration application
- Receive the Authorisation to Test (ATT) email
- Pass the NMC CBT (Computer Based Test)
Note: Mentor Merlin provides comprehensive CBT training for both beginners and intermediate-level candidates
Enrolling with Mentor Merlin
- Recorded video classes to start with at your own pace.
- Expert-led live classes for better understanding and clear all your queries.
- Unlimited access to structured OSCE materials including role play videos and scenario banks
- Mock verbal assessments under real NMC OSCE exam conditions
- Personalised mentoring and feedback
Practice & Skill Refinement
- Clinical skills in line with NMC guidelines
- Application of evidence-based care principles
- Professional behaviour and documentation accuracy
- UK-standard clinical reasoning and communication
Mock OSCE & Final Readiness Check
- Complete Mentor Merlin's NMC OSCE Mock Test
- Replicates the real testing environment
- Ensures exam-ready confidence
- Compliance with the NMC Code verification
Marking Criteria & Assessment
Each station is evaluated by a trained examiner using a standardised checklist.
Performance is graded as:
Demonstrated
Partially Demonstrated
Not Demonstrated
Pass Criteria & NMC OSCE Resit Policy
To pass: Must pass all 10 stations
Each station is independently assessed
If fewer than 8 stations failed: Retake only failed stations
Targeted resit for specific areas
If 8 or more stations failed: Full OSCE must be retaken
Complete reassessment required
For a complete guide on the retake process, read Mentor Merlin’s blog “NMC OSCE Resit Exam 2025: Everything You Need to Know”; it clearly explains the re-sit rules, timelines, and strategies to succeed on your next attempt.
Red Flags
A red flag reflects the unsafe or unprofessional behaviour, such as:
Viva Option (Introduced in 2023)
At the end of a station, an examiner may ask a Viva question to allow the candidate to correct a minor oversight
FAQ
Exam Logistics & Practicalities
Passing the OSCE allows nurses to:
- Register with the NMC.
- Work legally in the UK.
- Access career opportunities in the NHS and private healthcare.
- The first attempt at the OSCE costs £794
- For the second and third attempts, the fee depends on the number of stations being retaken:
- 1–7 stations: £397
- 8–10 stations: £794
Join with one of the leading OSCE training providers in the UK, Mentor Merlin. Their programs combine online preparation with onsite training, ensuring that your learning is aligned and comprehensive.
The Result Booster module is designed to build your confidence and maximize your chances of success in the exam.
Mentor Merlin also operates a dedicated training center inside the CTC (Competence Test Centre), giving you valuable familiarization with the actual test environment before your exam day.
You are allowed up to three OSCE attempts, including 2 resit exam as part of a single NMC application.
If you fail both resit attempts, your entire application will close, and you will need to start a new NMC application before you can take the OSCE again.
No, you only need to retake the stations you failed.
You cannot directly change the test centre, but you can cancel your booking and rebook at a different centre.
Results are usually released within 5 working days. The university will inform you if there is any delay.
You can also take the required documents for the ID check (document verification).
Training vs Self Study
Yes, it is possible, but it can be challenging without structured guidance and practice.
Mentor Merlin is widely recognised for having one of the highest OSCE pass rates in the UK.
OSCE training typically costs around £799, and it is considered a worthwhile investment for most candidates due to the structured preparation and higher success rates.
Preparation Strategies
Most candidates require a minimum of 2–3 months of consistent preparation to feel confident and exam‑ready.
Aim to dedicate at least 2–3 focused hours per day, balancing theory revision, station practice, and reflection.
Yes, self‑evaluation is possible, especially for structured checklists and communication flow. However, practising with a partner is highly recommended to receive feedback, identify blind spots, and improve accuracy.
Mentor Merlin provides the most accurate and high‑yield scenario sets, including the most commonly repeated stations and realistic station combinations based on current trends.
Create and practice simple role‑play scripts, focus on clear verbalisation, and rehearse using plain, patient‑friendly English to build fluency and confidence.
Candidate Experience
Take a moment to breathe, refocus, and continue. Aim to complete as much of the station as possible within the allotted time — partial performance is always better than stopping entirely.
No. Examiners cannot prompt or guide you during the station. However, they may ask viva questions after the procedure, giving you an opportunity to clarify or correct steps if you recognise them yourself.
International Nurse Concerns
Yes. International candidates can book their OSCE in advance, even before travelling to the UK.
Many candidates find Northampton and Leeds centres more comfortable due to their supportive environment and clear station flow. However, all centres follow the same NMC marking criteria.
No. UK clinical experience is not required. The OSCE assesses competency, not local work history.
You can travel on a UK Visitor Visa to attend training and sit the OSCE exam if you are self‑funding.