OSCE Overview
November 18, 2025 2025-12-03 15:05OSCE 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).
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.
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 OSCE consists of 10 stations and is typically completed within approximately three hours.
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.
Inhaled Medication
Catheter Specimen
Pain Assessment
Inhaled Medication
Wound Care (ANTT)
IM Injection
Pressure Area Assessment
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Oxygen Therapy
Catheter Removal
Silent Written Stations (2 stations)
Each 10 minutes, testing professional values and evidence-based practice
Professional Values (PV)
Evaluates ethical judgement, accountability, and professional integrity aligned with the NMC Code.
Sample topics:
- Medication errors
- Bullying and workplace ethics
- Social media professionalism
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Ability to interpret and apply research results to nursing care.
Sample topics:
- Pressure ulcer prevention
- Smoking cessation strategies
- Fever management protocols
Your Journey with Mentor Merlin
A structured pathway from enrollment to success, tailored to your learning style
Understanding the Process
- Pass the NMC CBT (Computer Based Test)
- Complete the NMC registration application
- Receive the Authorisation to Test (ATT) email
Note: Mentor Merlin provides comprehensive CBT training for both beginners and intermediate-level candidates
Enrolling with Mentor Merlin
- Expert-led live classes and practice-based activity sessions
- Unlimited access to structured OSCE materials and scenario banks
- Mock 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
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.