1. Start by downloading the official Nursing and Midwifery Council OSCE information booklets and preparation materials.
Read the booklets
Thoroughly review the official Test of Competence (ToC) documents on the NMC preparation materials page. These outline the exact station format, candidate guidance, and marking criteria used during the exam.
Understand the 10 stations
The OSCE is made up of interconnected stations including:
- APIE (Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation)
- Clinical Skills stations
- Written stations including Evidence-Based Practice and Professional Values
Understanding how the stations connect will make preparation much easier.
Study the NMC Code
Make sure every clinical action you practise aligns with the NMC Code, as professional values, communication, safety, dignity and accountability are assessed throughout the exam.
2. Set Up a Study Routine
Timeframe
Aim for 2–3 hours of focused study each day over at least 3–6 weeks, allowing time for revision and mock exams before your OSCE date.
Verbal practice
The OSCE is a practical performance exam, so practise out loud as much as possible. Talk through each skill as if speaking to a patient and verbalise your rationale clearly.
Mock sessions
Set strict timers and practise under exam conditions. Recording yourself can help you identify missed steps, improve confidence, and build fluency.
Use My Nurse’s Life courses
Many candidates use My Nurse’s Life online study courses and virtual training sessions to kick-start their OSCE preparation before moving into practical mock training.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ONLINE COURSES
3. Use High-Quality Preparation Resources
Official mock materials
Use the NMC’s sample paperwork, reading lists and preparation resources to familiarise yourself with documentation and written stations.
Additional OSCE training
Many candidates also attend structured OSCE preparation courses or training centres to receive practical teaching, examiner-style feedback, and mock assessments before sitting the exam.
Train with My Nurse’s Life
My Nurse’s Life OSCE Training is one of the UK’s most established OSCE training providers, having trained thousands of international nurses preparing for UK registration. Candidates can attend practical training and mock OSCE sessions at the London or Wirral (Liverpool) training centres.
If you have already completed training with My Nurse’s Life—including the online CBT course—the team can often discount previous training fees against further OSCE training packages.
4. Book Your Exam
Once your Nursing and Midwifery Council application has been approved and you have passed your CBT (Computer Based Test), you can book your practical OSCE at one of the approved UK university test centres.
The current OSCE fee is £794 for the initial sitting.
You can arrange your booking directly through one of the designated NMC OSCE test providers listed on the official NMC OSCE overview page.
Top tip: Give yourself 6–12 weeks where possible, practise every station under timed conditions, and focus equally on clinical skills, communication, documentation, and professional values. Consistent practice is the best preparation for success in the NMC OSCE.