Quality Assurance for the Test of Competence (Computer Based Testing and Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

The over-arching objective of the NMC in exercising its functions is the protection of the public. The principal functions of the NMC are to establish the standards of education, training, conduct and performance for nurses, midwives and nursing associates and to ensure the maintenance of those standards. This is to ensure that everyone we register can deliver high quality healthcare throughout their careers.

We are looking to appoint a Quality Assurance (QA) Partner who will have sole responsibility for undertaking all aspects of QA covering our test of competence.

The test of competence is designed to assess a candidate's ability to meet the NMC's standards of proficiency and to practise safely, effectively and in accordance with the NMC's Code of Conduct (the 'Code').

The test currently comprises two elements. The first is a computer-based test (the 'CBT') which assesses a candidate's clinical and numerical knowledge through two multiple choice test papers. The second element is the objective structured clinical examination (the 'OSCE') which is a practical, simulated assessment of the candidate's practical clinical skills and knowledge.

Whilst there are two elements to the test of competence, the test itself should be seen as a single, holistic test. Both parts of the test of competence are designed and developed in conjunction with each other so that the full breadth and depth of a candidate's skills, knowledge, experience and training are tested efficiently and effectively.

The NMC regularly reviews and assesses the format and content of the test of competence to ensure that it remains relevant and appropriate. We are committed to working with the appointed specialist to maintain the test and its future development.

Who can sit the Test of competence:

For applicants to the nursing or midwifery part of the register who were trained outside of the EU or the EEA, the NMC will ask candidates to demonstrate that they hold a qualification that has or could lead to registration in the candidate's home country, which is referred to as our eligibility criteria. As part of our registration process, the candidate is required to sit test of competence to demonstrate that they have the requisite standard of proficiency for admission to the nursing or midwifery part of the register.

Those who were trained in the UK but who did not register their qualification with the NMC within five years of award are may also choose to complete the test of competence. In addition, the NMC also requires those wishing to return to the register after a period of absence, to complete a test of competence to demonstrate they are competent and safe to practise or alternatively complete a return to practise programme.

Satisfactory completion of the test of competence provides the NMC with objective evidence that an applicant has the requisite standard of proficiency. Those who pass the test of competence will be deemed to have met one of the requirements for admission or readmission to the NMC's register. Consequently, it is imperative that the quality of the test and its consistent delivery are of the highest standard.

The Code contains the professional standards that NMC registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates must uphold. All registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates must act in line with the Code and while the values and principles set out in the Code may be interpreted in a range of different practice settings, they are not negotiable or discretionary.

More information covering the Code can be found here: www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/ ↗

There are now seven platforms within the new standards of proficiency for registered nurses with two skills and procedure annexes (A and B). The standards of proficiency for registered nurses were launched in May 2018 and came into effect on 28 January 2019. These standards can be found here: www.nmc.org.uk/standards/standards-… ↗

These standards of proficiency apply to all four fields of nursing practice. However, we recognise that there is an additional depth of knowledge and skills necessary for the applicant's intended field of practice.

The standards of proficiency for nursing associates were agreed in September 2018. These standards align to the new standards of proficiency for registered nurses and allow for smooth progression for those nursing associates who want to become nurses in the future. These will also make it easy to see the distinctions between the nursing and nursing associate roles.

The nursing associate standards of proficiency can be found on our website here: www.nmc.org.uk/standards/standards-… ↗

Our midwifery standards were updated in 2020, and you can find more details about our midwifery standards here: Standards of proficiency for midwives - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (www.nmc.org.uk ↗)

The Supplier shall at all times ensure that the test of competence is designed and delivered in such a way as to always comply with any applicable anti-discrimination legislation and with the NMC's Equality and Diversity "Valuing Diversity" Policy (which may be amended from time to time).

Scope of Services:

1. The Quality Assurance Partner will provide the necessary assurance to the NMC around all aspects of the test design and delivery services of the test, by carrying out a set of appropriate checks which include, but are not limited to:

Test Design

• The appropriateness and quality of the governance processes and controls in place
• The QA Partner will also be required to review a representative sample of test content covering the CBT and OSCE to confirm the validity, accuracy and suitability of the test content and compliance to the NMC blueprints
• The appropriate methodology and approach to content development
• Establish the appropriate controls are in place to monitor test performance and take action to remedy any poor performin…