The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a mandatory practical component of the NMC Test of Competence for nurses trained outside the UK or returning to practice after time away. It assesses clinical skills, professional behaviour, communication, and decision-making — all aligned with NMC standards and the UK Code of Professional Conduct.
At ONT UK, we’ve updated our OSCE skills checklist to reflect the latest NMC expectations for 2026, helping you prepare smartly and confidently. This checklist combines official NMC guidelines with emerging exam trends and competency frameworks.
The OSCE is the second part of the Test of Competence — practical, scenario-based, and marked against strict criteria. Candidates must complete 10 stations featuring skills, values, evidence-based practice and patient care cycles.
Stations typically include:
- APIE/Patient care cycles (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation)
- Clinical Skills stations
- Professional values & behaviours
- Evidence-based practice and documentation
Latest OSCE Competency Focus Areas (NMC 2026 Standards)
Recent updates to the OSCE (aligned with NMC competency expectations) place greater emphasis on clinical reasoning, communication, safety, and real-world relevance.
- Clinical reasoning & decision-making – not just doing tasks, but explaining why you are doing them.
- Communication & emotional intelligence – explain procedures clearly, gain consent, empathise, support distressed patients.
- Safety & escalation behaviours – recognise deterioration and enact escalation protocols.
- Medicines safety – accurate calculations, checks, patient teaching, and error prevention.
- Integrated scenarios – combine multiple skills in one station (e.g., assessment → documentation → communication).
The Ultimate 2026 UK Nursing OSCE Skills Checklist
1. Preparation & Professional Conduct
✔ Introduce yourself and explain the encounter
✔ Demonstrate professionalism (NMC Code)
✔ Use correct PPE and infection-control practice
✔ Wash hands and follow ANTT as required
2. Clinical Assessment Skills
✔ A-E patient assessment (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure)
✔ Vital signs check (BP, pulse, respiration, temperature)
✔ NEWS2 interpretation and escalation
✔ Pain assessment & documentation
✔ Pressure area risk assessment (e.g., Braden scale)
3. Core Clinical Skills
✔ Medication Administration
- Safe checking (5 R’s)
- Calculations & insulin pen use (updated 2025)
✔ Injections
- IM and SC injections
✔ Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
✔ Blood glucose monitoring
✔ Wound assessment & dressing
✔ Catheter removal & urine sample collection
✔ Oxygen therapy
✔ IV flush & phlebitis assessment
4. Communication & Patient Engagement
✔ Provide clear explanations
✔ Secure informed consent
✔ Respond to anxiety or distress
✔ Include family when appropriate
✔ Feedback & teach-back for self-care instructions
5. Documentation & Professional Values
✔ Legible, accurate record keeping
✔ Use of standard UK charting tools
✔ Reflect ethical practice and confidentiality
✔ Demonstrate evidence-based reasoning
6. Scenario Integration Stations
The updated OSCE often combines skills:
✔ Assessment → Communication → Escalation
✔ Clinical decision → Documentation → Patient education
✔ Safety trigger → Appropriate action & escalation
🔎 Checklist Example
| Skill Category | Key Action | Pass/Fail |
| Professionalism | Introduce self & explain role | ☐ |
| Communication | Clear patient communication | ☐ |
| Assessment | Correct NEWS2 interpretation | ☐ |
| Clinical Skill | Safe medication administration | ☐ |
| Documentation | Accurate chart entry | ☐ |
| Safety | Appropriate escalation action | ☐ |
(Use this format during mock practice to track progress.)
OSCE Preparation Tips from ONT UK
✔ Start early: Aim to begin OSCE prep 6–8 weeks before your exam for competency mastery.
✔ Practice mock stations: Timed simulations help enhance performance under exam pressure.
✔ Verbalise your thinking: Examiners award marks for clinical reasoning as well as task completion.
✔ Use UK-aligned resources: Focus on NMC Code, Pearson VUE materials, and OSCE station frameworks.
Preparing for the UK Nursing OSCE demands more than procedural knowledge — you must integrate clinical skills, communication, safety awareness, and professional judgement. Building your practice around a current NMC-aligned checklist greatly enhances your chance of success.
At ONT UK, Our OSCE training is designed around the latest competency shifts and practical expectations so you step into the exam confident and capable.