If you’re planning to register as a nurse in the UK and are preparing for the 2026 UK Nursing OSCE, it’s essential to understand the latest format, stations, and marking criteria of this critical exam. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical skills assessment that forms Part 2 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Test of Competence — the mandatory exam for overseas nurses before they can register and practice in the UK.
This guide gives you a complete breakdown of what to expect for 2026, including all recent updates, structure, station types, timings, and how examiners assess your performance.
What Is the UK Nursing OSCE?
The OSCE is a practical, hands-on exam designed to test whether nursing candidates — especially internationally educated nurses — can deliver safe, effective and compassionate care in line with the NMC Code of Conduct and Standards of Proficiency.
- It evaluates clinical skills, decision-making, communication, professionalism and evidence-based practice.
- Successful completion of the OSCE is required, along with passing the Computer-Based Test (CBT), to complete the NMC Test of Competence and progress with UK registration.
OSCE Format & Structure: What’s New for 2026?
For 2026, the core structure remains consistent with previous years, but the NMC has introduced updated stations and marking criteria to align the exam with current clinical practice.
Total Stations
The OSCE consists of 10 stations that candidates must complete on the exam day.
Station Categories
These 10 stations comprise three main types:
- APIE Stations (4 linked stations)
- Focus on Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation around a single scenario.
- Sessions are delivered in sequence, with no breaks between them.
- Clinical Skills Stations (4 stations)
- Practical hands-on tasks such as vital signs, wound care, or other skills.
- Typically grouped into two sets of linked skills stations with shared reading time.
- Silent Stations (2 stations)
- One station focussing on Professional Values & Behaviours
- One station covering Evidence-Based Practice
- These are usually written formats without the examiner at the bedside.
New/Updated Stations for 2026
According to official NMC updates released in January 2026, the following stations have been newly introduced for Adult Nursing OSCE — meaning candidates may encounter these topics during their exam cycle:
APIE and Professional Stations
- APIE – Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Professional Values – Deteriorating Patient
- Professional Values – Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
Clinical Skills
- Anti-embolism Stockings
- Pre-operative Checks
Evidence-Based Practice
- Cholesterol and Coffee
- Honey & Propolis as HSV Treatment
- Osteoporosis & Exercise
Candidates sitting OSCE from 23 February 2026 onwards should prepare for any of these new stations.
Station Timings
Each station has a predetermined time limit. Based on the latest practice materials:
| Station Type | Time Allocated |
| APIE Link (per station) | ~10 minutes |
| Clinical Skills Pair (2 linked) | ~20 minutes |
| Silent Stations (PV & EBP) | 10 minutes each |
Examples are based on NMC preparation guides and mock exam structure.
How the OSCE Is Scored
Unlike written exams, the OSCE is performance-based and assessed directly by trained examiners. The marking strategy has three components:
Performance Rating
Each station has a set of markable criteria aligned with expected performance levels:
- Demonstrated
- Partially Demonstrated
- Not Demonstrated
Examiners use these to score your performance in key clinical and professional behaviours.
Checklist + Global Assessment
Many stations use a standardised checklist where each item corresponds to a clinical skill or professional task. Examiners evaluate:
- Safe and effective clinical skills
- Appropriate communication
- Decision-making in line with NMC standards
Critical Errors
Missing vital safety steps — such as failing to check allergies or consent — can result in immediate station failure, regardless of other performance aspects.
Passing & Resits
To pass the OSCE:
- You must pass all 10 stations.
If you fail one or more stations:
Resit Policy
- Candidates can resit only failed stations if fewer than a certain number are failed.
- If more than a set threshold of stations are failed, the entire OSCE must be retaken.
Tips for Success
Here’s how top candidates approach the OSCE:
- Understand the NMC Code & Standards — all stations test against these standards.
- Practice with mock OSCEs — timed practice boosts confidence.
- Master clinical skills protocols — no memorisation gimmicks; focus on safe, evidence-based practice.
- Focus on communication — patient interaction, documentation and professionalism count.
ONT UK is a trusted and dedicated nursing recruitment and training organisation that supports internationally educated nurses at every stage of their UK registration journey. With a strong focus on NMC OSCE preparation, ONT UK offers structured training aligned with the latest 2026 OSCE exam format, stations, and marking criteria. Their expert-led coaching covers APIE scenarios, clinical skills, professional values, and evidence-based practice, ensuring candidates understand not just what to do, but why it matters according to NMC standards. Through mock OSCEs, one-to-one mentoring, updated checklists, and real-exam simulations, ONT UK equips nurses with the confidence, competence, and clinical reasoning needed to pass the OSCE on the first attempt and transition smoothly into professional nursing practice in the UK.