Provision of Design, Development and Maintenance of the Test of Competence and Aptitude Test

The Order provides that the NMC must establish and maintain a register of qualified nurses, midwives and, from January 2019, nursing associates. In order to do so, the NMC must from time to time establish the standards of proficiency necessary to be admitted to the different parts of the register.

The standards of proficiency are the standards the NMC considers necessary for safe and effective practise under that part of the register. Applicants will only be admitted to the NMC's register if they meet the NMC's standards of proficiency and are capable of safe and effective practice.

An assessment of an applicant's professional qualification is an important part of that assessment process. For applicants to the nursing or midwifery part of the register who were trained outside of the EU or the EEA, the NMC will assess their qualification to determine whether it is comparable to a nursing or midwifery qualification awarded in the United Kingdom.

Where an applicant's qualification is assessed as not comparable in some way, the applicant may undertake a test of competence to demonstrate that they have the requisite standard of proficiency for admission to the nursing or midwifery part of the register. For applicants to the nursing or midwifery part of the register who were trained within the EU or the EEA, but whose qualifications are not governed by the Recognition of Qualifications Directive [2005/36/EC], the NMC will assess their qualification to determine whether there are any shortfalls between the applicant's qualification and the NMC's standards of proficiency for nurses or midwives.

Where any shortfalls are identified, the applicant may either complete an adaptation programme or undertake an aptitude test to demonstrate that they have the requisite standard of proficiency for admission to the nursing or midwifery part of the register. For applicants to the nursing associate part of the register who were trained outside of England, the NMC will assess their qualification to determine whether it is comparable to a nursing associate qualification awarded in England.

Where an applicant's qualification is assessed as not comparable in some way, the applicant may undertake a test of competence to demonstrate that they have the requisite standard of proficiency for admission to the nursing associate part of the register. Applicants to any part of the register who were trained in the UK but who did not register their qualification with the NMC within five years of award are also required to complete the test of competence.

In addition and subject to the outcome of the NMC's current consultation on Return to Practice, the NMC may also require those wishing to return to the register after a period of absence to complete a test of competence. Satisfactory completion of the test of competence or the aptitude test provides the NMC with objective evidence that an applicant has the standard of proficiency comparable to... Additional information: Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No