UK Nursing OSCE: From Mastering Clinical Skills Stations to Navigating the £794 Exam Fee

Moving to the United Kingdom to practice nursing is a goal for many professionals across Africa. A central part of this transition is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This practical test ensures that internationally educated nurses meet the high standards of patient safety and clinical excellence required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

As of 2026, the exam remains a rigorous assessment of hands-on skills and professional judgment. To help you prepare, here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the stations, locations, and financial requirements.

The 10-Station Exam Structure

The OSCE is designed to simulate real-world clinical scenarios. You will move through a circuit of 10 stations, each focusing on specific aspects of nursing care.

The APIE Stations

Four of the stations are linked together in a continuous care scenario known as APIE. This sequence tests your ability to manage a patient’s journey from arrival to discharge.

• Assessment: You will conduct a holistic assessment of a patient, often using the ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) approach. You must accurately record vital signs and identify the patient’s immediate needs.+1
• Planning: This is a silent writing station. You are required to draft two nursing care plans based on the assessment findings, focusing on the patient’s most urgent health problems.+1
• Implementation: In this station, you will administer medication safely. This includes checking the prescription, identifying the patient, and managing any allergies or contraindications.
• Evaluation: You will write a transfer or discharge letter. This tests your ability to summarize the care provided and provide a clear SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) handover.

Clinical Skills Stations

There are four clinical skills stations where you must demonstrate technical competence. These are often presented in two pairs. Common skills tested include:

• Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT): Performing a wound dressing or similar procedure while maintaining a sterile field.
• Blood Glucose Monitoring: Using a lancet and monitor to check a patient’s levels correctly.
• Catheter Care: Demonstrating either insertion, removal, or obtaining a specimen.
• In-Hospital Resuscitation: Performing Basic Life Support (BLS) according to current UK guidelines.

Professional Values and Evidence-Based Practice

The final two stations are written assessments. One focuses on Professional Values and Behaviours, where you must resolve a dilemma (such as a drug error or confidentiality breach) in line with the NMC Code. The other tests Evidence-Based Practice, requiring you to read a short research summary and explain how it applies to a patient’s care.

OSCE Test Centers in the UK

You must sit the exam at an NMC-approved competence test center. While you can choose your initial location, any required resits must happen at the same center.

• Oxford Brookes University: Located in Oxford and Swindon.
• University of Northampton: A long-standing hub for international candidates.
• Ulster University: Situated in Northern Ireland (Derry-Londonderry).
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Provides testing in the North of England.
• Northumbria University: Based in Newcastle. Note: This center has announced it will close on February 19, 2026. If you are scheduled here near this date, keep a close eye on your booking status.

Exam Fees and Resits

The cost of the OSCE is a significant investment. For 2026, the fee for a full 10-station attempt is £794.

If you are unsuccessful in your first attempt, the resit cost depends on how many stations you need to retake. If you fail between one and seven stations, the resit fee is £397. If you fail eight or more stations, you must retake the full exam and pay the full £794 fee again. You are allowed a maximum of three attempts per application.

OSCE Exam Tips 2026

To succeed on your first try, focus on these strategies:

• Verbalize Your Actions: The examiners cannot read your mind. If you are checking a patient’s ID or confirming a medication dose, say it out loud.
• Follow the “Bare Below the Elbows” Policy: Ensure your hair is tied back, your nails are short and unvarnished, and you are not wearing jewelry other than a plain wedding band.
• Focus on Communication: Even when working with a manikin, treat it like a human. Introduce yourself, ask for consent, and maintain the patient’s dignity throughout the procedure.+1

Would you like me to provide a list of the most common clinical skills tested in the current 2026 marking criteria?

This video provides an overview of recent changes to the OSCE format and stations for 2026, which is helpful for visualizing the exam day.

NMC OSCE Candidate Journey