From 1st April 2019 The cost of the professional test of competence(CBT) that overseas nurses, midwives and nursing associates must take to work in the UK will reduce from £130 to £90; along with the full cost of the practical examination(OSCE) from £992 to £794 and the resit cost of the practical examination(OSCE) from £496 to £397.
This is one of a number of new proposed measures to make it as straightforward and cost effective as possible for people with the right skills to join its register.
Additional new proposals would also see those wanting to re-join the register following a career break being able to choose a test of competence to demonstrate that their skills and knowledge are up to date, rather than undertake a course, which can take between three and 12 months to complete.
Furthermore, where people do choose a return to practice course, we will no longer state the minimum length of the course. Educators will now be able to consider the skills and experience of the applicants and design the courses accordingly, increasing flexibility.
As part of our drive for consistency and quality assurance, we will also be introducing a new test of competence assurance panel. A group of experienced nurses, midwives and other health and care professionals, will use their broad range of expertise to ensure consistency of tests across different test centres.
These changes are part of an ongoing review to improve the experience of those wanting to join our register. They will help to ensure that applicants with the right skills and knowledge can join the UK workforce as quickly as possible while ensuring high standards of care.
