UK Nursing Exam and Test of Competence

Published

Hello!

I just got my authorisation to test for the first part of the test of competence to register with the UK NMC. I would like to prepare for this exam as best as I can since I know there are some differences between US and UK nursing. Does anyone know the name of the exam that UK nurses take in order to qualify for registration?

I know that in the US we take the NCLEX, but I don't know what the name of the UK exam is. Any and all help with this is appreciated.

Also, I've noticed that drug names are different as well in the UK. Is there any way to study for this?

Thanks,

intl_RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Unless it has changed UK they are continually tested with clincial and theory componants.

Manged to find this comment about the structure on one of the UK university website

  • Assessments on this BN adult nursing degree course take the form of essays, exams, projects and professional conversations.
  • In addition, all practice experience you undertake will count towards your final grades.
  • Practical skills will be assessed whist you are on placement and recorded by your practice mentor.

Adult Nursing Degree | BN Adult Nursing | Health Sciences | University of Southampton

[h=2][/h]

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your response, Silverdragon102! Does this mean that there is no comprehensive examination at the end of their studies in nursing school in order to receive their license? Are there simply exams during each course rather than a final comprehensive examination similar to the NCLEX which we take in the US?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also, I've noticed that there are several drugs in the UK that I've never heard of here in the US. I imagine these will be included in the test of competence. I would like to study these different drug names, etc, prior to taking the exam. Does anyone have any recommendations as to study material (i.e. books, flashcards, etc.) for a crash course in UK pharmacology?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

MIMS and BNF are the 2 best clinical drug references..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

There may be a final paper that need to be written with large requirements however the students are continually assessed and have lots of papers to write and if they fail anything 3 times then the are out, off the course and failed.

BNF = British National Formulary but usually requires a UK ISP address and is free if you work within the NHS, a student at nursing school in the UK, otherwise a subscription has to be purchased. Alternatively you should be able to buy one from amazon.co.uk

Enabling Cookies: BNF.org

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, everyone! I will be taking the test of competence later this month. I'm studying for it and almost as nervous as I was when I first took my NCLEX since I've waited so long for this opportunity, but I'm hoping I'll do well with this first attempt at the NMC's test of competence. I've heard it's pretty difficult with the many "essential" questions that are required to be passed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Intensive Care - Pulmo.

Good luck and im also curious about the test. please give us an update of your results! thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion