Are you an Internationally Qualified Nurse (IQN) seeking registration in New Zealand? Our comprehensive program is designed to help you prepare for and pass the Clinical Competence Assessment, a key step in your journey to becoming a registered nurse in Aotearoa.

Introduced by the Nursing Council of New Zealand in 2023, this assessment is for IQNs who have passed the online theoretical examination. It includes:

• A two-day orientation and preparation course.
• An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

The OSCE is a well-established regulatory assessment that tests your ability to apply nursing knowledge and skills in a simulated clinical setting. It is set at the level of a registered nurse entering the profession and focuses on current best practices in New Zealand.

• 10 Stations: You will complete 10 stations, each representing a scenario from current nursing practice.
• Station Format: Each station lasts 12 minutes total:
  
  • 2 minutes – Reading instructions.
  • 8 minutes – Completing the scenario.
  • 2 minutes – Transitioning to the next station.
• No Coaching: This is a regulatory assessment. You will not receive any prompting, feedback, or further explanations from the examiners.

The OSCE assesses your clinical competence, nursing knowledge, and skills across various domains, including:

• Clinical Skills: Medication administration, emergency management, and managing a deteriorating patient.
• Assessment: Mental health, physiological, and specific physiological assessments.
• Professional Responsibility: Professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities, and leadership.
• Communication: Interpersonal and interprofessional communication, and teamwork.
• Cultural Safety: Providing culturally safe care in Aotearoa.
• Management: Managing nursing care, managing a patient in distress, and appropriate escalation of concerns.

Our program is tailored to ensure you are confident and competent. Train with us to make your dream of becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand a reality.

Contact Us for More Information and to Enroll!

Understanding the structure of the OSCE examination day can help you feel calm and confident. Here’s a simple guide to how the stations work and what to expect.

• 10 Stations: The OSCE consists of 10 stations, identified alphabetically from A to J.
• Assigned Starting Point: At registration, you will be assigned a starting station (e.g., station B). You will then move through the stations sequentially (B to C, C to D, and so on) until you complete all ten stations.
• Simultaneous Start: All candidates will start and finish their scenarios at the same time, moving through each station in a synchronized sequence.
• Guided by Staff: NMSAC staff will guide you to your starting position and help you transition between stations as needed.

• Reading Time: You will have two minutes outside each station to read the candidate instructions.
• Notepad: A notepad will be provided for you to use during your reading time. Use it to:
  
  • Take notes
  • Plan your approach to the scenario
  • List the key skills you need to demonstrate
• Important: You must leave your notes with the OSCE examiner before you exit the room.

The written candidate instructions are your guide to understanding the requirements of each clinical scenario. They will also outline what you will be assessed on. Take this time to read them carefully, along with any supporting clinical documentation (e.g., vital signs) attached to the scenario. A laminated copy will also be available inside the station room.

Ready to start training? Our program is designed to help you prepare for every station and pass with confidence. Contact us for more information!

To ensure a fair and secure examination for everyone, all candidates must adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations. Understanding and following these guidelines is crucial for a smooth and successful OSCE experience.

• Unauthorized Access: Do not enter the NMSAC building before your scheduled registration time. Unauthorized access is considered misconduct.
• Information Sharing: You are strictly prohibited from attempting to obtain information about the OSCE from previous candidates.
• Confidentiality: All aspects of the OSCE are confidential. Do not disclose or discuss any information about the setup, process, questions, or answers with anyone—this includes family, friends, colleagues, and social media.
• Prohibited Reconstruction: You may not reconstruct OSCE items from your memory or the memory of others after the exam.

• Follow Instructions: You must adhere to all instructions provided by the NMSAC team. Failure to do so will be considered misconduct.
• No Unauthorized Materials: Do not bring any unauthorized materials into the OSCE circuit, including electronic devices, reference materials, or food (without prior approval).
• Notes: You may take notes on the provided notepad, but you must surrender any scenario-related notes to the examiner before you leave the station. Do not remove any materials, equipment, or documentation from the building.
• No Communication: You are not allowed to communicate with, seek help from, or assist any other candidates during the OSCE, including during breaks.
• No Recording: The unauthorized recording of any part of the OSCE is strictly prohibited. This rule applies to you and anyone accompanying you.

• Disruptive Behavior: Any behavior that disrupts the OSCE, compromises its fairness, or disturbs others is strictly prohibited. This includes aggressive behavior, cheating, or bribery.
• Reporting Misconduct: If you observe any irregular or unprofessional behavior, you are obligated to report it to an NMSAC team member.
• Impersonation: Attempting to take the OSCE on behalf of another candidate is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe consequences, including disqualification and potential legal action for both individuals.