According to the latest September 2026 NMC OSCE update, candidates sitting their first exam from Monday 26 October 2026 may encounter the newly introduced stations/scenarios. Candidates whose first exam takes place before 26 October 2026 should continue using the preparation materials applicable to their examination date.
The September 2026 update introduces new scenarios and stations that candidates need to be aware of when preparing for their first OSCE. The update includes new Professional Values (PV) scenarios for Adult Nursing, while the accompanying Mental Health Nursing update identifies additional APIE scenario, professional value scenarios, Evidence- based practice scenarios and clinical skills stations.
What Is Changing in the September 2026 NMC OSCE Update?
The September 2026 update introduces additional scenarios as part of the NMC’s regular replenishment of the Test of Competence.
New Professional Values (PV) Scenarios in Adult nursing;
The new PV scenarios are:
- Self-Medication from Ward Stock
- Unsafe Staffing Levels
- Use of Bed Rails
These scenarios focus on professional accountability, patient safety, ethical considerations and the application of professional standards.
The NMC describes the PV station as assessing professional responsibility associated with professional accountability.
Mental Health Nursing update identifies below new areas:
| New APIE scenarios | New Clinical skills | New PV scenarios | New EBP scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Psychosis 2. PTSD | 1. Medication Adherence 2. Mental State Examination (MSE) 3. Non-suicidal self-injury | 1. Missed Information in PICU 2. Information Sharing 3. Racism in Mental Health Care 4. Team Christmas Party | 1. Improving the Physical Health of a Mental Health Patient 2. Patient’s Sleep on the Ward 3. Physical restraint in mental health care 4. Smoking and Schizophrenia |
Candidates preparing for Mental Health Nursing should therefore ensure that their revision covers these areas alongside their existing preparation.
Important date for candidates
26 October 2026
If your first OSCE is on or after 26 October 2026, make sure your preparation reflects the updated materials and the newly introduced scenarios relevant to your nursing field.
The NMC states that candidates sitting their first exam six weeks from Monday 14 September 2026 — meaning exams starting Monday 26 October 2026 — may encounter any of the newly announced scenarios. Candidates sitting their first exam before this date should continue using the current version of the preparation materials.
Hearing about new OSCE stations/scenarios can initially make candidates feel anxious, so here is a useful preparation plan:
Step 1 – Identify your nursing field
Know which updated stations are relevant to your Test of Competence pathway.
Step 2 – Review the updated materials
Use the latest applicable NMC preparation resources.
Step 3 – Understand each station
Learn the purpose, structure and professional principles involved.
Step 4 – Practise with scenarios
Use realistic scenarios and practise with it.
Step 5 – Practise verbalisation
Focus on professional, respectful and patient-centred communication.
Step 6 – Practise under time pressure
Complete stations within the relevant time constraints.
Step 7 – Review mistakes
Identify missed actions, communication, documentation and time-management difficulties. Practice and rectify the errors
At Mentor Merlin, we promptly share the latest NMC OSCE updates to help you stay informed and prepare with confidence. Stay tuned with Mentor Merlin for important updates, changes and new information related to your NMC OSCE preparation.
Conclusion
As the NMC OSCE update 2026 introduces new stations from 26 October 2026, candidates should make sure they are preparing with the most current materials relevant to their nursing field. Understanding the new Adult Nursing Professional Values scenarios and the additional Mental Health Nursing APIE, clinical skills, PV and EBP scenarios can help reduce uncertainty and improve confidence before the exam. With early preparation, focused practice and the right guidance, candidates can approach the OSCE in a more organised and exam-ready way. At Mentor Merlin, we continue to share important updates and provide structured support so international nurses can prepare effectively for success in their NMC OSCE journey.
We will also discuss this update in our free live class on 20 September, so candidates can understand the new OSCE stations more clearly and prepare with confidence. You can register here: Join the free live class.
Enrol with Mentor Merlin and practise with the newest updates and scenarios to strengthen your preparation and stay exam-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do the new NMC OSCE stations start?
Candidates sitting their first OSCE on or after 26 October 2026 may encounter the newly introduced stations and scenarios announced in the September 2026 update.
2. Should candidates before 26 October 2026 prepare for the new stations?
No. Candidates whose first exam takes place before 26 October 2026 should continue preparing with the materials that apply to their own examination date.
3. Which new Adult Nursing scenarios are included in the update?
The new Adult Nursing Professional Values scenarios are:
- Self-Medication from Ward Stock
- Unsafe Staffing Levels
- Use of Bed Rails
4. What new areas are included in the Mental Health Nursing update?
The Mental Health Nursing update includes new APIE scenarios, clinical skills, Professional Values scenarios and Evidence-Based Practice scenarios, so candidates should revise these alongside their existing OSCE preparation.
5. How can candidates prepare for the updated NMC OSCE stations?
Candidates should identify their nursing field, review the latest NMC preparation materials, understand the structure of each station, practise realistic scenarios, improve verbalisation, work under time pressure and review mistakes regularly.
6. How can Mentor Merlin help with the NMC OSCE update 2026?
Mentor Merlin supports candidates by sharing the latest OSCE updates, providing guided practice with relevant scenarios and helping international nurses prepare with more confidence for their NMC OSCE.
Enrol with Mentor Merlin and practise with the newest updates and scenarios to strengthen your preparation and stay exam-ready.
Read our recent blog – “How to Pass Pressure Area Assessment for NMC OSCE” – to ensure your journey stays on track.
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