NMC OSCE pass rates by centre
NMC OSCE pass rates on the first attempt were between 41% and 49% at the three open centres in January to March 2026. Overall rates, which include resits, were higher. Back to the NMC OSCE guide.
First attempt versus overall, by centre
Each cell shows the first-attempt pass rate, then the overall rate for all sittings in brackets, then the number of first-attempt sittings (n). Source: NMC pass rates pages for 2025 and 2026.
| Centre | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton | 48% (61%) n=2113 | 46% (61%) n=1936 | 42% (58%) n=1922 | 40% (57%) n=1655 | 41% (57%) n=1545 |
| Leeds | 37% (53%) n=441 | 34% (52%) n=497 | 42% (61%) n=362 | 50% (62%) n=342 | 44% (57%) n=410 |
| Ulster | 53% (66%) n=697 | 49% (63%) n=618 | 51% (63%) n=425 | 52% (65%) n=309 | 49% (63%) n=271 |
| Northumbria (closed) | 52% (63%) n=389 | 50% (61%) n=395 | 43% (59%) n=318 | 52% (62%) n=265 | under 10 sittings |
| Oxford Brookes (closed) | 31% (52%) n=308 | 27% (54%) n=251 | 28% (51%) n=203 | 27% (51%) n=140 | 26% (51%) n=141 |
The last two centres have closed. See the NMC OSCE centres page for dates.
What the numbers say
A first-attempt pass rate of about 40% to 50% is the figure to plan around. Most second attempts pass: in Q1 2026 second-attempt pass rates were 78% at Northampton, 76% at Leeds and 84% at Ulster (NMC 2026 table). Because you need a pass in every station, one weak station is enough to fail a whole sitting. Read what happens after a fail and the cost of a resit.
The NMC's headline figure
The NMC also states a higher headline OSCE pass figure for each quarter. The page does not explain how it differs from the centre figures, so we use the centre tables above for first-attempt difficulty.
| Quarter | OSCE sittings | NMC headline pass |
|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2025 | 4,782 | 81% |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 4,574 | 80% |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 4,070 | 80% |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3,410 | 80% |
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 3,009 | 78% |
Sittings fell about 37% between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026. For context, in Q1 2026 the NMC reported 2,967 computer-based tests with 63% passing both parts. Q2 2026 figures were not yet published when we checked on 6 November 2026.
Using the rates to prepare
Treat the rate as a reason to practise under time pressure, not as a prediction for you. Run stations to the clock with the free NMC OSCE practice test, and learn the station list well enough to spot your weakest station type.
Common questions
What is the NMC OSCE first-attempt pass rate?
In January to March 2026 it was 41% at Northampton, 44% at Leeds and 49% at Ulster.
What are the NMC OSCE pass rates overall?
Overall rates that include resits were 57% at Northampton and Leeds and 63% at Ulster in January to March 2026.
Practise every day until it feels routine.
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See passesSources
- NMC: pass rates and candidate numbers 2026
- NMC: pass rates and candidate numbers 2025
- NMC: Test of Competence overview
Checked 2026-11-06. Fees and rules change, so confirm them with the regulator before you book.