NMC OSCE stations list and station timings

NMC OSCE station timings for nurses

These are the NMC OSCE station timings from the NMC's September 2026 timings PDF and booklet. Each APIE part is a separate station with its own pass requirement.

Each pair of skills stations totals up to 21 minutes, with 4 minutes between pairs. An assessor is present at every station except the written ones, and stations are recorded by camera and sound. See how APIE works for the four linked stations.

Public topic lists at topic level

The NMC publishes the titles of its stations. These are topics only. They tell you what to revise, not what you will be asked.

Adult APIE topics

Alzheimer's disease, chronic heart failure, community assessment, ectopic pregnancy, end of life, hernia, homelessness, pneumonia, subdural haematoma and suspected DVT.

Adult skills topics

Inhaled medication, suppository, anti-embolism stockings, blood glucose, bowel assessment, catheter specimen of urine, fine-bore NG tube, fluid balance, IM injection, IV flush with VIP score, MSU and urinalysis, nutritional assessment, oral care plan, oxygen therapy, pain assessment, peak flow, pre-operative check, pressure area assessment, catheter removal, subcutaneous injection and wound assessment with ANTT.

Written station topics

The evidence-based practice topics include ankle sprain, bedside handover, cervical screening, dementia and music, diabetes, fever in children, honey for wounds, pressure ulcer prevention, restraint, saline versus tap water and smoking cessation. Detail is on the evidence-based practice page.

The professional values topics include bullying, a drug error, falsifying observations, hand washing, patient private details, possible abuse, social media and unsafe staffing. Detail is on the professional values page.

Other fields

Mental health, children's and learning disabilities follow the same 10-station shape. Mental health APIE topics include anxiety, depression with suicidal ideas, bipolar disorder, psychosis and PTSD. Children's APIE topics include allergic reaction, asthma, child fever and a post-tonsillectomy bleed. Learning disabilities has two APIE topics: behaviours that challenge, and Down's syndrome, with a shorter skills list. Midwifery has three APIE scenarios plus midwifery skills (NMC midwifery timings). Nursing associates have 3 linked stations and 5 skills (NMC page).

The NMC adds new stations in batches. A September 2026 batch applies to nursing, and candidates sitting for the first time from 26 October 2026 may meet it (NMC resources). Practise one in the NMC OSCE mock test.

Common questions

What is the NMC OSCE stations list?

Ten stations for nurses: four linked APIE stations, four skills stations, and written stations for evidence-based practice and professional values.

What are the NMC OSCE station timings?

APIE runs 20, 14, 15 and 8 minutes. The two written stations run 10 minutes each. Skills stations run from 6 to 21 minutes depending on the skill.