Weeks 1–4: OET Nursing Preparation

The first four weeks focus on preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET), an English language examination designed for healthcare professionals.

Your preparation will cover all four OET sub-tests.

Listening

Develop your ability to understand spoken English in healthcare contexts.

Preparation can include:

• Identifying key information in conversations.

• Understanding healthcare discussions.

• Recognising relevant details.

• Taking effective notes.

• Practising different listening tasks.

• Managing time during the test.

Reading

Develop efficient reading strategies for healthcare-related material.

Preparation can include:

• Skimming and scanning.

• Locating specific information.

• Understanding relevant healthcare vocabulary.

• Identifying important details.

• Practising different question formats.

• Working under timed conditions.

Writing

Develop the skills needed to produce clear, relevant and appropriately structured healthcare correspondence.

Preparation can include:

• Understanding the purpose of a writing task.

• Identifying relevant information from case notes.

• Organising information logically.

• Writing clearly and concisely.

• Using appropriate professional language.

• Improving grammar and sentence structure.

• Reviewing practice writing against relevant criteria.

Speaking

Practise communicating effectively in healthcare-related situations.

Preparation can include:

• Patient-centred communication.

• Asking appropriate questions.

• Explaining information clearly.

• Showing empathy and reassurance.

• Clarifying patient concerns.

• Developing pronunciation and fluency.

• Practising role-play scenarios.

OET Practice and Progress Review

During the four weeks, preparation can include timed exercises, practice tasks, review of performance and targeted revision.

The aim is to help you understand the examination format, identify areas for improvement and develop a preparation strategy.

For more information about our English-language training, visit our dedicated OET Preparation page.

Weeks 5–6: NMC CBT Preparation

The next stage focuses on preparation for the NMC Computer-Based Test.

The CBT assesses nursing knowledge and is one part of the NMC Test of Competence for eligible internationally educated applicants.

Clinical Knowledge

Preparation can cover relevant areas of nursing practice, including:

• Professional practice and accountability.

• Patient safety.

• Infection prevention and control.

• Medicines management.

• Clinical assessment and decision-making.

• Communication and teamwork.

• Safeguarding.

• Health promotion.

• Evidence-based practice.

• Leadership and professional responsibilities.

The teaching plan should be aligned with the current NMC test blueprint applicable to your nursing field.

Numeracy and Medication Calculations

Develop your confidence with numerical questions and calculations relevant to nursing practice.

Topics can include:

• Dosage calculations.

• Medication calculations.

• Units and conversions.

• Measurements.

• Numerical problem-solving.

CBT Examination Techniques

Learn strategies for approaching computer-based questions, identifying relevant information, managing your time and reviewing your answers.

Practice Questions and Mock Tests

Use practice activities and mock assessments to identify knowledge gaps and guide your revision.

Practice questions are for educational purposes and do not represent a guarantee of the content of the actual examination.

Weeks 7–10: Intensive NMC OSCE Preparation

The final four weeks focus on practical preparation for the NMC OSCE.

The OSCE assesses clinical and communication skills. Your preparation will therefore focus on safe practice, professional behaviour, clinical procedures and effective communication.

Week 7: OSCE Orientation and Core Clinical Skills

Become familiar with the examination format and develop a structured approach to clinical stations.

Preparation can include:

• Understanding station instructions and assessment expectations.

• Patient identification and consent.

• Professional communication.

• Patient dignity and confidentiality.

• Infection prevention and control.

• Clinical assessment.

• Patient safety.

• Documentation.

• Identifying individual learning needs.

Week 8: Clinical Skills and Patient Communication

Develop confidence through guided practical activities and simulated clinical scenarios.

Preparation can include:

• Relevant clinical procedures.

• Patient assessment.

• Healthcare communication.

• Patient education.

• Recognising risks and escalating concerns.

• Medication-related scenarios where applicable.

• Documentation.

• Professional practice.

Week 9: Intensive Station Practice

Apply your learning through structured station practice.

Activities can include:

• Timed OSCE stations.

• Simulated clinical scenarios.

• Communication and documentation practice.

• Clinical decision-making activities.

• Repeated practice of challenging tasks.

• Feedback on performance.

• Revision of areas requiring improvement.

Week 10: Mock OSCEs and Final Preparation

The final week focuses on consolidating your preparation and identifying any remaining areas for development.

Activities can include:

• Full mock OSCE circuits.

• Timed station practice.

• Clinical safety review.

• Communication practice.

• Professional values and documentation.

• Individual feedback.

• Targeted revision.

• Examination preparation.

Training scenarios and station activities will be designed around the relevant NMC examination requirements. Preparation does not replace the official NMC OSCE or guarantee a pass.