Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
This is a three-hour clinical competence assessment, which will take place in the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre
Objective Structured Clinical Examination
(OSCE)
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a well-established method of assessing competence and is used internationally in IQN registration processes in countries including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it objectively assesses competence across the domains outlined in the registered nurse scope of practice.
The OSCE assesses the application of your clinical knowledge and skills in practice to ensure you can provide safe competent care as a nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre (NMSAC)
At the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre, we aim to equip internationally qualified nurses with a secure, high quality and purpose-designed facility for clinical competence assessments.
Location
The three (3) hour clinical competence assessment will take place at the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre. Entrance to the NMSAC is via Mansfield Avenue. Candidates are required to wait outside the NMSAC at the designated meeting area, until collected by a NMSAC team member.
Friends or family members, including children, are not permitted to wait for you in or outside the building while you take the OSCE. There are several cafes, restaurants, and a shopping centre within a short walking distance.
Centre Location
15 Mansfield Avenue, St Albans, Christchurch 8014
Meeting Area
To Be Confirmed
Surrounding Area
For more information about nearby activities, shops and restaurants, click here
On The Day
- Bring your current passport AND secondary identification as outlined in the NCNZ 'clinical competence assessment handbook' (link below)
- Wear professional clinical attire (e.g. uniform or scrubs), comfortable shoes and professional presentation
- Arrive and wait at the meeting area no more than 20 minutes before registration opens
- You will handover all personal belongings including all electronic devices
- All belongings will be returned to you when you leave NMSAC after your assessment
Refer to the
Clinical Competence Assessment Handbook
for detailed guidance.
OSCE Scenarios
There are 10 rooms that make up the assessment area, known as a 'circuit'. Candidates will complete the whole circuit. Each room has scenario instructions, candidates will have two (2) minutes to read these instructions before entering the room.
Once in the room you will have eight (8) minutes to complete the scenario. All 10 OSCE scenarios will start and finish simultaneously, and candidates will move through the circuit in sequence.
Each room has all necessary equipment to complete the scenario effectively.
A video demonstrating the briefing, and what to expect will be published here soon.
OSCE Conditions and Expected Behaviour
Each scenario is eight (8) minutes long. An announcement will be heard signalling the scenario is finished. If you are unable to complete the scenario within the allocated eight (8) minutes, you will not be given extra time. If you complete the scenario before the allocated eight (8) minutes, it is highly recommended you remain inside the room until you hear the announcement signalling the scenario is finished.
If you need assistance during the OSCE, raise your hand and a NMSAC team member will assist you. Should you require an urgent bathroom break, a NMSAC team member will accompany you. Upon returning from the bathroom break, you can resume your scenario activities within the allocated time frame.
Misconduct and Cheating
Misconduct and cheating are treated seriously by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Misconduct means doing something that harms the fairness, safety, or reputation of the OSCE and the associated OPC. Below you will find examples of what is considered misconduct and cheating.
- Failure to follow instructions
- Disruptive behaviour
- Unauthorised communication
- Violation of OSCE rules
- Unauthorised collaboration
- Cheating
- Impersonation
Refer to the
Clinical Competence Assessment Handbook
for detailed guidance and rules.
After the OSCE
A candidate can expect to receive an email notification from the Nursing Council of New Zealand within six (6) weeks of completing the OSCE. This notification will be sent to the email address you provided during your application process.
Virtual Tour
We're working on a virtual tour which will help you visualise our Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre (NMSAC). This will be published here soon.
Nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand - the registration process
Information for internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) about the process of registering for nursing in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Received an invitation to book your course and assessment online?
Once you have successfully progressed your registration you will receive an invitation to book the orientation and preparation course (OPC) and the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
Orientation and Preparation Course (OPC)
The orientation and preparation course (OPC) is a two-day course for candidates held at the University of Canterbury prior to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
This is a three-hour clinical competence assessment, which will take place in the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre
Travel & Accommodation Information
Learn more about our revitalised city in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand's South Island. The city is home to a diverse natural playground, wide open spaces, modern architecture and heritage buildings
Questions or queries?
For all questions or queries regarding your registration for OSCE and OPC, please refer to the
Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Quick Links
15 Mansfield Avenue
St Albans
Christchuch 8014
New Zealand