New Zealand Nursing OSCE: Format, Stations and How to Prepare (2026)

If the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) requires you to complete a competence assessment, the clinical part is an OSCE: an objective structured clinical examination. This guide explains the OSCE format, where it is held, how many attempts you get and the costs NCNZ lists, using NCNZ's competence assessment pages. Requirements and fees can change, so confirm them with NCNZ before you plan.

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026.

What the OSCE tests

According to NCNZ's competence assessment FAQs, the OSCE assesses your applied nursing knowledge, communication and safe clinical practice at the level of a New Zealand registered nurse. It uses a range of clinical scenarios covering clinical skills and patient care management.

Do all internationally qualified nurses have to take it?

No. NCNZ decides whether you need a competence assessment and tells you after it assesses your application. All enrolled nurses must complete one, and some registered nurses must. NCNZ also offers a self-assessment tool on its website.

The order of the competence assessment

1. NCNZ assesses your application and tells you that you need a competence assessment.
2. You pass the online theoretical exam. You can book the OSCE online after you have passed it and NCNZ has assessed your application.
3. You complete the two-day orientation and preparation course.
4. You sit the OSCE.

The two-day orientation and preparation course

The course is in person and helps you prepare to nurse in New Zealand and become familiar with the basic OSCE equipment. NCNZ states that you must complete it even if you already know the New Zealand health setting.

OSCE format

• Registered nurse (RN) candidates complete 10 stations. Enrolled nurse (EN) candidates complete 8 stations.
• Each station is 12 minutes: 2 minutes to read the instructions, 8 minutes for the scenario and 2 minutes to move to the next station.

Where it is held

Both the orientation course and the OSCE are taken in person in Christchurch. The orientation course is held at the University of Canterbury, and the OSCE is held at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre. NCNZ states that Nurse Maude is the only centre it accredits to deliver the OSCE, so you cannot take it elsewhere.

How many attempts you get

If you do not pass the OSCE, you can re-sit it two more times, so three attempts in total. The same applies to the theoretical exam, where you have three attempts to pass both parts and re-sit only the part you failed.

Costs listed by NCNZ

NCNZ's costs page listed these amounts when we checked on 2 November 2026:

• Orientation and preparation course: NZ$500
• Clinical examination (OSCE): NZ$3,000, and NZ$3,000 for each re-sit
• Theoretical exam (Parts A and B): NZ$140, with re-sits of NZ$32 for Part A and NZ$108 for Part B
• NCNZ application processing fee: NZ$485

NCNZ states that all fees you have paid are non-refundable if you withdraw your application. External providers, such as TruMerit and the criminal history check, charge separate fees, and you also pay for travel to Christchurch. Check the costs page for current amounts before you budget.

A note on CAP

Older guides refer to the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP). NCNZ announced changes to its competence assessment in 2023: an online theoretical exam, then a two-day orientation course and an OSCE, all in New Zealand. NCNZ's current pages describe this newer process, so use them rather than older material.

How to prepare

Start with NCNZ's own material. Its competence assessment page links to the OSCE handbook, preparation tips and sample scenarios, and the orientation course is part of the process. Read them before you pay for outside coaching.

If you want structured practice, our OSCE preparation programme is one option. See also how our nurse migration to New Zealand support fits around NCNZ's process. We cannot guarantee a pass or a registration outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many stations are in the NCNZ OSCE?

Registered nurses complete 10 stations and enrolled nurses complete 8, each lasting 12 minutes.

Where is the OSCE held?

In person at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre in Christchurch, which is the only centre NCNZ accredits for the OSCE.

How many times can I sit the OSCE?

Three times in total: your first attempt and two re-sits.

Do I have to attend the orientation course?

Yes. NCNZ states you must complete the two-day course before the OSCE, even if you already know the New Zealand health setting.

Can I take the OSCE in India?

No. The orientation course and the OSCE must be taken in person in New Zealand. Only the theoretical exam can be sat at overseas Pearson centres.

Sources: Nursing Council of New Zealand (competence assessment process, competence assessment FAQs, costs and 2023 competence assessment changes pages). For guidance only; always check NCNZ for current rules and fees.