Test of Competence: Provision of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Facility and Associated Services

NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

22 May 2026 at 14:45

Planning

14 May 2026 at 12:16

Summary of the contracting process

The Nursing and Midwifery Council, a central government public authority based in London, United Kingdom, is currently in the planning stage of a public procurement process. The process involves the provision of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Facility and Associated Services as part of the Test of Competence for professionals. The industry category for this contract is services, specifically computer testing services, and it is valued at approximately £65 million gross. Interested parties are required to register their interest by 8th June 2026 via the NMC's e-tendering portal. The contract is expected to commence on 1st February 2027 and run until 31st January 2030, with an option for renewal until a maximum of 31st January 2032.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in computer testing services, particularly those capable of providing sophisticated simulation assessments. The substantial contract value and long-term engagement offer a meaningful opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that meet the suitability criteria. Companies looking to expand their business ties within the public sector and those equipped with the necessary expertise in delivering practical assessment solutions would find this tender highly beneficial for growth and reputation enhancement within a vital sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Test of Competence: Provision of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Facility and Associated Services

Notice Description

The Test of Competence currently comprises two elements. - The first is a computer-based test (the 'CBT') which comprises multiple-choice questions designed to assess applicants' theoretical knowledge and understanding. - The second element is the objective structured clinical examination (the 'OSCE') which is a practical simulated assessment of applicants' practical skills and knowledge. Interested parties should note that this notice relates to the objective structured clinical examination (the "OSCE") element ONLY and does not apply to the CBT (Computer Based Testing).

Planning Information

Please make sure you register your interest on the NMC's e-tendering portal: https://nmcprocurementportal.force.com/s/Welcome and allow full access to this opportunity. PME reference: C1617

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0698b3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048149-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

72820000 - Computer testing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£54,166,666 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Jun 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 31 Jan 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
W1B 1PZ
Post Town
West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Marylebone
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0698b3-2026-05-22T15:45:58+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-22T15:45:58+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0698b3",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-CHC-1091434",
            "name": "NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-CHC",
                "id": "1091434"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PHCH-9173-QTMH"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "23 PORTLAND PLACE",
                "locality": "LONDON",
                "postalCode": "W1B 1PZ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@nmc-uk.org"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-CHC-1091434",
        "name": "NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "Please make sure you register your interest on the NMC's e-tendering portal: https://nmcprocurementportal.force.com/s/Welcome and allow full access to this opportunity. PME reference: C1617",
                "dueDate": "2026-06-08T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "044352-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044352-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-14T13:16:36+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "048149-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048149-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-22T15:45:58+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "C1617",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Test of Competence: Provision of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Facility and Associated Services",
        "description": "The Test of Competence currently comprises two elements. - The first is a computer-based test (the 'CBT') which comprises multiple-choice questions designed to assess applicants' theoretical knowledge and understanding. - The second element is the objective structured clinical examination (the 'OSCE') which is a practical simulated assessment of applicants' practical skills and knowledge. Interested parties should note that this notice relates to the objective structured clinical examination (the \"OSCE\") element ONLY and does not apply to the CBT (Computer Based Testing).",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72820000",
                        "description": "Computer testing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 65000000,
            "amount": 54166666.67,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-02-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2030-01-31T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2032-01-31T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "status": "planning"
    },
    "language": "en"
}