What to Expect at Your NMC Revalidation Confirmation Meeting: A Complete Guide

Understanding the Revalidation Confirmation Meeting

The confirmation meeting is a crucial step in your NMC revalidation process. This guide explains what happens during the meeting, how to prepare, and what your confirmer will be looking for.

What Is a Confirmation Meeting?

A confirmation meeting is a professional discussion where an appropriate confirmer reviews your revalidation evidence and confirms that you have met all the NMC requirements. It's not a test or assessment, but rather a verification process to ensure your evidence is genuine and complete.

When Does It Happen?

The confirmation meeting should take place within the 60 days before your revalidation deadline. You must arrange this meeting yourself and give your confirmer adequate notice.

Who Can Be Your Confirmer?

Your confirmer must be another NMC-registered nurse or midwife who:

• Is currently registered with the NMC
• Has appropriate knowledge of your practice
• Can verify that your evidence is genuine
• Is willing to complete the confirmation process

Suitable Confirmers Include:

• Your line manager or supervisor
• Your appraiser
• A senior colleague who knows your work
• A mentor or preceptor
• A practice educator or clinical lead

Who Cannot Be Your Confirmer:

• Someone who is not NMC registered
• A family member or close friend
• Someone who has no knowledge of your practice
• Yourself (obviously!)

What Your Confirmer Will Review

During the meeting, your confirmer will check that you have:

1. Practice Hours

• Completed 450 hours of registered practice
• Provided evidence of your working hours
• Ensured practice is relevant to your scope

2. CPD Activities

• Recorded 35 hours of CPD
• Included at least 20 hours of participatory learning
• Demonstrated relevance to your practice
• Kept appropriate evidence (certificates, records)

3. Reflective Accounts

• Written five separate reflective accounts
• Each account is at least 250 words
• All accounts relate to the NMC Code
• Accounts show learning and practice changes

4. Practice-Related Feedback

• Collected five pieces of feedback
• Feedback is from appropriate sources
• Feedback relates to your practice
• Feedback was received within the three-year period

5. Reflective Discussion

• Completed with another NMC registrant
• Discussed your five reflective accounts
• Form is signed and dated

6. Additional Requirements

• Professional indemnity arrangement in place
• Health and character declaration ready
• Understanding of the NMC Code

How to Prepare for Your Confirmation Meeting

Two Weeks Before

• Identify and contact your confirmer
• Schedule a convenient time and place
• Gather all your revalidation evidence
• Organise documents in a clear format

One Week Before

• Review all your evidence for completeness
• Check you have certificates and records
• Ensure reflective accounts meet requirements
• Prepare any questions you have

The Day Before

• Print or prepare digital copies of evidence
• Create a checklist of what to show
• Confirm the meeting time and location
• Relax - you've done the hard work!

What Happens During the Meeting?

Introduction (5 minutes)

Your confirmer will explain the process and what they need to review. This is a supportive conversation, not an interrogation.

Evidence Review (20-30 minutes)

You'll show your confirmer each piece of evidence:

• Practice hours log and verification
• CPD records and certificates
• Five reflective accounts
• Five pieces of feedback
• Signed reflective discussion form
• Professional indemnity confirmation

Discussion (10-15 minutes)

Your confirmer may ask questions about:

• How your CPD has influenced your practice
• Key learning points from your reflections
• How you've applied feedback
• Your understanding of the NMC Code

Confirmation (5 minutes)

If everything is in order, your confirmer will:

• Complete the confirmation section in NMC Online
• Provide their NMC PIN
• Sign and date the confirmation
• Give you feedback on your evidence

Common Questions and Concerns

How Long Does the Meeting Take?

Typically 30-45 minutes, but allow up to an hour to avoid rushing.

Can It Be Done Remotely?

Yes, confirmation meetings can be conducted via video call, phone, or in person. The method doesn't matter as long as your confirmer can review your evidence.

What If My Confirmer Finds Issues?

If there are problems with your evidence, your confirmer will explain what needs to be corrected. You'll have time to address issues before your revalidation deadline.

Do I Need to Bring Original Certificates?

Copies are usually acceptable, but check with your confirmer. The key is that they can verify your evidence is genuine.

What If I'm Nervous?

Remember, your confirmer is there to support you, not catch you out. If you've completed all the requirements honestly, there's nothing to worry about.

What Your Confirmer Cannot Do

Your confirmer:

• Cannot write your reflective accounts for you
• Cannot create false evidence
• Cannot confirm if they haven't seen your evidence
• Cannot confirm if you haven't met the requirements
• Cannot be pressured into confirming incomplete evidence

After the Confirmation Meeting

If Everything Is Approved

• Your confirmer completes the online confirmation
• You can proceed to submit your revalidation application
• Pay your revalidation fee (£120)
• Keep all evidence for potential NMC verification

If Issues Are Identified

• Address the concerns raised
• Complete any missing evidence
• Arrange a follow-up meeting if needed
• Ensure everything is resolved before your deadline

Tips for a Successful Confirmation Meeting

• Be organised: Present your evidence clearly and logically
• Be honest: Don't exaggerate hours or fabricate evidence
• Be prepared: Know your evidence and be ready to discuss it
• Be professional: Treat it as an important professional meeting
• Be respectful: Your confirmer is giving their time to support you
• Be open: Accept feedback and suggestions positively

What Happens If You Can't Find a Confirmer?

If you're struggling to find an appropriate confirmer:

• Contact your employer's HR or education department
• Ask your professional network or RCN representative
• Speak to colleagues in similar situations
• Contact the NMC for guidance

Don't leave this until the last minute - start looking for a confirmer at least two months before your deadline.

How We Can Help

At Reflect & Revalidate, we provide:

• Confirmation meeting preparation checklists
• Evidence organisation templates
• Guidance on presenting your revalidation portfolio
• Tips for discussing your evidence confidently
• Complete revalidation support services

Conclusion

The confirmation meeting is a straightforward process when you're well prepared. By organising your evidence clearly, choosing an appropriate confirmer, and understanding what's required, you'll complete this step with confidence. Remember, your confirmer is there to support your professional development, not to create obstacles.

Ready to prepare for your confirmation meeting? Explore our revalidation resources and templates to ensure you're fully prepared.