What is NMC Revalidation? Everything Nurses and Midwives Need to Know

If you're a nurse, midwife, or nursing associate in the UK, you'll need to complete NMC revalidation every three years to maintain your registration. But what exactly is NMC revalidation, why is it required, and what does the process involve? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know.

What is NMC Revalidation?

NMC revalidation is the process that all nurses, midwives, and nursing associates must complete every three years to renew their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It replaced the previous PREP (Post-Registration Education and Practice) system in April 2016.

Revalidation is designed to demonstrate that you continue to practise safely and effectively, maintain your skills and knowledge, and uphold the standards set out in the NMC Code. It's not an exam or test—it's a reflective process that encourages ongoing professional development.

Why Was NMC Revalidation Introduced?

The NMC introduced revalidation to:

• Improve public protection by ensuring all registrants remain fit to practise
• Encourage nurses and midwives to reflect on their practice and the Code
• Promote continuous professional development throughout careers
• Strengthen professional standards across the profession
• Increase public confidence in nursing and midwifery regulation

Who Needs to Revalidate?

NMC revalidation applies to all nurses, midwives, and nursing associates on the NMC register who wish to maintain their registration. This includes:

• Registered nurses (adult, mental health, learning disabilities, children's nurses)
• Registered midwives
• Nursing associates
• Specialist community public health nurses
• Those registered in multiple fields

Whether you're working full-time, part-time, in clinical practice, education, management, or even if you're not currently practising, you must revalidate to stay on the register.

The NMC Revalidation Requirements

To successfully revalidate, you must meet six key requirements over your three-year revalidation cycle:

1. Practice Hours (450 Hours)

You need to complete at least 450 hours of registered practice over the three years since your registration was last renewed. If you're revalidating as both a nurse and midwife, you need 900 hours in total.

Practice hours can include direct patient care, teaching, research, management, or any work that uses your nursing or midwifery skills and knowledge.

2. Continuing Professional Development (35 Hours)

You must complete 35 hours of CPD relevant to your practice over the three-year period. At least 20 of these hours must be participatory learning (involving interaction with other professionals).

CPD can include courses, workshops, conferences, online learning, reading professional journals, or any activity that develops your knowledge and skills.

3. Practice-Related Feedback (5 Pieces)

You need to gather five pieces of feedback on your practice from various sources, such as patients, colleagues, managers, or other professionals you work with.

This feedback helps you understand how others perceive your practice and identify areas for development.

4. Written Reflective Accounts (5 Accounts)

You must write five reflective accounts on your CPD and/or practice-related feedback. Each account should explain what you learned, how it relates to the NMC Code, and how it has changed or will change your practice.

These reflections demonstrate critical thinking about your professional development.

5. Reflective Discussion

You need to have a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant (your confirmer) about your five written reflective accounts and how they relate to the Code.

This discussion can take place in person, by phone, or via video call, and must be documented with your confirmer's NMC PIN number.

6. Health and Character Declaration and Professional Indemnity

You must declare that you have appropriate professional indemnity cover and confirm your good health and character, ensuring you're fit to practise without restrictions.

The NMC Revalidation Timeline

Throughout Your Three-Year Cycle

Revalidation isn't something you do at the last minute. You should be collecting evidence throughout your three-year cycle:

• Log your practice hours regularly
• Record CPD activities as you complete them
• Gather feedback from colleagues and patients
• Write reflective accounts whilst learning is fresh
• Keep all documentation organised and accessible

60 Days Before Your Renewal Date

The NMC will send you a notification that your revalidation is due. This is when you should:

• Review all your evidence to ensure it's complete
• Arrange your reflective discussion if you haven't already
• Prepare to submit your online application

Submission

You'll complete your revalidation application through NMC Online, where you'll:

• Confirm you've met all six requirements
• Provide your confirmer's details and NMC PIN
• Make your declarations
• Pay your renewal fee

What Happens After You Submit?

Once you've submitted your revalidation application and paid your fee, the NMC will process your renewal. You'll receive confirmation when your registration has been renewed for another three years.

Importantly, you must keep all your revalidation evidence for potential audit. The NMC randomly selects registrants to verify their evidence, so you need to retain everything for at least one year after renewal.

What If You're Selected for an NMC Audit?

If the NMC selects you for an audit, you'll need to provide your revalidation evidence, including:

• Your CPD log and supporting certificates
• Your five written reflective accounts
• Evidence of your practice-related feedback
• Confirmation of your reflective discussion
• Proof of practice hours

This is why keeping thorough, well-organised records throughout your cycle is essential.

Common NMC Revalidation Questions

What If I Haven't Worked for Three Years?

If you haven't completed 450 practice hours, you may not be able to revalidate. However, there are options such as returning to practice programmes. Contact the NMC for guidance on your specific situation.

Can I Revalidate Early?

No, you can only revalidate when your registration is due for renewal, which is every three years from your initial registration or last renewal date.

What If I Miss My Revalidation Deadline?

If you don't revalidate by your deadline, your registration will lapse. You'll need to apply for readmission to the register, which is a more complex process than revalidation.

How Much Does Revalidation Cost?

The revalidation fee is the same as your annual registration fee. As of 2024, this is £120 per year, so you'll pay £120 when you revalidate (covering the next year of registration).

Tips for Successful NMC Revalidation

Start Early

Don't wait until the last minute. Begin collecting evidence from day one of your three-year cycle.

Stay Organised

Keep all your revalidation evidence in one place, whether that's a physical folder or digital files. Organisation makes the process much less stressful.

Reflect Regularly

Write your reflective accounts as you complete CPD activities, whilst the learning is fresh in your mind. Don't try to remember everything at the end of three years.

Use Quality Templates

Having well-designed forms and templates ensures you capture all required information and meet NMC requirements without missing crucial details.

Find a Confirmer Early

Don't leave finding a confirmer until the last minute. Identify someone early in your cycle who can support your reflective discussion.

Link Everything to the Code

The NMC Code should be at the heart of your revalidation. Make explicit connections between your CPD, feedback, reflections, and the Code's standards.

Get Your NMC Revalidation Support

Revalidation doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, organisation, and support, it can be a valuable opportunity to reflect on your professional growth and celebrate your achievements.

At Reflect & Revalidate, we provide everything you need for successful revalidation, including complete documentation packages, professional confirmer services, and expert guidance. Our affordable packages start from just 52.00. We give you the support you need to revalidate with confidence.

Remember, revalidation is more than a regulatory requirement—it's an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence and patient safety. Embrace the process, and use it as a chance to reflect on how far you've come and where you want to go in your nursing or midwifery career.