Revalidation was introduced in 2015 by the NMC to strengthen the renewal process and to increase professionalism.

It’s natural to feel nervous about it and it may seem like it was only a short while since you last revalidated but as a registered nurse, nursing associate or midwife you will need to renew your registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council every three years. Whether it’s your first time or your current one if due to expire, this guide will help you to be prepared and get ready for when the time comes.

Why do I need revalidate?
Revalidating helps you demonstrate that you practice safely and effectively according to the NMC Code, every three years you are expected to show you remain fit for practice throughout your career.

Keep evidence
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to start keeping a portfolio with any information of training courses you have attended in the last three years. This also proves that you meet the requirements for revalidation. The NMC encourages a culture of sharing, reflection and improvement in order to maintain high standards of nursing.

When can I renew?
Your renewal date is your revalidation date. It’s the first day of the month for example if your renewal date is in November, then it’s the 1st day in November that you must revalidate. If you are unsure of your renewal date; you can sign up to NMC online and check your date.

The good news the NMC will let you know at least 60 days before your application is due so you have plenty time to complete the process.

It’s also important to remember that your retention date is the annual date you will need to pay your fees to the NMC. You must pay your annual fee before your retention date otherwise your registration will lapse and you will automatically be removed from the NMC register.

What are the revalidation requirements?
1. You must have at least a minimum of 450 practice hours over the three-year period since your registration was last renewed or you just joined the register.
2. Continual Professional Development. You need to have at least 35 hours undertaken of Continual Professional Development that is relevant to your scope of practice and of those at least 20 hours must be of participatory learning.
3. You must have prepared five written accounts. These include;

• An instance of your CPD
• A piece of practice-related feedback you have received, and/or an event of experience in your own professional practice.

4. Practice Related Feedback: You must have obtained five piece of practice related feedback in the three-year period since your registration was last renewed or you joined the register.
5. Reflective discussion. You need to have a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant and one that covers your five written accounts of your Continual Professional Development.
6. Health and Character declaration, you must declare if you have been charged, convicted of any criminal offence (including conditional discharge) or issued with a formal warning.
7. Professional Indemnity Arrangement. As a registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate, you are legally required to have a professional indemnity arrangement in place in order to practice. Most employers do, however it’s also best to check before.
8. Confirmation. It’s important to verify everything you have made in the application and that you have demonstrated this to an appropriate confirmer that you have met the requirement.

How do I submit?
It’s an easy step by step process online. Login or register your account on the NMC website.

We hope this guide helps you to understand the process of revalidation and there’s more information on the NMC website.