450 Practice Hours
You must have practised for a minimum of 450 hours over the three-year registration period. This can be through clinical practice, teaching, management, or research.
What is Revalidation?
Revalidation is the process by which the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) confirms that you remain fit to practise safely and effectively. It is a continuous process that encourages you to reflect on the Code of Professional Standards and demonstrate how you are living by these standards in your practice.
Revalidation Requirements
To successfully revalidate, you must meet the following requirements within your three-year renewal period.
35 Hours CPD
You must complete 35 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Of these, 20 hours must be participatory learning (learning with one or more other professionals).
5 Reflective Accounts
You must produce five written reflective accounts relating to your continuing professional development, practice, or feedback. These must be linked directly to the Code.
Reflective Discussion
You must have a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant. This covers your professional development and how it relates to the Code over the last three years.
5 Pieces of Feedback
You must obtain five pieces of practice-related feedback. This can come from patients, colleagues, or other professionals. You must reflect on this feedback in your written accounts.
Confirmation
At the point of renewal, a confirmers must confirm that you have met the revalidation requirements. This is done via the NMC portal.
Health & Character
You must make a declaration about your health and character. This confirms that you are fit to practise and informs the NMC of any relevant changes.
Indemnity Arrangement
You must confirm that you have a professional indemnity arrangement in place appropriate to your scope of practice.
The Revalidation Process
1
Prepare Throughout Your Cycle
Don't leave everything to the last month. Record your practice hours, collect CPD certificates, and gather feedback as you go. Keep a portfolio of evidence, preferably using an NMC-approved portfolio provider.
2
Submit Your Application
Your NMC renewal notice will be sent via email 60 days before your revalidation date. Log in to the NMC Online portal to start your application. Pay the registration fee to begin the process.
3
Hold a Reflective Discussion
Sit down with a colleague (your confirmer or another registrant) to discuss your career growth, the Code, and your reflections over the last three years.
4
Get Confirmation
Your confirmer must review your evidence against the NMC requirements. Once they are satisfied you have met the standards, they will confirm your application online.
5
Declaration & Renewal
Submit your health and character declarations. Once all validations are complete, your registration will be renewed for another three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot complete 450 practice hours?
If you have not practiced due to illness, parental leave, or a career break, you may be eligible to apply for voluntary removal from the register or temporary registration extensions. You should contact the NMC directly to discuss your specific circumstances.
Can I count my university course towards CPD?
Yes, academic modules and modules from a higher education institution count towards your CPD hours. If the learning took place with others, it may also count as participatory learning.
Who can act as my confirmer?
Your confirmer must be a registered nurse or midwife. Ideally, this is your line manager, a colleague familiar with your practice, or a peer within the same profession. They cannot be one of your direct reports or a family member.
Is there a specific form for the reflective discussion?
There is no mandatory specific form provided by the NMC, but you should record notes of your discussion in your portfolio to show evidence that it took place.
Do I need to upload all my evidence?
No, you only submit your declaration and the confirmation statement. However, you must be able to provide all your evidence (CPD certificates, reflective accounts, feedback) if the NMC selects you for a post-revalidation audit.
