Quality Assurance for the Test of Competence (Computer Based Testing and Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

The NMC will adopt a dual approach to quality assurance to ensure that the Test of Competence is fit for purpose.

• We intend to appoint one partner to assess the quality of the design and development of the Test as well as the delivery.

• The NMC may also undertake its own quality assurance reviews in accordance with its assurance framework.

The NMC's test scrutiny panel must be satisfied with the quality assurance in place in order to be able to approve the content and implementation of the Test of Competence.

The Quality Assurance partner will be responsible for defining the percentage of content to be reviewed, covering the test development of both the CBT and OSCE. This should occur alongside any broader quality assurance, such as the delivery of the CBT and OSCE and other processes and governance controls. The Quality Assurance partner will be required to undertake a review covering the delivery of the CBT which is published and administered through Pearson Vue. The delivery of the OSCE from our 5 delivery partners should also be quality assured for quality, accuracy and consistency.

The contract will be for an initial term of two years with the option to extend for one year: 2+1 = 3 years maximum.

The estimated lifetime value of the contract, including extensions, will be £150,000 approx. including VAT.

Suppliers interested in participating in this procurement exercise are requested to express their interest via the Atamis e-Sourcing portal https://nmcprocurementportal.force.com/s/Welcome, and search for "Quality Assurance for the Test of Competence (CBT and OSCE)" or by searching the project reference "C1256".