Revalidation
Revalidation is the process that all nurses and midwives in the UK need to follow to maintain their registration. Revalidation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is required every three years.
In addition to the standard appraisal form, all nurses and midwives must complete an annual revalidation record form each year to check progress.
Revalidation readiness
Revalidation is straightforward and will help you as a nurse or midwife demonstrate that you practise safely and effectively. It will encourage you to reflect on the role of the Code in your practice and demonstrate that you are "living" the standards set out within it. (The Code sets out professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.)
This process has replaced the prep requirements. You will need to submit your application for revalidation online, so it’s very important that you have an NMC Online account.
The NMC will make reasonable adjustments for you if you have a disability which makes using NMC Online difficult. They also have special arrangements in place for you if you cannot meet the revalidation requirements because of exceptional circumstances. For more information about reasonable adjustments and exceptional circumstances please see the NMC guidance sheet, "Support to Help You Revalidate".
All nursing and midwifery staff need to complete the appraisal revalidation form and keep a copy on their personal file.
Revalidation during COVID-19
The NMC has put measures in place to support your revalidation during COVID-19. This includes revalidation deadline extensions and details of how to meet your 20 hours of participatory continuous professional development (CPD).
To meet the participatory learning requirement, you simply have to undertake activity that involves interaction with one or more professionals.
This can be in a physical environment or a virtual one - you don’t have to be in the same room as the people you undertake the activity with.
Please visit the NMC website for more information.
Last reviewed: 17 June 2021