NMC Revalidation Checklist: Hours, CPD and Evidence You Need
A practical checklist for nurses, midwives and nursing associates revalidating with the NMC, with tips for gathering evidence as you go.
Updated · 3 min read
Try it with your own numbersNMC Revalidation Hours TrackerEvery three years, nurses, midwives and nursing associates must revalidate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council to stay on the register. It is much less stressful if you collect evidence as you go rather than in the final month. This checklist sets out what you need.
The requirements
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Practice hours | 450 hours over three years (900 if you hold two registrations) |
| CPD | 35 hours, of which 20 must be participatory |
| Practice-related feedback | 5 pieces |
| Written reflective accounts | 5, using the NMC form |
| Reflective discussion | 1, with another NMC registrant |
| Health and character | A declaration |
| Professional indemnity | Confirmation that you have it |
| Confirmation | From an appropriate confirmer |
Practice hours
Practice hours are hours where you relied on your registration. That includes direct clinical work, but also management, teaching and leadership roles where your nursing or midwifery knowledge is used. A full-time post covers 450 hours in a few months, so most people meet this easily. It matters more for those returning from a career break or working very few hours.
CPD
You need 35 hours of continuing professional development, with 20 hours participatory. Participatory learning involves interacting with other people, such as a course, workshop, conference, simulation or group learning, whether in person or online. Reading on your own counts towards the 35 hours but not the 20.
Keep a record of each activity: the date, how long it took, the topic, how it relates to your practice and which part of the NMC Code it links to. Keep evidence such as certificates.
Feedback
You need five pieces of practice-related feedback. It can come from patients, colleagues, students, managers or audits, and it can be verbal or written, positive or constructive. Make a note when you receive it, without any details that could identify a patient.
Reflective accounts and discussion
Your five reflective accounts must use the NMC form and can be about CPD, feedback or an event in your practice. Each one should explain what you learned, how you changed or improved your work, and how it relates to the Code. You then discuss them with another registrant, who signs a form to confirm the discussion took place.
Confirmation
Your confirmer, usually your line manager, checks your evidence and confirms you have met the requirements. If your manager is an NMC registrant they can do both the reflective discussion and the confirmation.
Practical tips
- Set a reminder for 60 days before your revalidation date. The NMC opens your application then.
- Add each piece of evidence as soon as you have it.
- Use appraisals to gather feedback and complete reflections.
- Check the NMC website for the current requirements, as details can change.
If you are short of practice hours
If you have not done enough practice hours, for example after a long break, you may need to complete a return to practice course before you can revalidate. It is better to find this out early. If you are close to the limit, ask your manager about extra shifts or a short placement.
Common questions
Can I use the same activity for CPD and a reflective account? Yes. A reflective account can be based on a CPD activity, a piece of feedback or something from your practice.
What if I cannot find a confirmer? The NMC accepts confirmation from another NMC registrant or, in some cases, another healthcare professional. Its guidance explains the options.
What happens if I miss my revalidation date? Your registration lapses, and you cannot work as a nurse or midwife until it is restored.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting reading alone towards the 20 participatory hours.
- Including information that could identify a patient in your records.
A three-year plan
Spread the work over the three years: aim for around 12 hours of CPD, two pieces of feedback and two reflective accounts each year. Then the final year is about tidying up rather than catching up.
Track your progress
The revalidation tracker lets you log practice hours, CPD, feedback and reflective accounts and shows what is left. Your progress is saved only in your own browser, so nothing is shared.
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.