Nurse test fraud fears: NMC halts use of 49 centres worldwide

UK registrants who sat tests at one site have been informed of investigations after regulator was alerted to concerns by firm running competence tests overseas

The UK nursing regulator has suspended its use of a number of nursing test centres worldwide after potentially fraudulent or incorrect results came to light at one of them.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) stopped using 49 international centres after concern was flagged at a site in Ibadan, Nigeria. A company called Pearson VUE, which runs a computer-based test (CBT) of competence programme on behalf of the NMC, noticed anomalous data in May.

Testing at Ibadan was immediately halted pending investigations. The regulator contacted more than 500 current registrants who sat tests there to inform them of an investigation to determine whether their registration was secured incorrectly or as a result of fraud. A further 1,400 nurses currently in the registration application process were also contacted.

• RELATED: Fraud concerns raised over Nigerian competency test centre

‘Our paramount concern is to maintain the integrity of the register to protect the public. At the same time, it is critical we approach any investigations about individuals objectively and transparently, avoiding any unfair discrimination’

Nursing and Midwifery Council

The NMC confirmed it has stopped testing at a further 49 centres run by Pearson VUE. The regulator said this would continue unless and until it is happy security controls are sufficiently strong, and that testing remains available at 746 other Pearson VUE testing centres globally.

Regulator expresses concern about fallout for some nurses from overseas

In it annual report, published on 17 July, the NMC states: ‘Our paramount concern is to maintain the integrity of the register to protect the public. At the same time, it is critical we approach any investigations about individuals objectively and transparently, avoiding any unfair discrimination.’

• RELATED: Almost half of UK’s newly registered nurses were educated abroad

The regulator said it was concerned about backlash nurses involved might experience, adding it is working with health and social care employers, trade unions and the UK-based Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association to support individuals.

• RELATED: Black nurses continue to be most likely to face discrimination in the NHS

‘We are aware that nurses and midwives from overseas and black nurses and midwives often face racism, discrimination, and prejudice in their workplaces and in society,’ the report said.

‘While the issue relating to the CBT test affects a small number of nurses and midwives, we are concerned many more may be affected by the way their colleagues and the public may react to this incident.’

Pearson VUE has been contacted for comment.