Revalidation will allow nurses and midwives to show that they are practising safely and in an effective manner. It provides the opportunity for them to develop as professionals.

Revalidation is built around the three year registration renewal date. It adds extra requirements which nurses and midwives will need to show at the time of registration renewal; which are:

• up-to-date practice and professional development
• reflection on the professional standards of practice and behaviour as set out in the Code, and
• engagement in professional discussions with other registered nurses or midwives.

Revalidation is an ongoing process rather than something to be done only once.

It will help promote excellence and is a learning process. It is not designed to judge a nurses or midwife’s fitness to practise or confront bad practice.

 There are three steps to revalidation:

Step one: Yearly appraisal: Maintain a yearly appraisal portfolio with evidence that will show in the 3 prior years to revalidation that you have:

• practised a minimum number of hours (450 hrs for a nurse, 450 hrs for a midwife, or 900 if you undertake both roles)
• undertaken continuing professional development (CPD)  (15 hrs regular learning and 20 hrs of participatory or interactive learning)
• reflected upon 5 CPD activities and discussed them with your appraiser in relation to the Code
• obtained feedback about your practice – 5 instances and have reflected in relation with the Code with your appraiser
• provided a health and character declaration, and
• appropriate cover under an indemnity arrangement.

Step two: Obtain confirmation: You need to demonstrate to a third party that you have met the revalidation requirements. This may be a line manager with or without NMC registration

Step three: Apply for revalidation and declare that you have met the requirements for revalidation to the NMC.