NMC Revalidation Confirmation: A Guide for Nurses
Confirmation is an important part of NMC revalidation. It provides an opportunity for an appropriate confirmer to review whether you have met the revalidation requirements and to discuss the evidence you have prepared.
Confirmation checks that you have met the revalidation requirements
Before submitting your revalidation application, you need confirmation from an appropriate person that you have demonstrated that you have met the NMC revalidation requirements. The confirmer reviews the evidence you have prepared and discusses it with you.
What is NMC revalidation confirmation?
Confirmation is a structured part of the revalidation process. It is not simply a signature at the end of your paperwork. Your confirmer should consider whether you have demonstrated that you have met the required elements of revalidation.
Review your evidence
Your confirmer considers the evidence you have prepared for your revalidation application.
Discuss the requirements
Confirmation includes a professional discussion about whether the relevant revalidation requirements have been met.
Record confirmation
The confirmation process should be recorded using the current NMC documentation.
Prepare before submission
Confirmation should be completed as part of your preparation before submitting your revalidation application.
Choosing an appropriate confirmer
The NMC provides guidance about who can act as a confirmer. In many situations, this may be someone who is familiar with your practice and professional development, but the correct choice depends on your working circumstances.
Someone appropriately placed
Your confirmer should be able to review your evidence and have a meaningful discussion with you about the revalidation requirements.
Consider your employment context
Your manager, professional lead or another appropriate person may be suitable depending on your role and circumstances.
Check current NMC guidance
The NMC sets out the confirmation requirements and guidance about choosing a confirmer. Check this before arranging your confirmation.
What your confirmer may need to review
Your confirmation discussion sits within the wider revalidation process, so it is sensible to organise your evidence before meeting your confirmer.
| Revalidation area | What to have organised |
|---|---|
| Practice hours | Evidence showing that you have met the relevant practice-hours requirement. |
| CPD | Your CPD record, including total hours, participatory learning and evidence. |
| Practice-related feedback | Evidence or records showing your five pieces of practice-related feedback. |
| Written reflective accounts | Your five written reflective accounts prepared in line with NMC guidance. |
| Reflective discussion | Evidence that your reflective discussion requirement has been completed. |
| Other declarations and requirements | Be familiar with the other revalidation requirements relevant to your application. |
How to prepare for your confirmation meeting
The easiest confirmation discussions are usually those where the revalidation evidence is already well organised.
- Check your revalidation submission date and plan ahead
- Organise your practice-hours evidence
- Review your CPD record and participatory-learning hours
- Have your five pieces of practice-related feedback available
- Complete your five written reflective accounts
- Complete your reflective discussion in line with NMC guidance
- Check that required forms and records are complete
- Protect confidential information throughout your evidence
- Use the current NMC guidance and documentation
A simple way to think about confirmation
Confirmation is easier when revalidation is treated as an ongoing process
Keeping CPD, feedback, reflection and practice evidence organised throughout the three-year revalidation period can reduce the pressure of preparing everything close to your submission date.
They are related, but they are not the same requirement
Reflective discussion and confirmation are separate elements of NMC revalidation. Your reflective discussion focuses on your five written reflective accounts, while confirmation considers whether you have demonstrated that you have met the wider revalidation requirements.
Reflective discussion
A professional discussion based on your five written reflective accounts with another NMC-registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate.
Confirmation
A separate process in which an appropriate confirmer reviews whether you have demonstrated that you have met the revalidation requirements.
Read the reflective discussion guide
NurseNet's reflective discussion guide explains how your five written reflective accounts form the basis of this separate revalidation requirement.
Reflective Discussion for NMC Revalidation →Avoid last-minute confirmation problems
Leaving confirmation too late
Arrange the process early enough to resolve gaps or questions before your revalidation submission is due.
Choosing a confirmer without checking
Check current NMC guidance before deciding who will complete your confirmation.
Disorganised evidence
Keep your CPD, feedback, reflection and practice evidence together so it can be reviewed efficiently.
Using outdated forms
Always use current NMC guidance and documentation rather than relying on an old saved version.
NMC revalidation confirmation FAQs
What is confirmation for NMC revalidation?
Confirmation is the process through which an appropriate confirmer reviews whether you have demonstrated that you have met the relevant NMC revalidation requirements.
Who can act as my confirmer?
This depends on your professional circumstances. The NMC provides guidance about choosing an appropriate confirmer, so check the current requirements before arranging the meeting.
Is confirmation the same as reflective discussion?
No. They are separate revalidation requirements. Reflective discussion focuses on your five written reflective accounts, while confirmation relates to the wider revalidation requirements.
Should I prepare my evidence before confirmation?
Yes. Organising your practice hours, CPD, feedback and reflective evidence beforehand helps your confirmer review your preparation.
Do I need to use an NMC form?
Use the current NMC documentation and guidance for confirmation. Check the NMC website before completing the formal requirement.
When should I arrange confirmation?
Plan ahead and allow enough time before your revalidation submission date to organise your evidence, complete the confirmation process and address any outstanding issues.
Always check the current NMC requirements
Revalidation guidance and documentation can change. Use NurseNet to help you organise and understand the process, but check the current NMC requirements when completing your formal revalidation evidence.
Go to the NMC revalidation guidance
Check current information about confirmation, documentation and the wider revalidation requirements directly with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Check current NMC revalidation guidance →Organise your evidence before your confirmation meeting
Keep your practice hours, CPD, feedback and reflection evidence organised throughout your revalidation period so your confirmation process can be straightforward and well prepared.
