Yes. If you are under investigation, or have an interim conditions of practice order, you must keep revalidating as normal to keep your registration. The exception is suspension: if you are under an interim or substantive suspension order you cannot revalidate, and your registration can lapse, meaning you would need to apply for readmission when the case ends.
Key takeaways
- Under investigation with no order: keep revalidating as normal.
- Interim conditions of practice: you can and should still revalidate.
- Interim or substantive suspension: you cannot revalidate while it is in place.
- Any registered nurse or midwife can be your confirmer if they follow the requirements.
Even though you are under a Fitness to Practise investigation, you still need to keep your revalidation up to date. There are some important exceptions, so it's worth checking which situation applies to you.
When should I revalidate during Fitness to Practise?
- Under investigation, with no interim order: continue revalidating as normal to keep your registration current. If you are out of work, ask the NMC about a deadline extension while you find other ways to gather what you need.
- Interim conditions of practice order: your registration doesn't lapse and you can revalidate. Keep your practice hours and feedback logs up to date during the review period.
- Interim suspension order: you cannot revalidate until the suspension is lifted or the case concludes.
The NMC's revalidation guidance explains that if you are subject to an investigation, a conditions of practice order or a caution, you must still apply to renew your registration as long as you meet the requirements, and you remain subject to the Fitness to Practise process and its outcome.
What happens if I'm suspended when revalidation is due?
If your registration is subject to an interim suspension when renewal or revalidation is due, you are not allowed to renew or revalidate. That means that even if the case later concludes with no case to answer, no impairment or no restriction, your registration may have lapsed and you would need to apply for readmission. The NMC is aware this causes problems for registrants and has been looking at a change in the law. If this applies to you, take advice early.
How do I get a confirmer if I'm out of work?
Any registered nurse or midwife can act as your confirmer, as long as they go through your documents with you, are satisfied you meet the requirements, hold the reflective discussion with you and are happy that your practice hours meet what the NMC requires. Make sure your confirmer understands this: it is their registration at risk if they don't do it properly.
Fit 2 Practise can act as your confirmer if you need one. We review your documents, advise on anything further you need to do, discuss your reflections with you and check your practice hours before signing. It usually takes around four hours (£25 an hour, about £100). Email us to find out more.
Practice-related feedback when you're not working
Feedback doesn't only have to come from patients in a clinical role. Think about feedback from colleagues, managers, students you have supported, voluntary or non-clinical roles, or learning activities you have taken part in, and reflect on what it tells you.
If in doubt, ask. Just make sure the person you ask knows the answer and isn't guessing.
Use our revalidation during Fitness to Practise checklist to work out where you stand, and read revalidation reflection vs Fitness to Practise reflection.
Frequently asked questions
Speak to the NMC about your situation and an extension, and think about other ways to meet the requirements, such as learning, feedback from non-clinical roles and reflective accounts.
If you let your registration lapse it can affect your case and your options later. Take advice before deciding.
No. Practice hours can include roles that use your nursing or midwifery knowledge and skills. Check the NMC's revalidation guidance for what counts.
Answer the declaration honestly. Being under investigation does not in itself stop you revalidating, but you must be truthful.
