Revalidation reflective accounts are five short, routine reflections on the NMC's form every three years, about CPD, feedback or experiences, with no identifiable information. A Fitness to Practise reflective statement is evidence in a specific case: it must show insight into a particular concern and what you have done about it. Both should link to the Code.
Key takeaways
- Revalidation: five written reflective accounts in three years, on the NMC form, plus a reflective discussion.
- FtP: one focused statement about a specific concern, read by decision-makers.
- Never include identifiable patient or colleague information in revalidation accounts.
- Take advice before submitting an FtP reflection; it becomes evidence.
Nurses, midwives and nursing associates are used to writing reflections for revalidation. When a Fitness to Practise concern arises, it is tempting to write the same way. But the two serve different purposes, and a revalidation-style account rarely does the job in an FtP case.
What are revalidation reflective accounts?
To revalidate every three years, you must prepare five written reflective accounts since your last renewal or since you joined the register. Each can be about an instance of CPD, a piece of practice-related feedback, or an event or experience in your practice, or a combination. You must use the NMC's form and explain how each relates to the Code.
You must also have a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant covering your five accounts. The discussion partner signs a form confirming it took place.
What is a Fitness to Practise reflective statement?
An FtP reflective statement is evidence you submit in response to a specific concern. Its job is to show case examiners or a panel that you understand what went wrong, why it matters, what you have done about it and how your practice has changed. It is read carefully, may be tested at a hearing, and can form part of published decisions.
What are the main differences?
| Revalidation accounts | FtP reflective statement | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Show ongoing reflective practice | Show insight into a specific concern |
| How many | Five in three years, plus a reflective discussion | One focused statement (sometimes updated) |
| Format | NMC reflective accounts form | No set form; clear, structured prose |
| Topic | CPD, feedback or experiences you choose | The concern raised about you |
| Reader | Your confirmer; the NMC may check | Case examiners or a panel |
| Tone | Developmental | Accountable and specific |
Revalidation shows you reflect. FtP reflection shows you have understood and addressed a specific concern.
How do I write a good revalidation reflective account?
- Pick something with genuine learning: a course, feedback or an experience that changed how you work.
- Use the NMC form: what was the nature of the CPD, feedback or event; what did you learn; how did you change or improve your practice; how is it relevant to the Code?
- Keep it concise and specific.
- Remove anything that could identify a patient, service user or colleague.
How do I write a good FtP reflective statement?
- Describe what happened briefly and factually.
- Show you understand the impact on people in your care, colleagues and public confidence.
- Explain what you now understand and what you have done about it.
- Give concrete examples of how you practise differently now.
- Take advice from your representative before submitting.
Follow our step-by-step guide to structuring an NMC reflective statement, and read how to demonstrate insight.
A short example of each
Revalidation account (summary): after an e-learning module on sepsis, I realised I had been relying on my own judgement rather than the screening tool. I now complete the tool for every patient with a suspected infection and escalate in line with policy. This relates to the Code's standards on practising effectively and preserving safety.
FtP reflection (summary): in March I signed for a controlled drug check I had not witnessed. I understand this undermined a safety system designed to protect patients, and damaged my colleagues' and my employer's trust in me. I have completed training on medicines governance, discussed my decision-making with my supervisor, and I now refuse to sign for any check I have not personally completed, even under pressure.
Notice the difference: the revalidation account is developmental and self-chosen, while the FtP reflection is accountable, names the risk and shows specific change.
Can a revalidation account be about my FtP case?
You can reflect on learning from difficult experiences for revalidation, as long as the account contains no identifiable information and meets the NMC's requirements. Be thoughtful about detail while a case is ongoing, and take advice if unsure. Your FtP reflective statement should be written separately, for its own purpose.
Does an FtP case affect my revalidation?
An open FtP case does not by itself stop you revalidating, but you must answer the health and character declaration honestly, and any restrictions on your practice may affect your ability to meet requirements such as practice hours. Check the NMC's guidance or ask your union if you are unsure.
The Reflection Writing course covers both kinds of reflection, and the Gibbs worksheet helps you think through an experience before writing it up. See also reflective models for nurses.
Frequently asked questions
Five written reflective accounts in the three years since your registration was last renewed or since you joined the register, plus a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant.
Usually not. An FtP statement needs to address a specific concern in depth and show insight and change. Write it separately.
Not in a way that could identify them. The NMC requires you to remove identifiable information about patients, service users and colleagues.
Yes. The NMC requires written reflective accounts to be recorded on its form.
