Measuring the competence that shapes contemporary nursing
The NPC Research Group has developed the Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Scales—validated instruments used worldwide to assess, understand, and strengthen the competence and practice of nursing students and registered nurses.
01 — The Project
A Global Measure of Nursing Competence
The Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Scales provide a globally recognized measure of nursing competence, supporting the evaluation and improvement of quality of care and patient safety across healthcare settings.
02 — Global reach
The NPC Scale Around the World
Countries highlighted in green are where the NPC Scale has been used, with results published in scientific studies (30 countries).
- Albania
- Australia
- Austria
- China
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Norway
- Palestine
- Poland
- Portugal
- Saudi Arabia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
03 — The NPC Scales
The NPC Scales
Developed and validated by the research group, the NPC Scales measure self-reported professional competence. They have been translated into several languages and are used by universities, hospitals and researchers worldwide.
Read more about the scales →
04 — The People
A collective of Swedish nursing researchers
The NPC Research Group consists of researchers from across Sweden who together developed the NPC Scale. Members contribute expertise across nursing education, clinical practice, and psychometrics.
- 01
PresidentJan NilssonProfessor in Nursing and Caring ScienceRN, MESc, RNT, PhDRead bio → - MC02Honorary MemberMarianne CarlssonProfessor Emerita in Caring SciencesProfessor EmeritaRead bio →
- ME03Maria EngströmProfessor in Nursing · Head of ResearchRN, PhDRead bio →
- AF04Anne FlodénResearcherRN, PhDRead bio →
- AG05Ann GardulfProfessorRN, PhDRead bio →
- DH06Denice HögstedtLecturer in NursingRN, PhDRead bio →
- 07
Anna HollstenUniversity Lecturer in NursingRN, MHN, PhD-studentRead bio → - ML08Maria LarssonProfessor in NursingRN, PhDRead bio →
- JL09Janeth LeksellAssociate Professor in NursingRN, PhDRead bio →
- 10
Margret LeppProfessor EmeritaRN, RNT, PhDRead bio →
05 — Latest news
From the group
NPC Scale Demonstrates Global Reach and Strong Scientific Foundation in New International Review
International Perspectives on Nurse Professional Competence: First International NPC Workshop Brings Researchers Together
International Perspectives on Nurse Professional Competence — The First International NPC Workshop 2026
06 — Contact
Interested in using the NPC Scale?
The NPC Research Group welcomes collaboration with researchers, educators and clinical partners. Reach out for permission, translations, or joint studies.
Get in touch →