This article focuses on the level of confidence in students exiting from three pre-registration programmes leading to a midwifery qualification. Confidence was explored using a tool covering 24 basic skills. This was given to students from 18-month, 3-year and 4-year courses on the last day of their course. A total of 45 responded. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Generally all scores were similar from 18-month and 4-year students but this may have occurred because of curriculum similarities. Three-year students showed a wider variation of confidence levels in all skills. Multiple factors play a part in developing confidence, including the quality of the learning experience, the educational programme and personality. These need further exploration.