United KingdomNMC CBT (computer-based test)
Definition
The NMC CBT is the computer-based test that forms part one of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's Test of Competence for nurses and midwives trained outside the UK. It has a numeracy part and a clinical part, is delivered by Pearson VUE in test centres in most countries, and must be passed alongside the OSCE before the NMC will register you.
Also called: NMC computer based test, CBT for nurses, Test of Competence part 1, NMC CBT exam
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What is the NMC CBT?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) uses the Test of Competence to assess people applying to join its register from overseas. The Test of Competence has two parts: the CBT, a multiple-choice computer-based test, and the OSCE, a practical exam.
The NMC sets out the CBT structure as:
- Part A, Numeracy: 15 questions in 30 minutes.
- Part B, Clinical: 100 questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
You take the version that matches the part of the register you are applying to: adult nurse (RNA), mental health nurse (RNMH), learning disabilities nurse (RNLD), children's nurse (RNC) or midwife (RM). If your CBT does not match your application type, the NMC will not accept it and you will need to retake and pay for the correct one.
Who needs to take the CBT?
Nurses and midwives who do not hold a relevant European qualification meeting the requirements for automatic recognition need to take the Test of Competence, and so the CBT. The NMC also uses it for some people rejoining the register who lack enough practice hours. Nursing associates have a separate version of the Test of Competence.
How to book and sit the CBT
- Apply to the NMC and complete the eligibility and qualification stage.
- Once the NMC confirms you need the Test of Competence, Pearson VUE emails you to say your account has been created.
- Log in, choose the exam and both modules that match your application type, and pay. You will be charged a total of £83 at checkout when you book both modules.
- Sit the test at a Pearson VUE centre, showing the same valid passport you gave the NMC.
- You get a pass or fail for Part A and Part B. Your NMC account updates within 48 hours.
You can take the CBT and OSCE in either order, but you must pass both within two years of each other.
What it costs and how resits work
The NMC lists the CBT at £83 for a first sitting and £83 for a full resit. A partial resit costs £70 for the clinical part only or £50 for numeracy only.
- Part A and Part B are sat together but passed or failed independently, so you only resit the part you failed.
- You have three attempts within one application, at least 10 days apart, and all within one year.
- After three failed attempts your application closes and you must wait six months before a new application.
Common problems
- Wrong exam code. Booking a CBT that does not match your part of the register means paying again.
- Passport mismatch. The passport you show must be the one in your NMC account. Tell the NMC about a new passport early, as updates can take up to seven working days.
- No detailed feedback. The NMC does not give further feedback on CBT results, to protect the test.
For preparation tips and the full UK route, see our NMC CBT guide.
Questions
Usually, yes. The NMC says Pearson VUE has test centres in most countries around the world. You book once the NMC confirms you need the Test of Competence.
No. The NMC says you can sit the CBT or OSCE in any order, but you must pass both, within two years of each other, to continue your application.
You only resit the part you failed. The NMC lists a numeracy-only partial resit at £50, and each sitting counts as one of your three attempts.
There must be at least 10 days between sittings, and all three attempts must be taken within one year. After that, you need to resit both modules.
You must pass the CBT and OSCE within two years of each other. Once you have passed both, the NMC says your Test of Competence remains valid for five years.
Yes. The NMC points to free CBT practice tests on Pearson VUE's website, which do not need to be booked.