Everthing You Need To Know About NMCs CBT Exams

Everything You Need to Know About NMC’s CBT Exams

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK requires nurses and midwives trained outside the European Economic Area to pass a test of competence to register and practice in the UK. This test of competence consists of two parts: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This blog will focus on the CBT, providing you with all the essential details you need to know.

What is the CBT?

The CBT is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess your knowledge and ability to practice nursing safely in the UK. It consists of 120 questions, which you must complete within four hours. The questions are divided into three categories:

• 50 questions on generic nursing competencies.
• 50 questions on the application of these competencies to your specific field of nursing (e.g., adult, child, learning disability, or mental health nursing).
• 20 questions on specific competencies required for your field of nursing¹.

Key Areas Tested

The CBT will test you on the following areas:

• Professional values
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Nursing practice and decision making
• Leadership, management, and teamwork¹.

How to Apply for the CBT

To apply, you need to follow these steps:

1. Ensure Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the NMC’s requirements for registration.
2. Receive Authorization: The NMC will notify you if you need to take the test of competence.
3. Book Your Exam: You can book your CBT through Pearson VUE, which has test centers in most countries².

Exam Preparation Tips

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the CBT:

• Time Management: Spend less than two minutes on each question to ensure you complete the exam on time.
• Answer Strategy: Choose the answer you feel is most correct if multiple answers seem plausible.
• UK Practices: Base your answers on UK nursing practices rather than those from your home country¹.

Receiving Your Results

You will receive your CBT results via email within 48 hours of taking the exam. You can also check your results by logging into your Pearson VUE account¹.

What If You Fail?

If you fail the Exam, the NMC allows you to retake the exam up to three times as part of your registration application¹.

Fees

The fee for sitting both parts of the CBT (numeracy and clinical) is £83. If you need to resit, the fees are:

• Resit Part A and Part B: £83
• Resit Part A only: £50
• Resit Part B only: £70².

Conclusion

The NMC’s CBT is a crucial step for nurses and midwives trained outside the EEA to practice in the UK. By understanding the structure, content, and preparation strategies for the CBT, you can approach the exam with confidence and increase your chances of success.