NMC CBT Booking Process — Step by Step
Booking the NMC CBT involves two separate systems — the NMC online portal and Pearson VUE — and several steps that must happen in the right order. This guide walks you through every stage.
At a glance
Two separate systems
The NMC manages your registration application and determines your eligibility for the CBT. Pearson VUE is the independent testing provider that delivers and administers the exam. You must interact with both. The NMC grants permission; Pearson VUE handles the booking and the test itself.
Apply to the NMC
Several weeks to months
Before you can book the CBT, the NMC must review your application and confirm that you are eligible to sit the exam. Submit your application through the NMC's online portal at nmc.org.uk. You will need to provide your nursing qualification certificates, transcript, identity documents, and proof of English language proficiency. The NMC will also contact your regulatory body to verify your licence.
Start your NMC application as early as possible. Document verification — particularly from overseas regulatory bodies — can take several months. Delays at this stage affect when you can book the CBT.
Receive your NMC eligibility confirmation
NMC-dependent
Once the NMC has reviewed your documents and confirmed you meet the eligibility criteria for the Test of Competence, they will issue you with a formal confirmation that you can proceed to book the CBT. This confirmation is sent to your NMC online account and by email. Without this confirmation, Pearson VUE cannot accept your booking.
Do not attempt to book the CBT through Pearson VUE before receiving NMC eligibility confirmation. The system requires an authorisation code or confirmation reference linked to your NMC application.
Create a Pearson VUE account
A few minutes
The NMC CBT is administered exclusively by Pearson VUE. Go to pearsonvue.com and create a candidate account if you do not already have one. Use the same name and date of birth as on the identification document you will bring to the test centre — any mismatch can prevent you from sitting the exam.
Find and select a test centre
Varies by location
Log in to your Pearson VUE account and search for the NMC CBT under your account's exam list. Select 'NMC CBT' and search for available test centres. You can filter by country and city. Pearson VUE has test centres across the UK, India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, and many other countries. You are not required to sit in the UK.
Test centre availability varies significantly by location. Popular centres — particularly in cities with large nursing populations — can be booked weeks or months in advance. Check availability early and book as soon as you are ready.
Choose your exam date and time
A few minutes
Once you have selected a test centre, the booking system will show available dates and time slots. Choose a date that gives you sufficient preparation time — resist the temptation to book the earliest available slot if you are not ready. You will see the exam broken into Part A (numeracy) and Part B (clinical knowledge), both sat in the same session.
Book your preferred date well in advance, especially during busy periods (Q1 and Q3 tend to be busiest). Cancellations are possible but attract a fee within a certain window — check the Pearson VUE terms before booking.
Pay the exam fee
At time of booking
The CBT examination fee is paid at the time of booking through the Pearson VUE portal. The fee is set by the NMC and reviewed periodically — check the current fee on the NMC website before booking. Payment is accepted by major credit and debit cards. Fees are non-refundable if you cancel within the late-cancellation window.
Receive your booking confirmation
Immediately after booking
You will receive a booking confirmation email from Pearson VUE with your exam date, time, test centre address, and a confirmation number. Save this. Print a copy or have it accessible on your phone. Some test centres ask to see it on arrival.
Prepare and arrive on test day
Arrive 30 minutes early
On the day of your exam, arrive at the Pearson VUE test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Late arrivals are not admitted. You will need to present a valid, original, government-issued photo ID — a passport is the most reliable option. Bring nothing else — all personal belongings including phones, bags, and food must be stored in a locker provided by the centre.
Accepted identification: valid passport, or government-issued national ID card with photo. Your ID must exactly match the name on your Pearson VUE account. Expired documents are not accepted.
Rescheduling and cancellation
Life happens. If you need to reschedule or cancel your CBT, here is what you need to know:
Rescheduling
You can reschedule your exam through your Pearson VUE account up to a certain number of days before your scheduled date without a fee. Within the late-reschedule window, a fee applies. Check the current Pearson VUE rescheduling policy for the NMC CBT — terms can vary.
Cancellation
Cancellations made well in advance may qualify for a refund or credit. Cancellations within the late-cancellation window typically result in forfeiture of the exam fee. Review the Pearson VUE cancellation policy before deciding — do not cancel without checking the financial implications.
No-show
If you do not arrive for your scheduled exam and have not rescheduled or cancelled in advance, you will typically forfeit the fee and need to pay again to rebook. This is the most expensive outcome — always notify Pearson VUE in advance if you cannot attend.
What to expect at the test centre
Knowing what happens when you arrive removes unnecessary anxiety on the day.
- ✓You will be asked to present your ID at the reception desk. The name must exactly match your Pearson VUE account.
- ✓You will be photographed and your signature may be taken as part of the check-in process.
- ✓All personal belongings — bag, phone, food, jacket — must go into a locker. You take nothing into the testing room.
- ✓You will be given a whiteboard and pen for working. You cannot use paper. A calculator is available on screen for Part A.
- ✓The exam interface allows you to flag questions and return to them before submitting each part. Use this if you are unsure about an answer — always answer, then flag, never leave blank.
- ✓At the end of the session, your provisional result will appear on screen.
- ✓You can leave the testing room between Part A and Part B if needed — speak to a proctor.
Common questions
Can I sit the CBT outside the UK?
Yes. Pearson VUE administers the NMC CBT in many countries including India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, and others. You do not need to be in the UK to sit the CBT — only the OSCE must be sat in the UK.
How soon can I book after receiving NMC eligibility?
As soon as you have your eligibility confirmation from the NMC, you can log in to Pearson VUE and book. The availability of slots depends on your preferred test centre — popular centres can be booked weeks in advance.
What ID do I need at the test centre?
A valid, government-issued photo ID — a passport is the most reliable. National ID cards are accepted at most centres. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your Pearson VUE account.
Can I take breaks during the exam?
Unscheduled breaks are possible — speak to a proctor. However, the exam clock continues running. Toilet breaks are permitted but your time is not paused. Plan accordingly.
What if I have a disability or require adjustments?
Pearson VUE provides reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, medical conditions, or other needs. You must request adjustments when booking — not on the day. Contact Pearson VUE and the NMC in advance to arrange this.