The Complete NMC CBT Study Guide
Everything you need to understand, prepare for, and pass the NMC Computer Based Test — from exam structure to test-day strategy.
In this guide
What is the NMC CBT?
The NMC Computer Based Test (CBT) is a multiple-choice examination set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council for internationally educated nurses and midwives (IENMs) applying for registration to practise in the UK. It is one of three components of the NMC's Test of Competence — alongside the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
The CBT assesses whether your nursing knowledge meets the standards required to practise safely in the UK. It is not designed to catch you out — it tests the clinical reasoning and professional knowledge that any competent nurse should have, applied to a UK context.
Key fact
The CBT is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. You do not need to be in the UK to sit it — many candidates take the test in their home country before travelling.
Exam structure — Part A and Part B
The CBT is split into two parts, both sat in the same session. You have 3 hours in total.
Part A — Numeracy
15 questions · ~30 minutes
Drug calculations, IV infusion rates, fluid balance, and metric conversions. A calculator is provided. All questions require a numerical answer — no multiple choice.
Part B — Clinical Knowledge
85 questions · ~2.5 hours
Multiple-choice questions (one best answer from four options) across seven clinical domains. Tests your ability to apply nursing knowledge to UK practice scenarios.
You must pass both parts to pass the CBT overall. If you fail one part, you only need to resit that part — you do not need to retake the entire exam.
The 7 clinical domains
Part B questions are drawn from seven domains, mapped to the NMC Standards of Proficiency. Questions are not labelled by domain in the exam — you simply work through 85 clinical scenarios.
Being an Accountable Professional
Professional accountability, the NMC Code, duty of candour, consent, and record keeping.
Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health
Health promotion, public health, vaccination, screening, and working with communities.
Assessing Needs and Planning Care
Clinical assessment, care planning, risk assessment, and prioritisation.
Providing and Evaluating Care
Direct nursing care, clinical procedures, medicines management, and care evaluation.
Leading and Managing Nursing Care
Delegation, supervision, leadership, safe staffing, and escalation.
Improving Safety and Quality of Care
Incident reporting, clinical governance, infection control, and quality improvement.
Coordinating Care
Multidisciplinary team working, discharge planning, referrals, and care transitions.
Part A numeracy
Part A is often the section candidates worry about most — but it is highly predictable. The same question types appear in every sitting. Master these six categories and Part A becomes straightforward:
- ✓Metric unit conversions — e.g. convert 1.5 g to mg, or 500 mcg to mg
- ✓Oral medication calculations — tablets and liquids — how many tablets/how many mL?
- ✓Injection calculations — stock solution to required dose
- ✓IV infusion rates — mL/hr and drops/min
- ✓Fluid balance — total intake vs output over a shift
- ✓Correct dose — weight-based and BSA-based dosing
Tip
Always show your working, even mentally. The most common mistake is misplacing a decimal point under time pressure. Practise until the formula is automatic, not just familiar.
Who needs to sit it?
All internationally educated nurses and midwives applying to join the NMC register must complete the Test of Competence, which includes the CBT. This applies regardless of your country of training — including nurses from the EU/EEA who no longer benefit from automatic recognition.
The CBT is available for six NMC registration pathways:
RNA
Registered Adult Nurse
RNC
Children's Nurse
RNMH
Mental Health Nurse
RNLD
Learning Disabilities Nurse
RM
Registered Midwife
NAR
Nursing Associate
How to prepare
The CBT is a test of applied nursing knowledge in a UK context — not just recall. The most effective preparation combines reading UK clinical guidelines with active question practice.
Read the NMC Code
The Code underpins a significant proportion of Part B questions. Read it thoroughly — not just as a compliance document, but as a framework for clinical decision-making.
Familiarise yourself with UK clinical guidelines
NICE guidelines, SBAR communication, the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2), the Mental Capacity Act, and UK medicines management standards all feature regularly.
Practise questions daily
Passive reading is not enough. Regular question practice helps you apply knowledge under test conditions, identify weak areas, and build exam technique.
Drill numeracy separately
Allocate specific time to Part A. Work through every calculation type until you are confident in the method, then practise under timed conditions.
Sit a full mock exam
Before your test date, simulate the full 3-hour exam. This builds stamina and helps you gauge whether your timing is realistic.
What to expect on test day
The CBT is delivered at a Pearson VUE test centre. You will need a valid passport or national ID — no other ID is accepted. Arrive at least 30 minutes early; late arrivals are not admitted.
You will be given a locker for your belongings. A whiteboard and pen are provided for working — you cannot use paper. The onscreen calculator is available for Part A. Questions can be flagged and reviewed before you submit each part.
Results are typically available within a few weeks via the NMC online portal. If you do not pass, you can rebook after a waiting period and retake only the part(s) you did not pass.