NMC CBT format, in plain numbers.
The CBT is part one of the NMC Test of Competence. It has 115 questions in 3 hours: Part A, 15 numeracy questions in 30 minutes, then Part B, 100 clinical questions with four options each, in 2 hours 30 minutes. You pass or fail each part separately, and the test costs £83. [S2] [S1] [S4]
The two parts
| What | Part A: numeracy | Part B: clinical |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 15 | 100 |
| Time | 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Answer | A number you type, sometimes with its unit | One best answer of four |
| Suggested pace | 2 minutes a question at most | 1.5 minutes a question at most |
[S2] [S5] [S4] In Part A you work on an erasable note board and an on-screen calculator is available. [S4]
How it is marked
- Each question is right or wrong, with no partial credit and no negative marking, so answer every one. [S4]
- Pick the answer you believe is the most correct; you can review and change answers. [S4]
- The 2021 test specification gives the Part A pass mark as 13 out of 15. Part B pass marks vary by field, generally 60% to 70%. [S5]
- You get a pass or fail for each part straight after the test, and no further feedback. [S2]
Fees, attempts and resits
- £83 for both parts. Resits: both parts £83, Part A £50, Part B £70. [S2]
- You resit only the part you failed. [S2]
- Three attempts in one application, at least 10 days apart, all within one year. [S2]
- After three failed attempts the application closes and you wait six months. [S2]
Booking and the day
- Book the CBT for your part of the register, for example RNA for adult nursing; a mismatch is not accepted. [S2]
- Arrive 30 minutes early with the passport you gave the NMC. [S4] [S2]
- Reasonable adjustments can include up to 25% extra time. [S4]
- The CBT and the OSCE can be taken in either order, within two years of each other. [S2] [S1]
What the clinical part covers
Part B follows the seven platforms of the NMC's Future nurse standards plus two annexes, communication and procedures. About 10% of questions are specific to your nursing field. [S4] [S6] [S5] See the blueprint, counted.