NMC CBT Practice Test 2026 — free exam prep

NMC CBT Practice Test

Updated for October 2026
⏱️3 HoursTime Limit
📝115Questions
✅85%Pass Rate
💵£83Exam Fee

The NMC CBT Exam is administered by Pearson VUE and assesses your theoretical knowledge and application of nursing skills. Passing this test allows you to proceed to the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) as part of the UK registration process. For related preparation, explore our NCLEX practice test.

Free Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Study Tools

Interactive Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

Nmc Cbt Practice Test - Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test study guide

NMC CBT Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the NMC CBT - Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Eme...

NMC CBT Exam Questions covering NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management. Master NMC CBT Test concepts for certification prep.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Drug Calculations and Nume...

Free NMC CBT Practice Test featuring NMC-CBT Drug Calculations and Numeracy. Improve your NMC CBT Exam score with mock test prep.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Infection Prevention and C...

NMC CBT Mock Exam on NMC-CBT Infection Prevention and Control. NMC CBT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Legal Frameworks, Consent,...

NMC CBT Test Prep for NMC-CBT Legal Frameworks, Consent, and Capacity. Practice NMC CBT Quiz questions and boost your score.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Medicines Management and P...

NMC CBT Questions and Answers on NMC-CBT Medicines Management and Pharmacology. Free NMC CBT practice for exam readiness.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Patient Safety and Risk As...

NMC CBT Mock Test covering NMC-CBT Patient Safety and Risk Assessment. Online NMC CBT Test practice with instant feedback.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Physiological Observations...

Free NMC CBT Quiz on NMC-CBT Physiological Observations and Escalation. NMC CBT Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

NMC CBT NMC-CBT Safeguarding Vulnerable Ad...

NMC CBT Practice Questions for NMC-CBT Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children. Build confidence for your NMC CBT certification exam.

NMC CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency M...

NMC CBT Test Online for Basic Life Support and Emergency Management. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

NMC CBT Communication and Interpersonal Sk...

NMC CBT Study Material on Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

NMC CBT Drug Calculations and Numeracy

Free NMC CBT Test covering Drug Calculations and Numeracy. Practice and track your NMC CBT exam readiness.

NMC CBT Infection Prevention and Control

NMC CBT Exam Questions covering Infection Prevention and Control. Master NMC CBT Test concepts for certification prep.

NMC CBT Leadership, Management, and Teamwork

Free NMC CBT Practice Test featuring Leadership, Management, and Teamwork. Improve your NMC CBT Exam score with mock test prep.

NMC CBT Legal Frameworks, Consent, and Cap...

NMC CBT Mock Exam on Legal Frameworks, Consent, and Capacity. NMC CBT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

NMC CBT Medicines Management and Pharmacology

NMC CBT Test Prep for Medicines Management and Pharmacology. Practice NMC CBT Quiz questions and boost your score.

NMC CBT Nursing Practice and Decision Making

NMC CBT Questions and Answers on Nursing Practice and Decision Making. Free NMC CBT practice for exam readiness.

NMC CBT Nutrition and Fluid Balance

NMC CBT Mock Test covering Nutrition and Fluid Balance. Online NMC CBT Test practice with instant feedback.

NMC CBT Patient Safety and Risk Assessment

Free NMC CBT Quiz on Patient Safety and Risk Assessment. NMC CBT Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

NMC CBT Physiological Observations and Esc...

NMC CBT Practice Questions for Physiological Observations and Escalation. Build confidence for your NMC CBT certification exam.

NMC CBT Professional Values

NMC CBT Test Online for Professional Values. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

NMC CBT Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and...

NMC CBT Study Material on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

NMC CBT Exam Study Guide

Our NMC CBT Study Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the test. From understanding the NMC CBT Study Materials to knowing the registration steps, we cover everything you need.

What is the NMC CBT exam?
The NMC CBT (Computer Based Test) is Part 1 of the Test of Competence required for overseas nurses to register in the UK.
Who needs to take the NMC CBT?
Nurses and midwives trained outside the UK or EEA, or those returning to practice, must take the NMC CBT exam.
Is the NMC CBT exam hard?
The NMC CBT can be challenging, but with proper preparation using NMC CBT practice tests, candidates have a high pass rate.
What is the difference between CBT and OSCE?
The NMC CBT is a theoretical computer-based exam, while the OSCE is a practical exam testing clinical skills.

NMC CBT Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct✓PASS

NMC CBT Salary Information

Passing the NMC CBT Exam opens the door to a rewarding career as a UK registered nurse. Salaries vary by band and experience. For related preparation, explore our IELTS practice test.

Role LevelAnnual SalaryMonthly IncomeExperience
🏥 Newly Qualified (Band 5)£28,407~£1,800Entry Level
💉 Senior Nurse (Band 6)£35,392~£2,2002-5 Years
📋 Ward Manager (Band 7)£43,742~£2,6005+ Years
👩‍⚕️ Matron (Band 8a)£50,952~£3,000Senior Role
🏆 Director (Band 9)£99,891~£5,200Executive
Cbt Exam For Nurses - Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test study guide

NMC CBT Test Day Checklist

  • ✓Valid Passport (ID)
  • ✓Pearson VUE Confirmation
  • ✓NMC Candidate ID
  • ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
  • ✓No Personal Items
  • ✓Review CBT Materials
  • ✓Read Exam Rules
  • ✓Relax and Focus

Free NMC CBT Mock Test

Ready to check your knowledge? Take our comprehensive NMC CBT Practice Exam to assess your readiness for the real test.

Free NMC CBT Mock Test - (NMC CBT) Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test

NMC CBT Renewal Requirements

📅

Cycle

3 Years

⏱️

Practice Hours

450 Hrs

📝

CPD Hours

35 Hrs

Ensure you keep a portfolio of your practice and CPD to meet NMC revalidation requirements. The NMC CBT is just the start of your professional journey.

If you are preparing for a career in nursing, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

Prepare for the CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant — the foundational certification for nursing assistants, covering patient care, vital signs, and daily living activities.

Prepare for the NCLEX - National Council Licensure Examination — the national licensure exam for registered nurses, testing clinical judgment and patient safety across all nursing domains.

Prepare for the TEAS - Test of Essential Academic Skills — a standardized admissions test for nursing programs, assessing reading, math, science, and English language skills.

Prepare for the CCRN - Review — a specialty certification for nurses working in critical care units, covering hemodynamic monitoring and ventilator management.

Prepare for the PCCN - Exam — the Progressive Care Certified Nurse exam for nurses in step-down and telemetry units.

NMC CBT Test Format and Structure

The NMC CBT test is a computer-based assessment with 115 multiple-choice questions that internationally educated nurses must pass to register with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council. Candidates have four hours to complete Part A (numeracy and clinical questions based on the NMC Test of Competence framework) covering the four domains of professional values, communication, nursing practice, and leadership.

CBT Test Pass Mark and Scoring

The pass mark for the NMC CBT test is typically around 67%, though it varies slightly by question set due to Angoff standard-setting. Results are issued within 48 hours, and candidates who fail can retake the CBT test after a minimum 10-day waiting period, up to three attempts within 12 months.

✅Pros
  • +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
  • +Increases job market competitiveness
  • +Provides structured learning goals
  • +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
❌Cons
  • −Study materials can be expensive
  • −Exam anxiety can affect performance
  • −Requires dedicated preparation time
  • −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
🩺

🩺 What is the NMC CBT exam?

The NMC CBT (Computer Based Test) is Part 1 of the NMC Test of Competence required for internationally trained nurses and midwives to register in the UK. Passing an NMC CBT practice test regularly before sitting the real exam is the best way to prepare for both the numeracy and clinical sections.

START NMC CBT PRACTICE TEST
📝

📝 How is the NMC CBT structured?

The NMC CBT practice test free online resources mirror the real format: 115 multiple-choice questions split into Part A (15 numeracy questions) and Part B (100 clinical questions covering professional values, communication, nursing practice, and leadership).

START NMC CBT NUMERACY PRACTICE TEST
🏢

🏢 Where do I take the Pearson VUE CBT practice test exam?

The NMC CBT is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres in over 180 countries, so most candidates can sit it in their home country before travelling to the UK for the OSCE. Book through your Pearson VUE account once the NMC confirms you are eligible to test.

START PEARSON VUE NMC CBT PRACTICE TEST
💊

💊 What does the numeracy section of the NMC CBT for nurses cover?

Part A tests drug calculations, dosage conversions, and fluid balance under a strict time limit. An on-screen calculator is provided, but no personal calculators are allowed, so practising with NMC CBT drug calculation questions beforehand builds speed and accuracy.

START DRUG CALCULATIONS PRACTICE TEST
🦠

🦠 What clinical topics show up on CBT exam questions and answers?

Part B clinical questions draw heavily on infection prevention and control, patient safety, safeguarding, and physiological observations. Reviewing NMC CBT exam questions and answers on these domains before test day is one of the most efficient ways to close knowledge gaps.

START INFECTION PREVENTION PRACTICE TEST
⚖️

⚖️ Why do legal and safeguarding questions matter on the NMC CBT?

Consent, capacity, and safeguarding scenarios test whether you can apply UK nursing law correctly under pressure, which is why the NMC weights them heavily in Part B. A dedicated NMC CBT practice test on legal frameworks helps you recognise these scenario-based questions quickly.

START LEGAL FRAMEWORKS PRACTICE TEST
💰

💰 How much does the NMC CBT cost?

The NMC CBT exam fee is £83, paid directly to Pearson VUE at booking and separate from the NMC application fee. Candidates who need to resit must pay the £83 fee again for each attempt, which is a strong reason to prepare thoroughly with free NMC CBT practice tests first.

START MEDICINES MANAGEMENT PRACTICE TEST
📊

📊 When and how do I get NMC CBT results?

Results are typically emailed within 48 hours of completing the exam, and the NMC only publishes an overall pass or fail for each part rather than a numeric score. Candidates who fail one part only need to resit that part, not the entire CBT.

START PATIENT SAFETY PRACTICE TEST
🆔

🆔 What materials for preparation and ID do I need for test day?

Bring a valid passport matching your NMC registration name exactly, plus a secondary signed ID such as a national ID card or driving licence — photocopies and expired documents are rejected. Pair official CBT for nurses materials for preparation, like the NMC test blueprint, with timed mock tests.

START SAFEGUARDING PRACTICE TEST
🎓

🎓 What happens after I pass the NMC CBT?

A pass on the NMC CBT is valid for two years, during which you must also pass the OSCE practical exam to complete UK registration. Many candidates use an NMC CBT practice test alongside OSCE preparation so both parts of the Test of Competence stay on track together.

START COMMUNICATION SKILLS PRACTICE TEST

Sample Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. You are caring for a patient who is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids and develops redness and swelling at the IV insertion site. What is your first action?

    • A. Increase the flow rate of the IV fluids.
    • B. Remove the IV and assess for signs of infection.
    • C. Administer pain medication and continue the IV fluids.
    • D. Apply a warm compress and monitor the site.

Answer: B. Remove the IV and assess for signs of infection.

Redness and swelling at an IV insertion site are signs of potential complications such as phlebitis or infiltration. The immediate and safest action is to remove the IV catheter to prevent further tissue damage or infection. After removal, the site should be assessed for the severity of the complication and appropriate interventions initiated.

  • You are caring for an 85-year-old man who appears unkempt, has lost weight, and whose son, his primary carer, seems dismissive of your concerns. What type of abuse should you be most alert to?

    • A. Financial abuse
    • B. Physical abuse
    • C. Neglect
    • D. Psychological abuse
  • Answer: C. Neglect

    Poor personal hygiene, unexplained weight loss, and an unkempt appearance are classic signs of neglect. This occurs when a carer fails to provide the necessary care, food, or medical attention for a vulnerable person.

  • You are working as part of a healthcare team, and one of your colleagues has been repeatedly late for shifts. What is the most appropriate course of action?

    • A. Speak to the colleague directly to address the issue.
    • B. Report the colleague to the manager without speaking to them first.
    • C. Ignore the issue, as it does not directly affect your work.
    • D. Discuss the issue with other colleagues to understand if it is a common problem.
  • Answer: A. Speak to the colleague directly to address the issue.

    Addressing professional issues directly with a colleague is often the first and most appropriate step, promoting open communication and accountability. This allows for an informal resolution and gives the colleague an opportunity to explain or rectify their behavior. If the issue persists or impacts patient safety, then escalation to a manager would be necessary.

  • You are caring for a patient who does not speak your language. What is the best course of action?

    • A. Use hand gestures and facial expressions to communicate.
    • B. Arrange for a professional interpreter to assist with communication.
    • C. Ask the patient’s family member to interpret.
    • D. Avoid detailed communication to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Answer: B. Arrange for a professional interpreter to assist with communication.

    Accurate and clear communication is paramount for patient safety and effective care, especially when there is a language barrier. Professional interpreters are trained to convey medical information precisely and impartially, ensuring informed consent and accurate symptom assessment. Relying on family members can lead to misunderstandings, bias, or a lack of medical terminology.

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    NMC CBT Questions and Answers

    Official Resources

    About the Author

    Dr. Sarah Mitchell
    Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

    Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

    Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

    Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.

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