Free Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Practice Test : Exam Questions & Study Guide
Preparing for your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration is a critical step for international nurses wishing to work in the UK. The NMC test of competence ensures that applicants have the skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively.
Our comprehensive guide covers everything from the NMC CBT mock test to the practical OSCE examination. Access free NMC CBT practice test resources, study guides, and vital information about the Nursing and Midwifery Council UK standards to help you pass on your first attempt.
NMC Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the NMC - Nursing Midwifery Council exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
NMC Test Flashcards
Quick review for the Nursing and Midwifery Council exam
📚 🩺What is the primary purpose of The Code?
The Code presents the professional standards that nurses, midwives, and nursing associates must uphold in order to be registered to practice in the UK.
🎯 💊What is a key principle of medication administration?
The 6 Rights of Medication Administration: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, and Right Documentation.
💡 🛡️What is Duty of Candour?
The professional duty to be open and honest with patients when something that goes wrong with their treatment or care causes, or has the potential to cause, harm or distress.
🔑 📝How many parts are in the NMC Register?
The register has three main parts: Nurses, Midwives, and Nursing Associates. Each part has different sub-parts based on fields of practice.
📝 🔄What is Revalidation?
The process that all nurses and midwives in the UK need to go through every three years to renew their registration with the NMC.
⭐ ⚖️What happens in a Fitness to Practise hearing?
A panel reviews allegations that a nurse or midwife's fitness to practise is impaired. Outcomes can range from no further action to being struck off the register.
NMC Exam Study Guide
This study guide outlines key aspects of the Nursing and Midwifery Council UK registration process, including the NMC CBT practice test structure and Nursing Midwifery Council registration requirements.
- What is the Nursing and Midwifery Council?
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the professional regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK. It maintains the register of qualified professionals and sets standards for education, training, conduct, and performance.
- Who needs to take the NMC test?
- Nurses and midwives trained outside the UK/EEA who wish to work in the UK must pass the NMC test of competence (CBT and OSCE) to join the register.
- What is the NMC Code?
- The Code Nursing and Midwifery Council publishes outlines professional standards of practice and behavior that all registered nurses and midwives must uphold.
- Where is the Nursing and Midwifery Council address?
- The main Nursing and Midwifery Council address is 23 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PZ, United Kingdom. They also have offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff.
- What is the NMC CBT mock test format?
- The Computer Based Test (CBT) consists of 115 multiple-choice questions covering numeracy and clinical practice. It is the first part of the Test of Competence.
- What is the NMC OSCE exam?
- The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical exam where you demonstrate your clinical skills and knowledge in simulated scenarios.
- How long is the NMC CBT test?
- The NMC CBT test is 3 hours long. It is split into two parts: Part A covers numeracy (15 marks), and Part B covers clinical questions (100 marks).
- Is the NMC numeracy test hard?
- The NMC numeracy test requires basic drug calculation skills. Regular practice with a NMC drug calculations test simulator is recommended to ensure accuracy.
- How do I access the Nursing and Midwifery Council portal?
- You can create an account on the Nursing and Midwifery Council portal (NMC Online) to manage your registration, pay fees, and submit revalidation applications.
- How do I register with the Nursing Midwifery Council?
- To register, you must complete an eligibility check, pass the Test of Competence (CBT & OSCE), provide health and character evidence, and pay the Nursing Midwifery Council registration fee.
- Can I take the CBT exam for nurses online?
- The CBT exam for nurses must be taken at a Pearson VUE test center, though booking is done online. There are centers available worldwide.
- What is the NMC register search?
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council register search allows employers and the public to verify the registration status of any nurse or midwife in the UK.
- When do I get my NMC test result?
- CBT results are typically available within 48 hours via the Nursing and Midwifery Council portal. OSCE results are usually released within 5-10 working days.
- What is the passing score for the NMC CBT?
- The passing score varies slightly but is generally around 68% for the clinical part. For the numeracy section, you typically need to answer most questions correctly.
- Can I retake the NMC test?
- Yes, you can retake the CBT or OSCE up to three times as part of one application. You must wait at least 10 days between CBT attempts.
- How do I check my NMC result?
- Log in to your Pearson VUE NMC account or the NMC portal to view your official exam results and progress your application.
- What is the average NMC nurse salary?
- The starting salary for a newly qualified Band 5 nurse in the UK is approximately £28,407 per year, rising with experience and specialization.
- Do Nursing and Midwifery Council jobs pay well?
- Yes, working for the Nursing and Midwifery Council itself in regulatory or administrative roles offers competitive salaries and benefits packages.
- How does specialization affect salary?
- Specialist nurses (e.g., ICU, Pediatric) and those in senior roles (Band 6/7) can earn significantly more, often ranging from £35,000 to over £50,000 annually.
- Are there extra payments for London nurses?
- Yes, nurses working in London receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS), which increases their basic salary by 5% to 20% depending on the zone.
NMC Test Format & Structure
The NMC test of competence is split into two parts: the CBT and the OSCE. Understanding the format of each NMC exam component is crucial for success.
Focuses on medication dosage calculations and data interpretation.
CalculationsDosageDataMetrics
- Topics: Drug calculations, unit conversion, fluid rates
- Questions: 15 questions
Assesses theoretical knowledge and application of The Code.
ClinicalEthicsCare
- Topics: Adult nursing, mental health, pediatrics
- Questions: 100 questions
Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation scenarios.
AssessmentPlanningEvalCare
- Topics: Patient care journey, documentation
- Questions: 4 stations
Demonstration of specific clinical skills in a simulated setting.
SkillsProceduresSafetyHygiene
- Topics: Injections, catheterisation, CPR
- Questions: 2 pairs (4 stations)
Demonstrating understanding of The Code and ethical practice.
ValuesEthicsCommunicationStandards
- Topics: Confidentiality, consent, candour
- Questions: 1 station
Evidence-based practice and research interpretation.
ResearchEvidenceAnalysisReading
- Topics: Interpreting studies, applying research
- Questions: 1 station
Understanding Nursing and Midwifery Council The Code is essential. It underpins many questions in the CBT exam for nurses and is the basis for professional values stations in the OSCE. Read it thoroughly! UK nurses may also benefit from our CNA practice test.
NMC CBT Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
Estimated score calculation
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Your Score: 105 correct ✓ PASS
NMC Nurse Salary UK
Average annual salary for registered nurses in the UK (NHS Band 5+)
| Role Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Experience |
|---|
| 🏥 Band 5 Nurse | £28,407 | ~£1,850 | Entry Level |
| 👩⚕️ Band 6 Senior | £35,392 | ~£2,200 | 2-5 Years |
| 📋 Band 7 Lead | £43,742 | ~£2,600 | 5+ Years |
| 🩺 Private Nurse | £32,500 | ~£2,050 | Varies |
| 💉 Agency Nurse | £45,000+ | Varies | Contract |
With experience, nurses can move into specialized roles or management, significantly increasing their earning potential in the UK healthcare system.
Preparing for the NMC OSCE Exam
The OSCE exam is a practical assessment that tests clinical competence across six stations, each designed to evaluate a specific nursing skill under timed conditions. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in areas such as patient assessment, clinical procedures, and professional communication to meet NMC registration standards. Thorough preparation for the OSCE exam should include repeated practice with realistic scenarios, as each station allows only limited time to complete the required tasks and achieve a passing score.
How to Register with Nursing and Midwifery Council
The how to register with Nursing and Midwifery Council process involves several steps for international applicants, including the NMC online eligibility check and Test of Competence.
📋 £140Evaluation FeeEligibility Check
💻£83CBT ExamPearson VUE Fee
🏥£794OSCE ExamPractical Test
✅£153RegistrationInitial Entry Fee
🔄£120Annual FeeYearly Retention
✈️VariesTravel/VisaAdditional Costs
Total Investment
Expect to budget around £1,170 for direct NMC fees, plus additional costs for visas, travel, and accommodation for the OSCE.
Nursing and Midwifery Council Jobs
Specialties available after NMC registration
NMC Contact Information
For official queries, contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council UK directly.
NMC Test Day Checklist
Professional Uniform (OSCE) Ready to Pass Your NMC Exam?
Join thousands of nurses who have successfully registered in the UK. Start with our free practice questions today!
Nursing and Midwifery Council Revalidation
Every three years, you must complete the Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation process to maintain your registration. This ensures you remain fit to practice.
Keep a portfolio of your practice and CPD activities. Nursing and Midwifery Council UK revalidation is mandatory to continue working as a nurse or midwife in the UK.
Related Nursing Practice Tests
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 Questions and Answers
What is the NMC register?
The NMC register is a publicly accessible database of all nurses, midwives, and nursing associates who meet the standards required to practice in the United Kingdom. Employers and members of the public can search the register online to verify that a healthcare professional holds a current, valid registration. Only individuals listed on the register are legally permitted to use protected professional titles.
What role does the NMC play in nursing education?
The NMC sets the standards and requirements for all pre-registration nursing and midwifery education programs across the United Kingdom. Universities must gain NMC approval before offering nursing degrees, and curricula must meet specific competency frameworks. The NMC conducts regular quality assurance reviews of approved programs to ensure graduates are safe and competent practitioners upon entering the workforce.
Can a nurse practice in the UK without NMC registration?
No. It is a legal requirement for any nurse, midwife, or nursing associate to hold active NMC registration before practicing in the United Kingdom. Using protected titles such as registered nurse without valid registration is a criminal offense under the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001. Employers are required to verify NMC registration status before hiring any nursing professional.
What are the NMC standards of proficiency for registered nurses?
The NMC standards of proficiency outline the skills and knowledge every registered nurse must demonstrate. They are organized across seven platforms covering topics such as assessing needs, providing evidence-based care, leading and managing nursing care, and improving safety. These standards were last updated in 2018 and apply to all fields of nursing practice including adult, mental health, learning disabilities, and children's nursing.
What is the NMC fitness to practise process?
Fitness to practise is the NMC process for investigating concerns about whether a registered professional is safe to practice. When a complaint is received, a screening team assesses whether the concern reaches the threshold for a full investigation. Cases may proceed to a hearing before a fitness to practise panel, which has the authority to impose conditions, suspend, or permanently remove a nurse from the register.
What are the possible outcomes of an NMC investigation?
An NMC fitness to practise panel can issue several outcomes depending on the severity of the case. These include taking no further action, issuing a caution order lasting one to five years, imposing conditions of practice, suspending registration for up to one year, or issuing a striking-off order that removes the nurse from the register entirely. The nurse has the right to appeal panel decisions through the High Court.
How does the NMC protect the public?
The NMC protects the public through three primary functions: maintaining a register of qualified professionals, setting education and practice standards, and investigating concerns about registrants. The organization publishes the NMC Code, which establishes the professional behavior expected of all nurses and midwives. By holding practitioners accountable to these standards, the NMC aims to maintain public confidence in nursing and midwifery professions.
What is revalidation and why does the NMC require it?
Revalidation is the NMC process that requires all registered nurses and midwives to demonstrate continued fitness to practice every three years. Registrants must complete 450 practice hours, 35 hours of continuing professional development, obtain five pieces of practice-related feedback, and submit five written reflections. A confirmer, who is also an NMC registrant, must verify the application before submission to ensure all requirements are genuinely met.