Computer Based Training

All you need to know about the CBT exam

The NMC CBT exam is a competence-based evaluation that assesses the skills and abilities of individuals who wish to join or re-join the NHS, either from within or outside the UK, after a prolonged period away from the profession.

The first part of the Test of Competence is a computer-based assessment called CBT.

What is a Competency-based Test/ Assessment?

CBT is a component of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) registration process which assesses the core competencies, knowledge, and attitudes required for safe and effective nursing practice within the UK.

What is the purpose of the CBT test?

The CBT exam evaluates your understanding and application of different aspects of nursing and midwifery practices in the UK. It includes questions that consider your skills in analysing, synthesizing, and assessing other areas of practice, such as: 

1. adult nursing
2. child nursing
3. learning disability
4. nursing
5. mental health nursing
6. midwifery.

In order to gain UK registration in the area of nursing, you are interested in, you must complete a Competency-Based Test (CBT) that will assess your skills relevant to that nursing speciality. The CBT must be completed in a practice setting.

CBT Exam Format

The CBT consists of two sections: Part A focuses on numeracy skills, and Part B includes questions related to nursing or midwifery.

Part Number of questions Time Question type

Part A – Numeracy 15 30 minutes The nursing numeracy exams and practice tests include questions that assess your numeracy skills in a variety of contexts, such as adult, child, mental health, or learning disabilities.
Part B _ Clinical 100 2 hours 30 minutes

How much is the NMC CBT exam fee?

The fee for taking both parts of the CBT is £83. If you need to retake the CBT, the following fees will apply: 

1. Resit Part A and Part B: £83
2. Resit Part A only: £50
3. Resit Part B only: £70

How can I book a CBT exam?

Once the NMC has determined that you must take the test, Pearson Vue will email your account details and a temporary password to log in. If you are taking the Test of Competence for return to practice, you will need to book it through your NMC Online account.

Once you receive a confirmation email from Pearson Vue that your account has been successfully created, you can log in and use it to book and pay for your exam.

Login into the site:

click on ‘view exams.’ 
select the exam as same as your application.
select Part A and Part B for your first attempt.

Which exams and modules should I choose?

Ensure you select the correct exam that applies to your application type. If you take the wrong exam, your application won’t be accepted, and you will need to retake it and pay the fees again.

Adult nurse – RNA
Mental health nurse – RNMH
Learning disabilities nurse – RNLD
Children’s nurse – RNC
Midwife – RM

How do I prepare for CBT?

Many candidates are sceptical about CBT training once they finish OET or IELTS. They often ask whether they need to take institutional training or online training. They can go to the Pearson Vue website and practice the mock test to get an overview of CBT. If they want an in-depth explanation of all the domains and the questions, please join Tiju’s Academy, as we provide intensive training and have a 100 per cent result. The questions we provide for CBT are up-to-date and have doubt-clearance sessions which ease the study. 

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