Academy — NMC CBT

NMC CBT Preparation — UK Nursing & Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test

Comprehensive preparation for the NMC CBT — the first exam on the UK nursing registration pathway. UK-specific clinical content, professional standards, and medicines management focus.

89% first-attempt pass rate 6–10 weeks recommended Nurses and midwives
Exam Details

About the NMC CBT

Full nameNMC CBT — Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test
FormatComputer-based (Pearson VUE)
Questions120 MCQs
Duration3 hours
Pass markScaled score — reported by NMC
ValidityMust take OSCE within 3 years of CBT pass
Exam Domains

Six Test Domains

Professional values

Code of conduct, professional boundaries, NMC standards

Communication

Patient communication, documentation, handover

Nursing practice

Assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation

Leadership

Delegation, prioritisation, team working

Evidence-based practice

Research literacy, clinical guidelines, audit

Medicines management

Drug calculations, administration, pharmacology

After the CBT — the OSCE

Passing the CBT does not complete your NMC registration — it qualifies you to book the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is a practical assessment held in the UK. Our full UK licensing service covers both the CBT and OSCE stages, including OSCE preparation centre referrals and UK arrival logistics. Learn about the full UK pathway →

FAQ

NMC CBT — Common Questions

What is the NMC CBT and why do I need it?

The NMC Computer-Based Test is the first UK registration exam for internationally educated nurses. It tests theoretical nursing knowledge in a UK context. You must pass the CBT before you can book an OSCE (the practical assessment). Both CBT and OSCE must be passed to obtain your NMC PIN.

Where can I sit the NMC CBT?

The CBT is administered by Pearson VUE at international test centres — including in several African countries. You do not need to travel to the UK for the CBT. Your consultant will identify the nearest test centre when you reach the exam stage.

How different is the CBT from NCLEX?

The CBT tests UK nursing context (NMC Code, NHS values, UK medications and protocols) rather than the US clinical framework. If you have studied for NCLEX, some clinical content overlaps — but the UK-specific professional standards and medication names require separate preparation. We advise against treating them as interchangeable.

How long should I prepare for the CBT?

Most candidates need 6–10 weeks of focused preparation. Key areas where internationally educated nurses underperform are the professional values and medicines management domains — which require knowledge of UK-specific standards, not just clinical nursing. Our study plan weights these appropriately.

Pass the CBT and Get Your UK Nursing Career Started

The CBT is the first gate on the NMC pathway. Pass it first time with structured preparation.