CBT Courses

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the professional regulator for nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom (UK) has approved the development and administration of a two part test of competence for nurses and midwives seeking registration in the UK.

The first of these tests is a computer based test (CBT) and can be undertaken at various Pearson VUE test and professional centres. Since October 2014, nurses and midwives trained outside the European Economic Area who are seeking UK registration must pass the NMC test of competence. This test consists of two parts and measures applicants against current pre-registration education standards. It assesses the essential professional knowledge, skills and attitudes required for safe and effective nursing or midwifery practice in the UK.

The CBT is multiple choice and can be taken at a Pearson VUE test centre available in most countries around the world. Candidates will be given a short tutorial on how to use the computer before starting the examination. The CBT comprises 120 multiple-choice questions. All questions are scored as correct or incorrect and there is no partial credit. A small number of questions will not be scored as they are pre-test questions, these questions will not be indicated to candidates. A proportion of questions will be critical and relate to patient and public safety. Critical questions must be passed. The time limit for direct testing is four hours and this includes any breaks from testing, which are optional.