NMC Test of Competence CBT 2026-2027 : 1000 MCQ with Answers

The NMC Test of Competence CBT is the computer-based part of the assessment used by the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council for many internationally educated nurses and midwives seeking registration in the UK. It tests the knowledge and clinical decision-making expected for safe practice and is normally followed by the practical OSCE if both parts are required.

Many internationally educated nurses and midwives must pass the CBT as part of the NMC registration process. The NMC decides whether it is required after reviewing an applicant’s education, registration and supporting evidence, so applicants should check their individual eligibility decision rather than relying only on general guidance.

The CBT is divided into a numeracy section and a clinical section, with a total of 115 questions in the current format. Candidates are given three hours for the assessment, with instructions and arrangements such as any available break explained by the test provider.

The CBT covers areas linked to the NMC standards, including clinical assessment, nursing care planning, patient safety, infection prevention, medicines management, pharmacology and anatomy. Revision should also include respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems, together with wound care and pressure injury prevention.

The CBT uses computer-based questions, including selected-response formats such as multiple-choice questions, and it also assesses numeracy. Read each question carefully, identify the key clinical information and select the safest answer based on current professional practice.

The NMC sets the registration requirements and the content standards for the Test of Competence. The computer-based test is delivered through an approved test-provider network, so it is not a school examination with boards such as AQA, OCR or Pearson Edexcel.

The pass standard is set for the assessment rather than presented as a school-style grade boundary. Because standards and test arrangements can change, candidates should check the latest NMC information and their result notification for the applicable outcome instead of relying on unofficial pass-mark claims.

You normally begin through the NMC registration process and must receive confirmation or authorisation before arranging the test. Once authorised, follow the current booking instructions from the approved test provider, choose an available centre or permitted delivery option, and make sure your identification details match your application.

Start with the NMC standards and test blueprint, then make a revision plan covering numeracy, clinical assessment, medicines safety, infection prevention, anatomy and common nursing care priorities. Use timed practice to improve decision-making, review every mistake and revise the rationale rather than memorising answer patterns.

Read the result information carefully and identify the areas that need improvement before attempting the test again. Check the current NMC resit and booking rules, observe any required waiting period, and use the feedback to target revision in clinical knowledge, numeracy and safe-practice principles.