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NMC Test of Competence (computer-based test and OSCE)

NMC CBT & OSCE 2026: syllabus and exam pattern

The NMC Test of Competence is how nurses trained outside the UK show they meet the NMC’s standards. Part 1, the computer-based test, has Part A numeracy (15 questions, 30 minutes) and Part B clinical knowledge for your field (100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours 30 minutes), taken at Pearson VUE centres worldwide. Part 2 is a 10-station OSCE at an NMC-approved centre in the UK, assessing care through the APIE framework, clinical skills, professional values and evidence-based practice.

Start practising Exam pattern

NMC CBT & OSCE exam pattern

CBT Part A
Numeracy: 15 questions, 30 minutes
CBT Part B
Clinical: 100 MCQs, 2 h 30 min
CBT venue
Pearson VUE, worldwide incl. India
OSCE
10 stations at a UK test centre
Fields
Adult, children’s, mental health, learning disabilities, midwifery, nursing associate

How to prepare for NMC CBT & OSCE

  1. Know the pattern

    How many questions, how long, and how marking works.

    You getStages, timing and marking at a glance

    Open
  2. Work subject by subject

    Short sets with an explanation after every answer.

    You get2 subject sets

    Open
  3. Try a mini mock

    A shorter timed test.

    ComingA first timed score

  4. Sit a full mock

    A full-length timed test.

    ComingYour exam-pattern score

NMC CBT & OSCE syllabus

The areas Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK) lists for this exam. Topics change between notices, so always check the latest official one.

Part 1: Computer-based test

2 areas

Part A – Numeracy

  • Drug calculations
  • Unit conversions
  • Infusion rates
  • Fluid balance

Part B – Clinical (field-specific)

  • Assessment and care planning
  • Safe medicines management
  • Professional and ethical practice
  • Leadership and coordinating care

Part 2: OSCE

4 areas

APIE – four linked stations around one scenario

  • Assessment
  • Planning
  • Implementation
  • Evaluation

Clinical skills – four stations in two pairs

Professional values and behaviours – silent written station

Evidence-based practice – silent written station

Mapped to the NMC Future Nurse standards

7 topics
  • Being an accountable professional
  • Promoting health and preventing ill health
  • Assessing needs and planning care
  • Providing and evaluating care
  • Leading and managing nursing care and working in teams
  • Improving safety and quality of care
  • Coordinating care

The NMC adds new OSCE stations periodically and publishes them on its preparation pages before they go live.

NMC CBT & OSCE practice

Free, with an explanation for every answer. No sign-in needed to start.

Question types on the NMC CBT & OSCE

  • Short-answer numeracy
  • Multiple choice
  • Practical OSCE stations
  • Silent written stations

Where the NMC CBT & OSCE gets you a licence

Questions

NMC CBT & OSCE: common questions

Short answers. The official notice is always the final word.

NMC CBT & OSCE: common questions

How many questions are in the NMC CBT?

115 in total: 15 numeracy questions in Part A (30 minutes) and 100 clinical multiple-choice questions in Part B (2 hours 30 minutes).

What is APIE in the NMC OSCE?

Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation: four linked OSCE stations built around one patient scenario.

References

  1. [1]NMC. Test of Competencegov
  2. [2]NMC. ToC 2021 preparation materialsgov
  3. [3]NMC. Future nurse: standards of proficiency for registered nursesstandard
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