CBT

CBT (Computer Based Test)

  • CBT is a part of NMC that conducts tests of competence.
  • CBT is to check the professional capacity of every applicant to work independently without errors and within the time frame with utmost care patient safety and personal safety.
  • CBT is the first part of the NMC conducts tests of competence second part is OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). but in this article, we will only concentrate on NMC CBT.
  • The NMC CBT is a multiple-choice test and can be taken at any of the Pearson VUE test centres 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. The time limit for direct testing is four hours and this includes any breaks from testing, which are optional.
  • Computer Based Test is a multiple-choice type of test wherein each question only requires one best answer. It is a 120-item test to be answered in 240 minutes or 4 hours. Some say that there are 20-40 critical questions. However, all 120 items should be treated critically in order to pass.

Structure of The Exam

  • The nursing CBT is made up of 120 multiple-choice questions. These questions must be completed in a maximum of four hours.
  • 50 questions will be the application of generic nursing competencies to the specific field of nursing being applied for, for example, as applied to the adult, child, person with a learning disability or person with a mental health problem.
  • 50 questions will relate to generic nursing competencies found in each domain of nursing.
  • 20 questions will focus solely on the specific competencies required for the field of nursing being applied for.

Results

  • Examination results will be emailed to candidates within 48 hours after taking the examination. You can also obtain your results within 48 business hours by logging in to your Pearson VUE account which you will have created when booking your exam.
  • Candidates will receive a Pass or Fail result. Any further feedback on test results cannot be disclosed to candidates. This is to ensure that the integrity of the test is protected and any future attempts to sit the test are not aided.

Current Overall CBT Marks

  • Adult nursing 68%
  • Mental health nursing 72%
  • Learning and disability nursing 71%
  • Children’s nursing 71%
  • Midwifery 63%

Attempts

You may sit the CBT up to three times as part of one application, with a minimum of 10 days between each sitting. If you are unsuccessful after your permitted attempts, your application will close. You’ll be required to submit a new application and will not be able to sit the CBT again for a minimum of six months.