117+ Free NMC CBT Practice Questions
Prepare for the NMC Test of Competence Part 1 — Field-Specific Computer Based Test (CBT) for Nurses exam with instant access — no signup required.
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Sample NMC CBT Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NMC CBT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 117+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A medication is prescribed as 500 mg orally. The stock tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets should the nurse administer?
2A patient is prescribed 1.2 g of an antibiotic. The vial is reconstituted to a concentration of 600 mg in 5 mL. What volume should the nurse draw up?
3A solution of 1 litre is to be infused intravenously over 8 hours using a gravity giving set delivering 20 drops per millilitre. What is the drip rate in drops per minute (rounded to the nearest whole number)?
4A patient requires an infusion of 1000 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride over 4 hours via a volumetric pump. What rate should the nurse set in mL/hour?
5A drug is prescribed at 15 mg/kg for a patient weighing 70 kg, to be given as a single dose. What total dose should be administered?
6Convert 0.25 grams to milligrams.
7An oral solution is prescribed as 120 mg. The stock concentration is 250 mg in 5 mL. What volume should be measured (to one decimal place)?
8A patient's fluid balance chart shows total input of 1850 mL and total output of 2200 mL over 24 hours. What is the fluid balance?
9Heparin is prescribed at 25,000 units in 50 mL to run at 1000 units per hour via a syringe pump. What rate in mL/hour should be set?
10An injection of 80 mg is prescribed. The ampoule contains 100 mg in 2 mL. What volume should be drawn up?
About the NMC CBT Exam
The NMC CBT is Part 1 of the Test of Competence used for some applications to join or rejoin the UK register. It is a 115-question computer-based test (15 numeracy plus 100 clinical multiple-choice questions) sat through Pearson VUE. This page is a shared route overview, not a single universal exam: candidates must book the code matching their field—adult (RNA), children's (RNC), learning disabilities (RNLD), or mental health (RNMH).
Assessment
Single sitting of 115 questions: Part A (Numeracy) has 15 constructed-answer items and Part B (Clinical) has 100 four-option single-best-answer items. The Part B blueprint is specific to the candidate's nursing field.
Time Limit
3 hours total (Part A 30 minutes; Part B 2 hours 30 minutes), including any optional breaks.
Passing Score
Part A and Part B are passed independently and only the failed part must be re-sat. Official ToC 2021 nursing test specification: Part A pass mark 87% (13 of 15); Part B generally 60%–70% depending on nursing field.
Exam Fee
GBP 83 for both parts booked together (Pearson VUE/NMC, 2025); re-sits of a single part are charged separately. (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), UK (delivered via Pearson VUE))
NMC CBT Exam Content Outline
Part A: Numeracy
15 applied drug and fluid calculations: doses, metric units, oral medicines, injections, IV infusions and fluid balance.
Part B: Field-Specific Clinical
100 clinical multiple-choice items. Use the official adult (RNA), children's (RNC), learning disabilities (RNLD), or mental health (RNMH) blueprint matching the application. The seven platforms and annexes are a framework, not additive percentages alongside Part A.
How to Pass the NMC CBT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Part A and Part B are passed independently and only the failed part must be re-sat. Official ToC 2021 nursing test specification: Part A pass mark 87% (13 of 15); Part B generally 60%–70% depending on nursing field.
- Assessment: Single sitting of 115 questions: Part A (Numeracy) has 15 constructed-answer items and Part B (Clinical) has 100 four-option single-best-answer items. The Part B blueprint is specific to the candidate's nursing field.
- Time limit: 3 hours total (Part A 30 minutes; Part B 2 hours 30 minutes), including any optional breaks.
- Exam fee: GBP 83 for both parts booked together (Pearson VUE/NMC, 2025); re-sits of a single part are charged separately.
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 117 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NMC CBT Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NMC CBT and how long is it?
The CBT contains 115 questions in one sitting over 3 hours: Part A is a 15-mark numeracy test (30 minutes) and Part B is a 100-mark clinical multiple-choice test (2 hours 30 minutes).
What is the pass mark for the NMC CBT?
Part A and Part B are passed independently and only the failed part must be re-sat. The NMC Test of Competence 2021 nursing test specification sets Part A (Numeracy) at 87% (13 of 15 correct). Part B (Clinical) pass marks vary by nursing field and are generally set within 60%–70%.
How much does the NMC CBT cost and who delivers it?
The CBT is delivered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the NMC and costs GBP 83 for both parts booked together (2025). A single failed part can be re-sat for a separate fee.
Can I re-sit the NMC CBT if I fail?
Yes. Each sitting counts as an attempt. You have up to three attempts within one application, with at least 10 days between sittings, and those attempts must be completed within one year. You only re-sit the part you failed. After three failed attempts, the application closes and you must wait six months before submitting a new application.