What is the NMC Midwifery CBT?

The NMC Midwifery CBT (Computer-Based Test) is Part 1 of the NMC Test of Competence for midwives educated outside the UK or returning to practice after an absence. It tests applied numeracy and clinical theory against the 2019 Future Midwife standards.

How many questions are on the Midwifery CBT and how long is it?

The CBT contains 115 questions total across two parts: Part A has 15 constructed-answer numeracy questions in 30 minutes, and Part B has 100 four-option clinical multiple-choice questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving an overall testing time of 3 hours.

What are the passing scores for Part A and Part B?

Part A Numeracy has a current pass mark of 87%, requiring at least 13 out of 15 questions correct. Part B Clinical Theory pass marks are set by test version and are typically between 75% and 80%. Both parts are graded independently.

How much does the NMC Midwifery CBT cost?

The fee is £83 to sit both Part A and Part B together. If a candidate needs to resit only one part, the resit fee is £50 for Part A only, or £70 for Part B only; resitting both parts costs £83.

How many attempts are allowed and how do the CBT and OSCE link?

Candidates have up to three CBT attempts per application, with at least 10 days between sittings, and all attempts must be taken within one year. After three unsuccessful attempts the application closes and the candidate must wait six months before applying again. The CBT and the Part 2 OSCE can be taken in either order but must be passed within two years of each other; once both are passed, the Test of Competence remains valid for five years.

Where is the NMC Midwifery CBT taken?

The CBT is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. Candidates must select the Registered Midwife (RM) CBT test code when scheduling.

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Is the content up to date?

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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Free NMC Midwifery CBT Exam Prep

NMC Test of Competence Part 1: Midwifery Computer-Based Test

Prepare for the NMC Midwifery CBT exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

Quick Facts

Chapters

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Updated January 2026

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NMC Midwifery Test of Competence Part 1 CBT

Study Guide Practice Questions100 questions

Your Study Path

NMC UK NMC Midwifery Test of Competence: Study Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your exam preparation

Part A Numeracy & Dose CalculationsYou are here

Master metric conversions, oral and injectable dosages, intravenous infusion rates, fluid balance calculations, and constructed numeric answers to meet the 87% pass threshold.

hours

Universal Care & Physiological Birth (Domains 1-3)

Study professional accountability, the NMC Code, antenatal screening schedules, physiological labour mechanisms, perineal care, and infant feeding.

hours

Midwifery Complications & Obstetric Emergencies (Domain 4)

Master pre-eclampsia, obstetric haemorrhage protocols, shoulder dystocia management (HELPERR), CTG interpretation, and neonatal resuscitation (NLS).

hours

Leadership, Governance, Evidence & Medicines Management

Review interprofessional communication (SBAR), incident learning from MNSI and MBRRACE-UK reports, research and quality improvement, midwives' exemptions, pharmacology, and infection prevention.

hours

Full-Length CBT Mocks & Timed Simulation

Practise full-length 115-question CBT simulations (15 numeracy, 100 clinical theory) within the 3-hour Pearson VUE time limit.

hours

Estimated total study time

90 hours

That's about 9 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the NMC Midwifery CBT Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age

Education

The midwifery test specification states applicants to the midwifery part of the register who trained outside the UK follow an alternate route that includes qualification evaluation; if the qualification is not comparable to NMC Future Midwife standards, the applicant must complete the Test of Competence.

Experience

The Test of Competence can also be used by midwives who wish to return to practice after time away from clinical practice.

Additional Requirements

•Select the midwife RM CBT; a CBT that does not match the application type will not be accepted.
•Bring the valid passport or approved alternative ID required by NMC and Pearson VUE.
•Pass CBT Part A and Part B independently; only failed parts need to be resat within the attempt rules.
•Maintain exam confidentiality and do not disclose, copy, reconstruct, or discuss CBT questions or answers.
•Complete both CBT and OSCE within two years of each other before continuing the NMC application.

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What You'll Study

13 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

Chapter 1: NMC Framework, Autonomy & Professional Ethics

5 sections

Chapter 2: Continuity, Public Health & Perinatal Mental Health

4 sections

Chapter 3: Safeguarding, Vulnerable Populations & FGM

3 sections

Chapter 4: Universal Antenatal Care & Fetal Assessment

5 sections

Chapter 5: Universal Intrapartum Care & Physiological Labour

4 sections

Chapter 6: Universal Postnatal Care & Infant Feeding

5 sections

Chapter 7: Newborn Assessment & Neonatal Care

3 sections

Chapter 8: Medical & Obstetric Antenatal Complications

4 sections

Chapter 9: Intrapartum Complications & Obstetric Emergencies

4 sections

Chapter 10: Fetal Compromise & Neonatal Complications

4 sections

Chapter 11: Midwifery Pharmacology, Prescribing & Skills

5 sections

Chapter 12: Leadership, Multidisciplinary Safety & Quality

6 sections

Chapter 13: Part A Numeracy & Drug Calculation Mastery

4 sections

NMC Midwifery CBT Exam Details

NMC Test of Competence Part 1: Midwifery Computer-Based Test

Administered by Nursing and Midwifery Council

Official Source

The midwifery test specification states the current Part A numeracy pass mark is 87%, meaning 13 out of 15. Part B clinical pass marks vary by test version but are generally 75% to 80%. Part A and Part B are passed or failed independently.

Passing Score

115

Questions

Hours

NMC lists the CBT fee for sitting both parts as GBP83. Resit fees are GBP83 for Part A and Part B, GBP50 for Part A only, and GBP70 for Part B only.

Exam Fee

Study time: NMC does not publish an official preparation-hour estimate.

Prerequisites: Candidates book the CBT after NMC confirms they need to take the Test of Competence and Pearson VUE creates their account. Candidates must select the midwife RM CBT if applying to the midwifery part of the NMC register.

Valid for: NMC states the CBT and OSCE must be passed within two years of each other. Once both parts of the Test of Competence are passed, the ToC remains valid for five years. Each CBT sitting counts as an attempt, with three attempts allowed as part of one application and at least 10 days between sittings.

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Nursing and Midwifery Council content outline

CBT Logistics and Registration PathwayAdministration

NMC Test of Competence purpose, midwife RM application type, Pearson VUE booking, correct CBT selection, identity rules, result reporting, fees, attempts, and CBT/OSCE validity.

Part A Numeracy15 marks

Measuring correct dose, metric units, oral medications, injections, intravenous infusions, fluid balance, one-number constructed answers, and 13-of-15 current pass mark.

Part B Clinical Theory100 marks

Four-option MCQs covering the full range of NMC midwifery standards, including accountability, continuity, universal care, assessment, complications, interprofessional work, scholarship, and leadership.

Women and Newborn SafetyCore clinical focus

Antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal, and newborn decision-making, safeguarding, informed choice, escalation, emergency recognition, public health, screening, and complications.

Professional Conduct and Test SecurityAcross CBT

The NMC Code, confidentiality, misconduct, candidate rules, no disclosure of exam content, identity verification, breaks, note board rules, and reporting irregularities.

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What's Next After the NMC Midwifery CBT?

After passing the NMC Midwifery CBT, you can pursue these career paths

NHS Registered Midwife (Band 5/6)

Deliver autonomous midwifery care across antenatal clinics, birth centres, delivery suites, and community postnatal care in UK NHS Trusts.

Coming Soon

Community Continuity-of-Carer Midwife

Provide relational continuity across the entire maternity pathway, supporting physiological home births and vulnerable community caseloads.

Coming Soon

Specialist Midwife (Perinatal Mental Health / Fetal Medicine)

Lead specialized multidisciplinary services for complex perinatal mental illness, diabetic pregnancy management, or advanced ultrasound surveillance.

Coming Soon

NMC Midwifery CBT Exam FAQ

Official Nursing and Midwifery Council Resources

Verify information with these official sources

NMC Test of Competence for nurses and midwives NMC CBT Test of Competence page NMC ToC preparation materials NMC Midwifery CBT candidate information booklet NMC Midwifery test specification Pearson VUE NMC testing page

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