Since October 2014, internationally trained nurses and midwives seeking UK registration have been required to pass the NMC test of competence. The NMC test of competence comprises of two parts.
The Computer-based test (CBT) is Part 1. The NMC’s CBT exam consists of multiple-choice questions, and you can appear for this test at a Pearson VUE test centre accessible in most countries around the world.
Part 2 consists of nursing or midwifery Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) – which is a practical nursing or midwifery examination. You can appear for the OSCE exam only after you successfully pass the CBT exam, and this is accessible only in the UK at a specified test centre.
In this blog, we will discuss everything that you require know about the CBT Exam.
What does the CBT exam comprise of?
The skills, understanding and knowledge of the candidate will be assessed in the CBT exam, and they are already mentioned in the Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates. The CBT exam will indicate the care of individuals during their lifetime and in a range of settings. The subject matter will be taken from each of the four fields of nursing as the role of nursing associate is a generic role.
Settings:
- Community
- Hospital
- Residential or nursing care home
Four fields of nursing:
- Adult
- Mental Health
- Learning disability
- Children
How can you apply for the CBT exam?
Before beginning the application process, Nurses who seek registration in the UK must ensure they have completely read out and understood the requirements for registering as a nurse in the UK. Once the NMC has informed you that you require to appear for the test of competence, you can go ahead and book your CBT with Pearson VUE.
Where can you appear for the CBT exam?
You can appear for the CBT exam at Pearson VUE test centres in most countries all around the world.
What is the duration and structure of the CBT exam?
The CBT exam involves a two-part exam with one test consisting of 115 questions. Part A of the test will last 30 minutes, and Part B will last 2.5 hours, giving the applicants 3 hours to finish. A 15-mark numeracy test with constructed one-number answers makes up for Part A (some also with units). Part B is a clinical assessment worth 100 marks that consists of four options, and a multiple-choice question with one right answer.
Here are some tips to help you answer questions in the CBT Exam
- To ensure you pass the test, spend less than two minutes on each question.
- If numerous solutions appear to be correct, choose the one you believe to be “most correct.”
- Leave questions where you are unsure of the answer and come back to them later, when you have more time to think about them.
- You should make sure that all your answers are based on practices in the UK and not those of your home country.
When will you get the results of your CBT exam?
You will be informed whether you passed or failed the exam 48 hours after taking the exam through email from the NMC. Additionally, you can get your results by signing into the Pearson Vue account you made when you scheduled your exam.
What occurs if you don’t pass your CBT test?
If you appeared for Part A and Part B together as a part of your CBT exam, however, you passed or failed independently. You can reappear only for the part of the exam that you failed. Each sitting is regarded as an attempt. With a minimum of 10 days between each sitting, you have three tries as a part of one application.
Your application will be closed if you are unsuccessful after making three attempts. You’ll have to submit a new application, and you won’t be allowed to take the CBT exam for at least six months.
What is the passing standard of NMC CBT exam?
A primary standard will be established, and statistical techniques will be utilized to maintain the same standard throughout the various versions of the CBT test over time.
If have any further queries regarding the CBT exam feel free to consult the experts at MWT Global Academy who can help you to clear all your doubts.