Every section of the NMC CBT
The CBT is 115 questions in two papers that are timed and passed separately. The NMC publishes how many questions come from each section, so it is possible to know before you sit it where the marks are and what each section is going to ask you.
There is a page below for every one of those sections, with what it covers, what it is worth, where candidates tend to lose marks, and a couple of real questions from our bank with the explanation that comes with them.
Part A: numeracy 15 marks, 30 minutes
Six categories. You type a number rather than choosing an option, and you have an on-screen calculator.
- Measuring the correct dose2 marksThe NMC CBT numeracy questions on working out a dose: weight-based dosing, concentrations in mg/mL, and body mass index, with worked examples.
- Metric units and conversions2 marksConverting between grams, milligrams and micrograms, and between litres and millilitres, in the NMC CBT numeracy paper, with the errors that cost marks.
- Oral medication calculations4 marksTablet, capsule and oral liquid calculations for the NMC CBT: the largest numeracy category, with worked examples and the mistakes that cost marks.
- Injection and reconstitution calculations3 marksWorking out an injection volume for the NMC CBT: drawing up from an ampoule, reconstituting a powder, and the volumes that are safe at one site.
- Intravenous infusion rates3 marksInfusion pump rates in mL/hour and gravity drip rates in drops per minute for the NMC CBT, including giving-set drop factors and rate changes.
- Fluid balance calculations1 markAdding up intake and output, insensible losses, percentage dehydration and fluid deficit for the NMC CBT numeracy paper.
Part B: clinical 100 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes
The seven Future Nurse platforms plus the two annexes. Four options, one best answer, one mark each.
- Platform 1: being an accountable professional17 marksWhat Platform 1 of the NMC CBT covers: the Code, accountability, consent and capacity, record keeping, candour and raising concerns.
- Platform 2: promoting health and preventing ill health10 marksWhat Platform 2 of the NMC CBT covers: health promotion and behaviour change, screening and immunisation, health inequalities and communicable disease.
- Platform 3: assessing needs and planning care14 marksWhat Platform 3 of the NMC CBT covers: assessment, recognising deterioration with NEWS2, capacity, risk of harm, interpreting results and planning care.
- Platform 4: providing and evaluating care15 marksWhat Platform 4 of the NMC CBT covers: common conditions, medicines administration and pharmacology, devices, first aid and basic life support.
- Platform 5: leading and managing nursing care10 marksWhat Platform 5 of the NMC CBT covers: delegation and supervision, team working, managing conflict, and evaluating care given by others.
- Platform 6: improving safety and quality of care10 marksWhat Platform 6 of the NMC CBT covers: risk assessment, incident reporting and candour, audit and improvement, and health and safety law.
- Platform 7: coordinating care10 marksWhat Platform 7 of the NMC CBT covers: discharge and transition, multidisciplinary and interagency working, carers and equitable access.
- Annexe A: communication and relationship management skills7 marksWhat Annexe A of the NMC CBT covers: listening and questioning, checking understanding, interpreters, handover, records and difficult conversations.
- Annexe B: nursing procedures7 marksWhat Annexe B of the NMC CBT covers: observations and vital signs, venepuncture, ECG, transfusion, devices and lines, specimens, comfort and infection prevention.
Start practising
Every account gets 10 new questions a day, with no card and no time limit on the offer. Full access opens the timed two-part mocks.