Overview
The Test of Competence is set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the regulator of nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK. It checks that people coming to the UK register from overseas, or returning after a long gap, can practise safely. It has two components: a computer based test (CBT), which is multiple choice, and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is a practical skills test.
This page focuses on the CBT, with a short note on how it fits with the OSCE.
Who can apply
The NMC requires the test from overseas applicants who do not hold a relevant European qualification that qualifies for automatic recognition, and from people applying for readmission who do not have enough recent practice hours. You take the test only after the NMC confirms that you need it.
The test is available for these registration categories:
Adult nurse
Mental health nurse
Learning disabilities nurse
Children's nurse
Midwife
Nursing associate
Exam pattern
The CBT has two parts, taken in one sitting but passed or failed separately.
| Part | Content | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Numeracy | 15 | 30 minutes |
| Part B | Clinical | 100 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
The NMC lists the same structure for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. Candidates can sit the CBT and the OSCE in either order.
Marking and results
You get a separate pass or fail result for each part. The exam report is available straight after the test, and your Pearson account shows the breakdown within 48 hours. Your MyNMC account updates within 48 hours and shows only the overall outcome: a fail if either part is failed, and a pass only when both are passed.
Important dates
You must pass the CBT and the OSCE within two years of each other. Once both are passed, the Test of Competence stays valid for five years.
Fees
As listed on the NMC site in 2026, the CBT fees are:
| Booking | Fee |
|---|---|
| Both parts (first attempt) | £83 |
| Resit of both parts | £83 |
| Resit of Part A only | £50 |
| Resit of Part B only | £70 |
How to apply
After the NMC confirms that you must take the test, Pearson Professional Assessments creates an account for you and emails your login details. You then book and pay for the CBT there. You need a valid passport that matches the one in your MyNMC account when you attend the test centre.
After the exam
You have three attempts within one application, all within one year, with at least 10 days between sittings. If you fail three times, the application closes and you must wait six months before applying again.
Preparation tips
Practise numeracy separately, since Part A is passed or failed on its own and a resit of one part is cheaper than resitting both.
Do I have to pass the CBT and OSCE in a set order?
No. The NMC says you may sit them in either order, but both must be passed within two years of each other.
What if I pass only one part of the CBT?
Each part is graded separately, so you can resit just the part you failed, at £50 for Part A or £70 for Part B.
How long is the Test of Competence valid?
Once you have passed both the CBT and the OSCE, it remains valid for five years.