If you're an overseas nurse registering with the UK's Nursing and Midwifery Council, you'll need to pass BOTH the CBT and OSCE. Here's exactly what each test involves and how to prepare for success.
Start NMC Exam Prep| Feature | NMC CBT (Part 1) | NMC OSCE (Part 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer Based Test | Objective Structured Clinical Examination |
| Order in Process | First (before coming to UK) | Second (after arriving in UK) |
| Test Format | 120 multiple-choice questions on computer | Practical clinical stations with actors/manikins |
| Duration | 4 hours | Approx. 3-4 hours |
| Location | Pearson VUE test centres worldwide | Approved UK test centres only (OSCE hubs) |
| Can Take From Home | No (test centre only) | No (in-person only) |
| Cost (2026) | £83 | £794 (first attempt) |
| Pass Mark | Critical questions must pass + overall pass score | Pass all stations at borderline or above |
| Pass Rate | ~70-75% first attempt | ~60-65% first attempt |
| Max Attempts | Unlimited (but must pay each time) | Maximum 3 attempts |
| What It Tests | Theoretical nursing knowledge, UK standards, professional values | Practical clinical skills, communication, patient safety |
| Preparation Time | 4-8 weeks typically | 6-12 weeks typically |
| Expiry | Valid for 2 years (must pass OSCE within this period) | No expiry once passed |
Step-by-step from overseas nurse to UK registered nurse
NMC verifies your nursing qualification, training hours (minimum 4,600 hours), and registration in your home country. Create an NMC Online account and submit documents. Processing: 2-6 weeks.
Pass IELTS Academic (7.0 overall, 6.5 each) or OET (Grade B all sub-tests) or PTE Academic (76 overall, 66 each). You can combine scores from two sittings for OET.
Book through Pearson VUE. 120 MCQs covering nursing theory, UK standards, drug calculations, professional values. Must pass within 2 years. Cost: £83.
After passing CBT and English test, NMC grants provisional registration. You can now apply for UK nursing jobs and obtain your Health and Care Worker visa.
Take up your nursing position. Your employer will support your OSCE preparation. Most employers provide study time and resources. You're on a pre-registration PIN.
Book at an approved OSCE test centre. 10 stations testing clinical skills, assessment, communication, and professionalism. Must pass within 3 attempts and within 8 months of employment start. Cost: £794.
Upon passing OSCE, your provisional registration becomes full registration. You receive your NMC PIN number and can practise as a registered nurse in the UK without restrictions.
The computer-based theory examination broken down
120 multiple-choice questions answered on a computer at a Pearson VUE test centre. You have 4 hours to complete the test. Questions are a mix of single-best-answer and extended matching format. Some questions include images (ECGs, wound photos, medication labels).
Professional values, communication and interpersonal skills, nursing practice and decision-making, leadership and management, drug calculations (essential), safeguarding (adults and children), mental health awareness, and infection control.
The CBT includes "critical questions" on patient and public safety. You MUST answer these correctly to pass, regardless of your overall score. These cover essential nursing judgement scenarios.
Expect 10-15 drug calculation questions. These are often the section that causes failures. You must demonstrate competency in calculating dosages, IV rates, and medication concentrations. Calculators are provided on-screen.
CBT can be taken at Pearson VUE centres in 150+ countries. You can book online through your NMC account. Available most days of the week with flexible timing. Results emailed within 48 hours.
Study the NMC Code (2018), UK nursing standards, and practise drug calculations daily. Use NMC's test blueprint (published on their website). Anglotec AI provides CBT practice questions aligned with the NMC curriculum.
The practical clinical examination broken down station by station
The OSCE consists of 10 stations, each lasting 15-20 minutes. You'll rotate through stations with short breaks. Stations use both simulated patients (actors) and clinical skill manikins. An examiner observes and scores your performance at each station.
Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. These are the core nursing process stations. You'll assess a patient, develop a care plan, implement nursing interventions, and evaluate outcomes. These stations carry the most weight.
One station tests your ability to safely administer medication including checks, calculations, and patient education. The other tests dispensing and clinical pharmacology knowledge.
Stations testing your ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. Scenarios include breaking bad news, dealing with complaints, informed consent, and ethical dilemmas.
Practical demonstrations of: vital signs, wound care/dressing, catheterisation (theory), injection technique, basic life support (BLS), manual handling, and infection control procedures.
Approved OSCE test centres are located at various NHS trusts across England and Northern Ireland. You must book through your employer, who typically arranges your OSCE slot. Major hubs include Oxford, Northampton, and Ulster University.
Drug calculations are the #1 reason nurses fail the CBT. Our AI-powered practice gives you unlimited calculation questions with step-by-step solutions.
Practise Drug Calculations Free| Aspect | CBT Scoring | OSCE Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Method | Automated computer marking | Human examiners with structured criteria |
| Pass Criteria | Pass all critical questions + achieve overall pass score | Pass all 4 APIE stations + overall borderline or above |
| Results Timeline | Within 48 hours | Within 5 working days |
| Results Method | Email notification + NMC account update | Email from test centre + NMC account |
| Retake Waiting Period | None (book next available slot) | Minimum 10 days between attempts |
| Maximum Attempts | Unlimited | Maximum 3 attempts total |
| What Happens If You Fail | Pay £83 and retake | Employer may provide additional training; £794 per resit |
| After 3 OSCE Failures | N/A | Employment may be terminated; must leave UK unless alternative visa |
• Read the NMC Code (2018) thoroughly
• Study UK nursing standards and guidelines
• Practise 50+ drug calculations daily
• Use the NMC test blueprint as your guide
• Take timed practice CBT tests
• Join overseas nurse Facebook groups for tips
• Focus on UK-specific protocols (may differ from your country)
• Attend your employer's OSCE training programme
• Practise ALL clinical skills repeatedly
• Role-play communication scenarios with colleagues
• Learn the APIE framework inside-out
• Understand UK documentation standards
• Practise with OSCE-specific manikins if possible
• Watch OSCE preparation videos on YouTube
• Unlimited CBT-style practice questions
• Drug calculation generator with solutions
• OSCE communication role-play with AI
• NMC Code knowledge testing
• Personalised study plan based on weak areas
• Progress tracking and analytics
• Available on mobile - practise anywhere
AI-powered CBT questions, drug calculation practice, and OSCE role-play simulations. Join 8,000+ overseas nurses who prepared with Anglotec.