Part A
Numeracy
- Questions
- 15 questions
- Time
- 30 minutes
PINPath guide · Nigeria + Ghana
UK NMC CBT preparation
For nurses and midwives in Nigeria and Ghana applying directly for UK NMC registration.
The NMC first assesses your eligibility and qualification for its overseas route. After confirming eligibility, it may ask you to complete a Test of Competence (ToC). The CBT is one part of that test, so it is not an automatic requirement for every applicant.
Official NMC sources checked 6 November 2026Looking for the registration steps? Read the separate NMC application pathway guide.
Need a quick definition? Open the NMC journey glossary.
Official NMC information
First, confirm whether the NMC requires the test
The CBT is part of the NMC Test of Competence (ToC). The NMC assesses your eligibility and qualification for the overseas route, then may ask you to complete a ToC. Not every applicant is automatically required to take the CBT.
Start with the official NMC guidance
NMC CBT guidance
Current CBT format
Both parts are computer-based. Use the current NMC booklet for your candidate instructions.
Part B
Clinical
- Questions
- 100 questions
- Time
- 2 hours 30 minutes
Official NMC materials
Choose resources for your profession and field
The NMC links to candidate booklets, test specifications, blueprints and Pearson CBT practice tests from its guidance and preparation pages.
For all candidates
Use these NMC sources for professional standards, CBT guidance, current preparation materials and the Pearson practice-test link.
Nurses: choose the booklet and blueprint for your field
The NMC nursing CBT booklet and test specification cover all nursing fields. Select the matching field blueprint.
Midwives
Use the NMC midwifery CBT booklet, test specification and blueprint for the midwifery part of the register.
PINPath planning aid
Four-week CBT study planner
A flexible planning aid for nurses and midwives in Nigeria and Ghana applying directly for UK NMC registration. Use it on this page or print it; no sign-in or payment is required. Choose an exam date to spread the same 12 sessions across the days before it.
- Part A · Numeracy
- 15 questions · 30 minutes
- Part B · Clinical
- 100 questions · 2 hours 30 minutes
Study progress
Your completion summary
Sessions complete0 of 12
Overall completion0%
Optional schedule
Leave this blank for the original four-week plan. A selected date schedules every session from today through the day before your exam.
The current four-week schedule is active. You can add or clear a target date at any time.
Week 1
Orient and choose your materials
Confirm your route and map your CBT resources.
Read the overseas route and CBT guidance. The NMC decides whether you need a Test of Competence; the CBT is not required automatically. Choose the booklet and profession-specific materials that match your application, then note the Part A and Part B format.
Guide resources for this week
- NMC: register as a nurse or midwife if you trained outside the UK
- NMC: computer-based test (CBT)
- NMC: Test of Competence preparation materials
- The Code: professional standards for nurses and midwives
- Pearson Professional Assessments: NMC CBT practice tests
Nursing: choose your field blueprint
Week 2
Practise Part A: Numeracy
Plan sessions around the 15-question, 30-minute Part A format.
Use the NMC candidate booklet and Pearson NMC CBT practice tests. After each session, write down what you want to review in your chosen materials; this planner does not add an authoritative topic list.
Guide resources for this week
Week 3
Study Part B: Clinical
Use your own NMC specification and matching blueprint as the study map.
Read the NMC test specification and the blueprint for your nursing field or midwifery. Study alongside The Code and your candidate booklet. Let those current NMC materials define what you review.
Guide resources for this week
- The Code: professional standards for nurses and midwives
- NMC: Test of Competence preparation materials
Nursing: choose your field blueprint
Week 4
Combine practice and review
Revisit your notes and plan practice across both CBT parts.
Use the current NMC timings to plan a combined review, revisit items you noted from your own materials, and use the Pearson practice tests if helpful. Keep checking current NMC guidance and adjust this suggested plan to your circumstances.
PINPath advice
A practical study sequence
These are PINPath study suggestions, not NMC requirements or endorsements. They do not predict or guarantee an exam result.
Start with your matching CBT booklet
Choose the nursing or midwifery booklet that fits your application. Note the two-part format, timings and candidate instructions before planning your study.
Study The Code and your field’s blueprint
Read The Code alongside the relevant NMC test specification and blueprint. Turn the blueprint into a topic checklist, then mark areas you need to review or understand more clearly.
Use the NMC-linked Pearson practice tests to review
Try the official Pearson practice tests to become familiar with the CBT format and question style. After each session, note topics to revisit in the NMC booklet, Code, specification or blueprint.
PINPath is an independent information resource, not the NMC. Check the current NMC guidance and the materials for your profession and field; only the NMC decides whether you need a Test of Competence.