NMC Part 1 Test of Competence
Introduction
Passing the NMC part 1 test of competence is an important part of your UK nursing registration process. The nursing part 1 computer based test (CBT) is made up of two parts. Part A Numeracy which consists of 15 Numeracy questions, Part B Clinical which consists of 100 multiple choice questions candidate must need to pass both parts of the CBT test to obtain the completion certificate or confirmation from NMC. Total CBT test time will 3 hours, 30 minutes for the Part A Numeracy and 2hours 30 minute for the 100 clinical questions.
We have the comprehensive online CBT training with multiple opportunities to practice mock tests. We have considered the CBT test requirement carefully and put together this online CBT course with a 20-day study guide for you.
Free NMC CBT Test Access
NMC CBT Training Full Course Access
CBT Preparation Guide for Adult (General) Nursing
This guide doesn’t guarantee you passing the test however how well you prepare depends on the individual candidate. Part 1 test questions may vary to chcek your clinical knowledge, skills and experience. This reference guide only gives you the suggestion and some important dicuments to refer.
The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures book will be a starting point for every overseas nurse. By reading the initial few chapters help the candidate to understand the UK nursing and health care practice. If you are writing a part 1 test of competence for UK nursing registration, you have to think in a UK nursing & health care format. You have to understand the UK health care language, standards, policies etc. The Royal Marsden Manual has these basic things for you to follow and interpret.
The important Chapters to read in this book are;
- Managing the patient journey
- Supporting the patient through the diagnostic process
- Supporting the patient through treatment
- Overall chapters 1, 2,3 & 4
- Refer and read
- NMC Registration Guide for Part 1 Test
- Registering as a nurse or midwide from outside EU
- NMC Standards guidance
- NMC the code for Nurses
- The NMC nursing blue print
- Adult Nursing field specific competencies
The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures 9th Professional Edition – This book will be a good start to understand UK nursing system.
Other topics to focus on;
- Safeguarding Children and the Elderly
- Medication Management
- Obtaining Consent
- Infection Control
- Care for Patients with Dementia or Dementia care
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Always keep in mind that you need not memorize everything. As long as you get yourself familiarized with the UK practice, prepare well, you will put yourself in a better position to pass the test. The key is to be able to read all that is needed and not to overload yourself with information that is irrelevant. This test only contains 120 questions and you cannot expect everything to appear in there. Most questions are situational.
The book that we would recommend is The Royal Marsden Hospital Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures. All the UK standards and policies when it comes to clinical procedures for nurses is in this book. Also difficult to suggest to read a particulr book to understand the disease concept or pathophsiology and its treatment. However as an adult nurse you are expected to have basic knowledge on wellknown disorders their signs and symptoms, treatment and nursing action e.g- In Renal System Acute Kidney Failure; in Gastro intestinal system the laparotomy wound due to adhesions.
The nursing part 1 computer based test (CBT) is made up of two parts. Part A Numeracy which consists of 15 Numeracy questions, Part B Clinical which consists of 100 multiple choice questions candidate must need to pass both parts of the CBT test to obtain the completion certificate or confirmation from NMC. Total CBT test time will 3 hours, 30 minutes for the Part A Numeracy and 2hours 30 minute for the 100 clinical questions.
Make sure that when you answer, you base it on the UK standards and policies that you have read and not from your home country’s standards which can get a bit tricky because that is what you are used to. When it comes to pharmacology, you need to know your basics and how to manage IV, simple calculations, you should be fine. Pathophysiology may not be there but the focus is more on the nursing interventions for certain types of conditions.
Please refer to NMC website for the up to date information
There is always a saying if you prepare well you will not fail use the right resources and have a structured plan to study. Don’t just rely on the sample questions from your colleagues which will not prepare you to write or select the appropriate answer.
Once overseas applicants have passed the online eligibility assessment, they sit the CBT. The CBT tests their theoretical and practice-based knowledge. Applicants book the test directly with Pearson VUE, the NMC’s independent CBT provider, at a test centre in their country of residence.
One of the important factor is not knowing the UK standards of nursing practice, secondly not knowing what resources to refer, thirdly not giving enough time for the preparation.
This may relieve your anxiety related to what to expect on the exam date. However the actual test questions may differ.