Studying for the NMC CBT and OSCE exams? You’re about to complete two major steps in the UK nursing registration process 2024!
With Monse-Heart’s brain-based learning strategies and expert guidance, you’ll not only pass your exams — you’ll master UK healthcare standards with confidence.
In this complete guide, discover smart study plans, practical resources, and everything you need to succeed in the Test of Competence for international nurses.
Choosing the Right Study Plan
Before jumping into study strategies, select a study plan that fits your background, experience, and learning style.
This ensures efficient preparation and better retention of key concepts.
Express Review – 3-Month Study Plan
- Best for: Recent nursing graduates (2023 or later) who need a fast-track, structured approach to pass quickly and efficiently.
- Focus Areas: Exam techniques, high-yield topics, and practice question for rapid mastery.
Intense Learning – 6-Month Study Plan
- Best for: Nurses who graduated before 2023 or those who need a comprehensive refresher on essential nursing concepts.
- Focus Areas: In-depth knowledge building, clinical skill refinement, and step-by-step learning.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which plan to choose, opt for Intense Learning if you need more time, or Express Review if you feel confident with the basics!
The CBT (Computer-Based Test) is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess your theoretical nursing knowledge according to UK healthcare standards. To pass, you need to understand core clinical topics, patient safety protocols, and ethical nursing practices.
CBT Exam Breakdown
|
Section |
Questions |
Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
|
Part A: Numeracy |
15 |
30 minutes |
|
Part B: Clinical |
100 |
2 hours 30 min |
|
Total |
115 |
3 hours |
Key Topics You Need to Know:
- Numeracy Skills: Drug calculations, IV flow rates, and unit conversions.
- Patient Safety & Infection Control: Hand hygiene, PPE, and risk management.
- Clinical Decision-Making: Prioritizing care, managing deteriorating patients.
- Pharmacology & Medication Management: Side effects, contraindications, dosage calculations.
- NMC Code & Professionalism: Ethical practice, patient confidentiality, and accountability.
CBT Passing Score:
- The CBT does not have a fixed percentage passing score. Instead, it follows a criterion referenced scoring system, meaning you must meet a minimum competency threshold set by the NMC.
- The passing score may vary slightly depending on the difficulty level of the exam version you take.
Pro Tip: Focus on high-yield topics and take mock exams regularly to familiarize yourself with CBT-style questions and time constraints.
How to Study & Apply the NMC Code
The NMC Code outlines the professional standards that all UK nurses and midwives must follow. Both CBT and OSCE questions often assess your ability to apply the Code in real patient scenarios, so understanding its principles is crucial.
Join Monse-Heart’s CBT Prep Course!
Once you pass the CBT, you’re halfway there! Now, let’s shift focus to the OSCE—the practical, hands-on part of the Test of Competence. Unlike the CBT, which tests theoretical knowledge, the OSCE evaluates your real-world nursing skills in a clinical setting. Let’s dive into how to prepare for this crucial assessment!
OSCE Study Plan – How to Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is designed to test your ability to apply nursing skills in a real-world healthcare setting. This means you need to focus on both clinical knowledge and hands-on practice.
3. Master UK Clinical Guidelines
- Follow NICE Guidelines and Royal Marsden Manual to align with UK nursing protocols.
- Learn infection control, patient assessment techniques, and safe medication administration.
4. Practice with Role-Playing & Peer Feedback
- Train with study partners or mentors to enhance communication skills.
- Get feedback on body language, active listening, and professionalism.
- Want expert guidance? Preparing for the OSCE requires structured training and hands-on practice. Join Monse-Heart’s OSCE Prep Course to gain access to mock exams, one-on-one coaching, and real-world clinical simulations—so you can walk into your OSCE with confidence!
Download the NMC OSCE Candidate Guide here
Step 2: The Secret to Retaining Knowledge – Brain-Based Learning
Have you ever read something multiple times and still forgotten it? That’s because memorization is the hardest way to learn—and the easiest way to forget!
At Monse-Heart, we use brain-based learning techniques that make complex nursing concepts simple and memorable.
Final Thoughts: Studying for the CBT & OSCE—Your Path to Success!
Want a quick and printable study reference?
Download our FREE 2-Page PDF on CBT & OSCE Study Guide (2024 Edition). Your go-to reference for study strategy, key topics, and exam structure.
Fill the form & Download PDF Guide!
Prefer Watching Instead of Reading?
- Watch our YouTube Video on Studying for the UK CBT & OSCE
- Subscribe & hit the bell for weekly nursing tutorials!
- We’re cheering for you and can’t wait to see you succeed as a UK RN!
Keep Going – You’re Almost There! After passing both exams, it’s time for your final milestone: NMC Registration. Our next blog will walk you through everything you need—from document submission to receiving your PIN number.
Join Monse-Heart’s UK CBT & OSCE/English Test preparation courses designed to help you pass with confidence.
Stay Informed: Future Updates to the NMC Code & ToC Process
The NMC has announced plans to review and update The Code and Revalidation Process starting in 2025, with new standards expected by 2027. While these updates won’t impact the current CBT and OSCE exams, we recommend checking the official NMC website periodically for the latest information on UK nurse registration.
Every great nursing journey begins with smart preparation —
take your first confident step today!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – OSCE & UK Visa Process
• It depends on your background and experience. If you’re a recent graduate, a 3-month Express Review may be enough. If you need a refresher, a 6-month Intensive Plan is recommended.
• Focus on official NMC materials, UK nursing guidelines, and practice exams to prepare effectively.
For the CBT:
• NMC Test of Competence Blueprint & Candidate Guide
• NICE Guidelines & NHS Clinical Frameworks
• Online CBT mock exams & numeracy practice questions
For the OSCE:
• NMC OSCE Candidate Guide & Marking Criteria
• The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures
• OSCE mock exams & hands-on clinical practice
• Yes, the NMC allows candidates to take the CBT and OSCE in any order.
• However, most international nurses take the CBT first, as it’s often required for job offers and visa sponsorship before traveling to the UK for the OSCE
• CBT: You have 4 total attempts (1 initial + 3 retakes). If you don’t pass after the fourth attempt, you must restart the NMC process.
• OSCE: You can resit only the failed stations after 10 days (up to 2 attempts). If unsuccessful, you must wait 6 months and retake the full OSCE.
• Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many candidates need more than one attempt, and that’s okay.
• If you don’t pass the CBT, you have 3 more chances (4 total attempts) before needing to restart the NMC process.
• If you don’t pass the OSCE, you can resit only the failed stations after 10 days (up to 2 attempts).
• If unsuccessful, you’ll need to wait 6 months before retaking the full OSCE—but don’t get discouraged! Many nurses pass on their second or third attempt with the right preparation and support.
Stay focused and keep practicing—success is within reach!
