🇬🇧 NMC · United Kingdom

NMC Test of Competence Part 1: computer-based test (CBT)

The NMC Test of Competence Part 1: computer-based test (CBT): 115 questions in a fixed time, and a licence that depends on the result. MediFlow prepares you specifically for this exam: 727 practice questions across 10 topics, an explanation for every answer and timed mock exams in the real exam format.

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£19.99 · 3 months of access · one payment · no subscription
727 practice questions
115 questions · 180 minutes

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The challenge

The NMC Test of Competence Part 1: computer-based test (CBT): 115 questions in a fixed time, and a licence that depends on the result.

The exam covers nursing practice, pharmacology, patient safety and professional standards. Textbooks do not tell you what NMC actually asks.
115 questions in 180 minutes leave about 94 seconds per question. Speed has to be trained, not hoped for.
The question style is specific: clinical scenarios, best-answer choices and distractors that look right.
Working full time leaves little room to plan revision, and a retake costs months of waiting and another exam fee.

How MediFlow solves it

A question bank built on the published content of NMC, organised by topic, so you know what matters.
Timed mock exams in the real exam format train your pace before the real day.
Every answer is explained, including why the other options are wrong.
A study plan up to your exam date tells you what to do each day and brings weak topics back for review.

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Three steps to exam day

1
Try free questions and see the style of the exam.
2
Unlock the package and follow your study plan, topic by topic.
3
Take timed mock exams until your results are stable, then sit the exam.

Start your NMC preparation

What you can check

727 practice questions in 10 topics
Question bank last updated on 30 October 2026
Mock exams in the NMC exam format

One package, one payment

£19.99 for 3 months of access to this exam. One payment, no subscription, no automatic renewal. Web and app with one account.

Practice material only. MediFlow is independent of NMC and cannot guarantee a result.

Exam at a glance

Questions: 115
Duration: 180 minutes
Pass mark: not published
Sections: Part A: numeracy: 15 · 30 min / Part B: clinical: 100 · 150 min
Exam type: Written
Language: English
Authority: NMC

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 10 modules · 727 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

01Acute and emergency care92 questions · 12.7 % of the bank
Chapters
- Foundations: ABCDE approach and airway basics
- Foundations: life-threatening chest emergencies
- Foundations: shock, burns and sepsis
Sample question
Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct
A nurse finds a patient unresponsive in a bay. He is not breathing normally, with only occasional gasps. Help has been called. What should she do next?
Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.
02Assessment, NEWS2 and the deteriorating patient91 questions · 12.5 % of the bank
Sample question
Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct
Which set of parameters makes up the NEWS2 score?
Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.
03Fundamental care: nutrition, skin, continence, pain and mobility93 questions · 12.8 % of the bank
Chapters
- Foundations: safe medication administration and injections
- Foundations: preventing and staging pressure injuries
- Foundations: patient positions and peripheral intravenous cannulas
- Foundations: urinary catheters and nasogastric tubes
Sample question
Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct
A nurse sees an area of intact skin over a patient's sacrum that stays red when pressed. How is this classified?
Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.
04Infection prevention and control50 questions · 6.9 % of the bank
Chapters
- Foundations: hand-rub technique and personal protective equipment
Sample question
Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct
A nurse has just helped a patient with C. difficile infection use the commode. How should she clean her hands after removing her gloves?
Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.
05Long-term conditions and end of life care54 questions · 7.4 % of the bank
Sample question
Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct
A patient has a DNACPR decision in place. Which statement is correct?
Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.
06Medicines management and safety91 questions · 12.5 % of the bank
Chapters
- Foundations: safe medication administration and injections
- Foundations: preventing and staging pressure injuries
- Foundations: dosage forms and inhaler technique
- Foundations: the concentration–time curve and receptor types
07Mental health, dementia and capacity53 questions · 7.3 % of the bank
08Numeracy and drug calculations101 questions · 13.9 % of the bank
09Professional practice, communication and the Code51 questions · 7 % of the bank
10Safeguarding adults and children51 questions · 7 % of the bank

Sample question

From the module Acute and emergency care. Choose an answer to see the explanation.

Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

A nurse finds a patient unresponsive in a bay. He is not breathing normally, with only occasional gasps. Help has been called. What should she do next?

Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

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What you get

Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
Timed mock exams in the real exam format, with score report by topic
Personal study plan up to your exam date and review of weak topics
AI tutor that explains any question in plain words
One account for the app (iPhone, iPad) and the browser

From registration to licence

The usual steps with NMC. Details can change; check the current rules with NMC before you register.

Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
Create an account with NMC and submit the application.
Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

Frequently asked questions

How much does NMC Test of Competence Part 1: computer-based test (CBT) preparation cost?

£19.99 for 3 months of access to this exam. One payment, no subscription, no automatic renewal.

How long is my access?

Access runs for 90 days from purchase for this exam package.

Where can I buy it?

In the MediFlow Exam Prep app (App Store) or on mediflow.ae. Both unlock the same package for your MediFlow account.

Are these real exam questions?

No. MediFlow writes original questions based on the published exam content. We do not use recalled or leaked exam questions and we are not affiliated with NMC.

Is the exam format up to date?

The format comes from the published information of NMC. Check it with NMC before your exam, as authorities can change it.

Ready to start

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MediFlow is an independent provider. We are not affiliated with any licensing authority or exam provider. Questions are written by MediFlow from published exam outlines; they are not questions from real exams. Always check the format with the authority before your exam.

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