When can you book your CBT through Pearson VUE?

Only after the NMC confirms eligibility and issues a test authorisation

As soon as you start the NMC application

Where can the CBT be taken?

Any Pearson VUE test centre worldwide that offers NMC testing

Only at NMC headquarters in London

Only at approved UK universities

Can you use a personal calculator during the CBT?

No — an on-screen calculator is provided in the test interface

No — all calculations must be done by hand

What ID do you need on test day?

Two forms of valid ID — at least one with a recent photograph and signature (passport is the standard primary ID). Name on ID must match exactly the name you registered with Pearson VUE

Part 6 of 8 CBT and OSCE for International Nurses Chapter 75 of 100

NMC CBT Registration, Fees, and Retake Rules

How to register for the NMC CBT, current fees, the retake rules, and what to expect on test day at Pearson VUE.

Start reading ← All 100 chapters ~5 min read

By JobLabs Editorial · UK healthcare reference editorial team

· May 11, 2026 · 4 min read

The CBT is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the NMC. Registration is a multi-step process: NMC application, eligibility confirmation, Pearson VUE booking, fee payment, test day.

This chapter walks through each step and the practicalities most candidates ask about.

Step 1: NMC application

You can’t book the CBT until the NMC has confirmed your application is eligible to proceed to testing. The application has several components:

Online application via the NMC’s overseas application portal.
Submission of qualification documents (training certificate, transcript).
Submission of registration evidence from your home country regulator.
English language test (IELTS or OET) results.
ID documents.
Application fees paid.

The NMC reviews the application and issues an eligibility decision. This typically takes 4-8 weeks after a complete application is submitted.

If eligibility is confirmed, you receive an authorisation to test from the NMC. This is what you use to book with Pearson VUE.

Step 2: Pearson VUE booking

With the NMC’s test authorisation, you book through Pearson VUE’s website (pearsonvue.com/uk/en/nmc.html).

Booking process:

Create a Pearson VUE candidate account (or log in if you already have one).
Select the NMC CBT.
Choose a test centre and date.
Pay the test fee (currently around £83).
Receive booking confirmation by email.

Test centre availability varies. Major centres in cities with many UK-bound nurses (Manila, Mumbai, Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi) often have 4-6 week waits. Less popular centres may have same-week availability.

You can reschedule once free of charge if more than 24 hours before the test. Cancellations under 24 hours forfeit the fee.

Step 3: Test day

Arrive 30 minutes before your booked slot. Bring:

Two forms of valid ID (at least one with photograph; passport is standard).
Your appointment confirmation email or its details.

Don’t bring:

Phones, smartwatches, electronic devices (all locked away in test centre lockers).
Bags or briefcases (most centres have lockers; some don’t, so travel light).
Notes, books, calculators (an on-screen calculator is provided in the test).
Food or drink (some centres allow water; check in advance).

Sign in, ID checked, photograph taken, biometrics (fingerprint or palm scan) recorded. You’re escorted to a workstation. The test starts when you say you’re ready.

The 4 hours

Pacing strategy used by most successful candidates:

Minutes 0-75: Part A (15 numeracy questions). Aim to complete in 60-75 minutes with a margin for rechecking.
Minutes 75-180: Part B clinical (about 105 questions). Aim for 60-90 seconds per question.
Minutes 180-240: Review flagged questions, double-check anything uncertain.

Comfort breaks are allowed but the clock keeps running. Most candidates take one short break to clear their head between Part A and Part B, or after question 60.

Step 4: Results

Provisional results are usually returned within 2 weeks of the test date, delivered by email through the NMC portal.

You receive a pass/fail outcome for each part independently:

Both passed: move on to OSCE preparation.
One passed, one failed: rebook only the failed part.
Both failed: rebook both.

The NMC’s portal also shows a breakdown of where marks were lost (by platform for Part B). This is helpful preparation information for a retake.

Retake rules

You can take the CBT up to three times in any rolling 6-month period from your first attempt. After three attempts, you wait 6 months before re-applying.

Each attempt is a fresh Pearson VUE booking with a fresh fee. The NMC doesn’t charge a separate fee for retakes; only Pearson VUE does.

Resitting only a failed part follows the same booking process but you only take that part of the test on the day.

What if the test is cancelled

Pearson VUE occasionally cancels test sessions due to centre issues, technical problems, or external disruption. If this happens:

You’re rebooked at no charge.
Pearson VUE contacts you with new options.
If you can’t make the rebooked date, you can reschedule once free of charge.

If you’re unable to attend due to illness or emergency, contact Pearson VUE as soon as possible. Sometimes a sympathetic reschedule is possible if you provide medical evidence within a few days.

Practical preparation timeline

A realistic timeline from “I want to take the CBT” to test day:

Months 1-2: NMC application, document gathering, English language test.
Months 3-4: Wait for NMC eligibility confirmation.
Month 5: Book Pearson VUE, study intensively.
Month 6: Test day, results.

Six months is realistic for a candidate starting from scratch. Faster is possible if your documents are already in order and English language test is already passed.

The next chapter starts the OSCE walkthrough: the second part of the Test of Competence, taken in the UK.

Sources & further reading

Key takeaway from NMC CBT Registration, Fees, and Retake Rules

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay the NMC or Pearson VUE for the CBT?

Pearson VUE. The CBT fee goes to the test administrator. NMC application fees are separate, paid to the NMC directly.

Can I take the CBT in any country?

Yes, at any Pearson VUE test centre that offers NMC testing. Availability varies by country and city. Major centres in India, Philippines, Nigeria, Egypt and many others routinely host NMC candidates.

What ID do I need on test day?

Two forms of valid ID — one with a recent photograph and signature (typically passport). The name on your ID must match exactly the name you registered with.

Check your understanding

Quick quiz: NMC CBT Registration, Fees, and Retake Rules

4questions. Click an answer to see the explanation. Your score is saved on this device only.

1
When can you book your CBT through Pearson VUE?
You can't book the CBT until the NMC has issued a test authorisation, which happens after they review and accept your initial application (qualifications, English language test, ID documents). Authorisation typically takes 4-8 weeks after a complete application.
2
Where can the CBT be taken?
The CBT is computer-administered through Pearson VUE at test centres in many countries. Major centres in cities with many UK-bound nurses (Manila, Mumbai, Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi) frequently host candidates. Most candidates take the CBT before travelling to the UK.
3
Can you use a personal calculator during the CBT?
An on-screen calculator is provided. Personal calculators are not allowed. The test centre also provides scratch paper or a whiteboard. Phones, smartwatches and personal items go in lockers before entering the test room.
4
What ID do you need on test day?
Two forms of valid ID required, one with a recent photograph and signature (passport is typical). The name on ID must match your Pearson VUE registration exactly. Any mismatch can mean being turned away. Check before booking.