Overview of the test of competence
The test of competence is specific to the appropriate nursing field or midwifery and always consists of two parts. A test blue print is available on our website with links to online resources which will help applicants prepare for the test of competence. We do not endorse any course or training provider which may offer preparation materials for the test.
Part 1 is a computer based test (CBT).
The CBT is multiple choice and can be taken at a Pearson VUE test centre available in most countries around the world.
Candidates will be given a short tutorial on how to use the computer before starting the examination. The CBT comprises 120 multiple-choice questions. All questions are
scored as correct or incorrect and there is no partial credit. A small number of questions will not be scored as they are pre-test questions, these questions will not
be indicated to candidates.
A proportion of questions will be critical and relate to patient and public safety. Critical questions must be passed. The time limit for direct testing is four hours and this includes any breaks from testing, which are optional.
Part 2 is a nursing or midwifery objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) – a practical nursing or midwifery examination.
The OSCE can only be sat after successfully passing the CBT and is only available in the UK at a designated test centre. The candidate booklet and details for part 2 of the OSCE are available from the test centre website.