CBT is a Computer Based Test, which is the Part one of the Test of Competence for nurses and mid-wives in UK. The CBT contains a numeracy test (which consists of short-answer questions requiring a numerical answer), objective questions and a theory test (which is multiple choice). The CBT can be taken at a Pearson VUE test centre, available in most countries around the world.
The length of the CBT is 3 hours. The CBT is split into two parts: Part A covers numeracy and Part B covers clinical questions for nursing or midwifery.
CBT part | Timing | Number of questions |
Part A: Numeracy | 30 minutes | 15 |
Part B: Clinical | 2 hours and 30 minutes | 100 |
The fee for sitting both parts of the CBT is £83. If you need to resit the CBT, the following fees will apply:
Resit Part A and Part B: £83
Resit Part A only: £50
Resit Part B only: £70
Part A and Part B of your CBT are taken together in a single sitting, but are passed or failed independently. You only need to resit the part that you’ve failed. Each sitting counts as an attempt. You have three attempts as part of one application, with a minimum of 10 days between each sitting. These attempts all need to be taken within one year. After this period, you will need to resit both modules again. After three failed attempts, your application will close and you will need to wait six months to submit a new application and sit the CBT again.
