Test of Competence

2021

CBT
information
booklet

Page 1
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3
Overview of the test of competence ....................................................................................... 3
Applying for the test of competence ....................................................................................... 4
Computer-based test ................................................................................................................ 4
Candidate rules......................................................................................................................... 4
Confidentiality ........................................................................................................................... 5
Taking the CBT ......................................................................................................................... 6
Grounds for dismissal or cancellation of results ....................................................................... 7
Confidentiality and test security ................................................................................................ 7
Invalid results ............................................................................................................................ 8
On the day of the CBT .............................................................................................................. 8
Arrival procedures at the test centre ......................................................................................... 8
Communication during the CBT ................................................................................................ 9
Breaks ...................................................................................................................................... 9
After the CBT is completed ....................................................................................................... 9
Results of the CBT ................................................................................................................ 10
The passing standard ........................................................................................................... 10
Answering the numeracy questions ........................................................................................ 11
Answering the multiple-choice questions ................................................................................ 11
Re-sits and exceptional circumstances ................................................................................... 11
Reasonable adjustments ........................................................................................................ 12

ToC 2021 CBT information booklet 2

Introduction

We use the Test of Competence (ToC) to assess the skills and knowledge of people
wanting to join our register from overseas or rejoin our register after a long period away
from practice.

A new version of the test will be introduced in 2021. This test consists of two parts, and it
measures applicants against ‘Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered
nurses’ (2018) and our ‘Future midwife: Standards of proficiency for midwives’. It assesses
the essential professional knowledge, skills and attitudes required for safe and effective
nursing or midwifery practice in the UK.

Nursing in the UK is made up of separate and distinct fields of practice, each requiring
three years of pre-registration undergraduate education.

The distinct nursing fields of practice are:

• adult nursing
• children’s nursing
• learning disabilities nursing
• mental health nursing.

In the UK, midwifery is a separate and distinct profession, requiring three years of
pre-registration undergraduate education.

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. Test blueprints are available on our website with links to online
resources, which will help applicants to prepare for the test of competence. We do not
endorse any course or training provider offering preparation materials for the test.

Part 1 is a computer-based test (CBT). 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.

Candidates will be given a short tutorial on how to use the computer before starting the
examination. The CBT comprises 115 questions. All questions are scored as correct or
incorrect, and there is no partial credit. Part A will comprise a 15-mark numeracy
assessment. Part B will be a 100-mark theory assessment.

The length of the CBT is 3 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 is available in the UK only, at a
designated test centre. The candidate booklet and details for the OSCE are available from
the test centres’ websites.

The CBT and OSCE can be taken in any order.

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Applying for the test of competence

Nurses and midwives seeking registration in the UK should ensure that they have read and
understood the requirements for registering as a nurse or midwife in the UK before starting
the application process.

The test of competence requires candidates to complete an online application process.

You can register on our website. Once the NMC has told you that you need to take the test
of competence, you can book your CBT with Pearson VUE.

Computer-based test

All candidates take the CBT under formal standardised examination conditions in a
Pearson VUE test centre.

All candidates are required to adhere to the candidate and test centre rules in the test
centre and while sitting the CBT. Please note that if you do not follow the rules or the
instructions of the test administrator (TA), your examination result may be withheld or
cancelled, and your examination fee may not be refunded.

The test centre will always inform us if a candidate does not comply with the rules, and
the candidate may be subject to a misconduct investigation.

Candidate rules

 All personal items must be placed in the locker provided at the test centre. The test
centre is not responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced items.

The following items are not allowed in the examination room, nor can they be accessed
during any break from testing:

 Any educational, test preparation or study materials.

 Weapons of any kind.

 Personal items, including mobile phones, hand-held computers, personal digital

assistants (PDAs), pagers, watches or other electronic devices. You must store all
personal items in the locker allocated to you. Mobile phones, pagers or other
electronic devices must be turned off before storing them in the locker.

 During any break from testing, you are not allowed to access personal items. You
must get approval from the test administrator if you require medication or food at a
specific time.

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The following personal items are not allowed in the testing room and must also be stored in
the locker provided:

 Bags, purses, wallets, watches or smart watches.

 Coats, hats or other head coverings (unless worn for religious or cultural reasons),
scarves, gloves or other personal items.

 Books or notes.

 Food, drink, gum or candy.

 Lip balm.

 Medical devices/aids (unless these are essential, in which case please inform us
during the application process).

 If you require access to medical devices and/or medication during the CBT, you
must inform Pearson VUE when booking your exam. Please also notify the test
administrator (TA) at the test centre on the day of your exam.

Confidentiality

 As a registered nurse or midwife, you are bound by your current code of professional
conduct and ethics.

 Any cheating or misconduct during the CBT or any breaching of the confidentiality of
the examination may bring your profession into disrepute and may raise doubts about
your fitness to practise. Such incidents will be reported to us and will be investigated.

 You must not seek help or attempt to seek help from any other party during the CBT or
during any break from testing. This includes in person or by phone, text, messaging,
email or any form of social media.

 You must not disclose or discuss with anyone, including instructors, information about
the questions or answers to the CBT. This also includes posting or discussing
questions or answers on the internet or any form of social media, such as Twitter.

 You must not copy, reconstruct or remove examination questions or responses (in any
format) from the testing room. You must not make notes about the examination.

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Taking the CBT

 The results of the CBT must be an accurate reflection of the authorised candidate’s
knowledge and professional skills as a nurse or midwife.

 You must not take or attempt to take the CBT for anyone else.

 You must not allow, or attempt to allow, anyone else to take the CBT for you.

 You must use only the computer provided for taking the CBT.

 You must not tamper with, or attempt to tamper with, the computer or use the
computer for anything other than taking the CBT.

 You must not engage in any behaviour deemed to be disruptive at any time while in
the test centre, when taking the CBT or during any break from testing.

 If you experience any hardware or software problems during the examination, notify
the TA by raising your hand immediately.

 If you need to attract the TA’s attention for any reason, raise your hand.

 You can request earplugs from the TA. It is not permitted to bring your own earplugs.

 You will be provided with an erasable note board and marker before you enter the
testing room.

 You must write on the erasable note board only after the tutorial is complete.

 Any writing before or during the tutorial is considered ‘brain dumping’, which will result
in an incident report being sent to us and your results being placed on hold, pending
an investigation.

 A clean note board can be requested during your CBT by raising your hand. This will
replace the one you have already used.

 You must not remove or attempt to remove the erasable note board and marker from
the testing room.

 You must return the erasable note board and marker to the TA after testing is
completed.

 You must write only on the erasable note board provided.

 You must not write on any materials, including your hands, arms or body. This action
will be considered cheating and will result in an incident report being sent to us and
your results being placed on hold, pending investigation.

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Grounds for dismissal or cancellation of results

 All candidates must comply fully with the TA’s instructions and/or the test centre rules
and regulations; otherwise, they risk having their CBT results withheld, dismissed or
cancelled.

 Candidates who do not comply with the TA’s instructions or test centre rules and
regulations may be asked to leave the test centre and their exam fees will not be
refunded. Such incidents will be reported to us, and the CBT result may be withheld or
cancelled. We may take disciplinary action such as denying your registration and/or
disqualifying you from future attempts at the CBT.

 Candidates engaging in disruptive behaviour, misconduct or failing to comply with the

TA’s warnings to stop inappropriate behaviour will be dismissed from the test centre,
and their exam fee will not be refunded. Such incidents will be reported to us and the
CBT result may be withheld or cancelled. We may take disciplinary action such as
denying your registration and/or disqualifying you from future attempts at the CBT.

Confidentiality and test security

Any disclosure of examination test questions before, during, or after the examination is a
violation of the law. Violations of confidentiality and/or candidate rules can result in criminal
prosecution or civil liability and/or disciplinary actions by the regulatory body, including
exclusion from registration.

If you become aware of, or witness, any attempt to compromise the test of competence,
please report it to us. You may report any suspicious behaviour to us by email on
overseas.enquiries@nmc-uk.org.

We require the CBT result to reflect the ability of individual candidates. To facilitate this,
standardised procedures and processes for taking the CBT have been developed to
prevent any candidate from obtaining an unfair advantage.

To ensure that the result of the CBT fairly reflects the ability of individual candidates, we
reserve the right to cancel or withhold any CBT results.

CBT results may be withheld or cancelled if we consider a testing irregularity to have

occurred.

Testing irregularities may include but are not limited to: apparent discrepancies in, or
falsification of, candidate identification; misconduct; any other behaviour that violates the
candidate rules or breaches the confidentiality agreement; or if the CBT results are
believed to be invalid for any reason.

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Invalid results
We may cancel or withhold a candidate’s results if the validity of the CBT results are called
into question for any reason.

If a CBT result is cancelled or invalidated without finding that the candidate engaged in
irregular behaviour, the candidate may appeal the decision and/or will be offered a free re-
test. An appeal is the only way for a candidate to challenge our decision to take this action.

There are procedures to ensure that the operation of the test centre meets our criteria for a
standardised testing environment.

On the day of the CBT

Arrival procedures at the test centre

 Arrive at the test centre 30 minutes before your booked examination time.

 If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your booked examination time, you may not
be able to take the CBT and will have to book and pay another CBT fee. Failure to
take the examination will be reported to us, but will not count as an attempt.

 You will be required to present a valid passport with picture for authentication
purposes. (Please note that this must be the passport you provided on your NMC
account. If you have a new passport, please make sure that you update your NMC
account at least 48 hours before your CBT appointment date.)

 You must provide your digital signature and have your photograph taken. The
photograph and signature are sent to us.

 Hats, scarves and coats must not be worn in the testing room or while your
photograph is being taken. They must be placed in the secure storage facility provided
at the test centre. (Head scarves worn for religious and cultural reasons are allowed
but will be inspected.)

 Candidates must not access any prohibited personal items during their stay at the test
centre. Storage space is small, and the test centre assumes no responsibility for
candidates’ personal belongings.

 You must remove any large jewellery or other accessories before entering the testing
room, if asked to do so.

 You must place all electronic devices in your allocated locker.

 Friends, relatives or children are not allowed to wait in the test centre while candidates
take the CBT.

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 The TA will give you a short orientation and will then escort you to a computer
terminal, where you will complete a short tutorial. You must remain in your seat during
the examination, except when authorised to leave by test centre staff. You may not
change your computer terminal unless a TA directs you to do so.

Communication during the CBT

Standard examination rules apply during the CBT. Candidates sit the CBT in silence and
must not communicate with others. Raise your hand if: any problems with the computer
occur; you need a new note board; you need to take a break; or you need the TA for any
other reason.

Please raise your hand when you have finished the CBT.

Breaks
The test will last a maximum of 3 hours. It is important that you pace yourself during the
CBT. Breaks are not scheduled during this time.

Raise your hand to request an unscheduled break, or to exit the testing room for any other
reason. The TA must escort you out of the testing room. You must leave the testing room
during any break from testing and you are advised to remain in the test centre during any
break from testing.

If you take a break from testing, all personal items accessed (including purses and wallets)
must be inspected by the TA. Any tampering of the electronic device bag provided will be
reported to us. Accessing any prohibited personal items during a break from testing may
result in the cancellation of your CBT results.

A palm vein scan may be taken when you leave, and again when you re-enter the testing
room. If this is requested, you must comply with the TA request. When you return to the
testing room, the TA must resume the CBT on your computer.

After the CBT is completed

After you have completed the CBT, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire
about your testing experience. When you have finished the questionnaire, raise your hand
to summon the TA.

The TA will collect any erasable note boards and escort you from the testing room.

If you have any electronic devices in a Pearson VUE-provided bag, a TA must take the bag
to be inspected and opened. Removal of devices by the candidate will result in an incident
report and could lead to your examination result being cancelled.

The TA will dismiss you when all requirements are fulfilled.

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If you believe there was an irregularity in the administration of your exam, or that the testing
conditions adversely affected your CBT result, you should notify the TA before you leave
the test centre. The test centre will send an incident report to us.

Exam data is encrypted and transferred electronically to us. Do not ask the TA about exam
content and/or results. If you have questions about the exam, please contact us. If you
have questions about your testing session, please contact us within 1 week of your exam
appointment.

You may ask the TA for a confidential comment sheet to provide any information about
your CBT appointment at the test centre or experience of using Pearson VUE candidate
services.

Results of the CBT

Once the exam is completed, the result is then submitted and calculated. Test centre staff
do not have access to the examination results.

Examination results will be emailed to candidates within 48 hours of taking the

examination. You can also obtain your results within 48 hours after testing by logging in to
your Pearson VUE account, which you will have created when booking your exam.

Candidates will receive a pass or fail result for each part of the test: Part A (Numeracy) and
Part B (Theory). No further feedback on the test results can be disclosed to candidates.
This is to protect the integrity of the test and to ensure that any future attempts to sit the
test are not aided.

The passing standard

An initial standard will be set, and statistical techniques will be used to maintain the
standard across different versions of the test over time.

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Answering the numeracy questions
Maintain a reasonable pace, spending a maximum of 2 minutes on each numeracy
question.

Do your calculations on the erasable note board, then type in the answer you wish to
provide on-screen.

You can review answers and change them if you wish. The CBT does not use negative
scoring if a question is not answered or is answered incorrectly.

Answering the multiple-choice questions

Maintain a reasonable pace by spending a maximum of 1.5 minutes on each multiple-
choice question.

Always select the answer you believe to be the ‘most’ correct from the options offered.

You can review answers and change them if you wish. The CBT does not use negative
scoring if a question is not answered or is answered incorrectly.

Re-sits and exceptional circumstances

You must receive authorisation to take the test (ATT) from us before you can book and pay
for your exam with Pearson VUE.

You may sit the CBT up to three times as part of one application, with a minimum of 10
days between each sitting.

If you are unsuccessful after your permitted attempts, your application will close. You’ll be
required to submit a new application and will not be able to sit the CBT again for a
minimum of six months.

In exceptional cases, a further attempt at each part may be offered. This attempt will be
agreed only by application to the NMC. The additional attempt will be granted in situations
such as the following:
 the test centre did not follow agreed processes
 the assessor behaved in a way that demonstrably did not comply with the agreed
processes
 there was an unanticipated interruption to the assessment, such as a fire alarm
 illness or severe anxiety on the part of the candidate.

Part A and Part B are taken together in a single sitting but are passed or failed
independently. If any part is failed, you need only re-sit that part. The re-sit for Part A will

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 take 30 minutes and the re-sit for Part B will take 2.5 hours. You will be administered a
new form of the CBT for each re-sit you take. The CBT and the OSCE can be taken in
either order, although most candidates take the CBT first. If one part is failed three times,
then you must re-sit the whole of the CBT after a six-month period has elapsed.

Reasonable adjustments
It is acknowledged that a candidate with a declared disability may require reasonable
adjustments in order to complete the test of competence. Reasonable adjustments are
offered within the scope of the Equality Act 2010[1].
The CBT consists of two parts with 115 questions in total, and the time allowance is 3
hours in total. Reasonable adjustments to the CBT can include, for example, a separate
testing room or additional time. You may be allowed up to 25% additional time, depending
on your specific needs. Breaks may also be allowed, if required for accessibility purposes.
The re-sit for Part A will generally take 30 minutes and the re-sit for Part B will take 2.5
hours. Again, 25% extra time may be allowed, depending on specific needs.
Evidence must be provided from professional reports at the time of booking to verify the
learning support needs prior to undertaking the CBT.

The Equality Act 2010 does not apply in Northern Ireland, but there are very similar equality requirements
spread across several pieces of legislation. For example, section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 also
includes consideration of ‘political opinion’ as a protected characteristic, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
still apples to employment in Northern Ireland, and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern
Ireland) Order 2005 applies in all education settings.

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