Did you know that in order to be registered in the UK, nurses and midwives who received their training outside of the European Economic Area must pass the NMC exam? This came into effect in October 2014. This test of competence needs a crucial study. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the CBT exam which requires extensive information on why a CBT nursing exam is essential for UK training.
What is the CBT exam for nurses in the UK?
Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) or Computer-Based Test (CBT) is referred to as CBT. In the UK, CBT exams are used to assess the competency of nursing professionals. The CBT exam is a computerized multiple-choice test that covers a broad spectrum of nursing knowledge and abilities. Every nurse who wishes to practice in the UK must pass the CBT exam, which is used as part of the registration process.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) administers the CBT exams for nurses in the UK, which test their knowledge and skills in a range of areas relevant to the nursing profession. The results of the CBT exam determine whether a nurse is eligible for registration and practice in the UK.
The CBT exam for nurses in the UK consists of two parts:
The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) part: This part tests the nurse’s knowledge and understanding of nursing theories, concepts, and practices. The time allotted for Part A’s 15 questions—which involve numeracy, or how to calculate medication—is 30 minutes.
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) part: Clinical nursing questions are covered in Part B of the CBT, which takes 2.30 hours to complete. This part assesses the nurse’s practical skills and ability to apply their knowledge in real-life clinical situations. The OSCE involves a series of stations, where the nurse is required to perform specific tasks and demonstrate their skills, such as taking a patient’s vital signs or communicating with a patient.
Note: Both parts of the CBT exam must be passed in order for the nurse to be eligible for registration and practice in the UK.
Is the CBT exam a mandatory phenomenon for UK nurses?
Yes, taking the CBT exam is a requirement for nurses in order to register in the UK. All nurses, including newly certified ones and those who earned their degrees elsewhere and want to work in the UK, must pass the CBT in order to practice in that country. All nurses who work in the UK are required to pass the exam in order to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and abilities required to deliver safe and effective care.
A nurse must complete the CBT as part of the National Midwifery Council (NMC) registration process in order to become registered with the NMC and be granted permission to operate in the UK. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which evaluates the nurses’ practical abilities in a clinical context, is typically conducted after the CBT.
It is significant to remember that in addition to English language proficiency and other standards of conduct and performance, nurses must also satisfy all other requirements set forth by the NMC.
What is the pass mark for CBT for nurses in UK?
The pass mark for the CBT exam for nurses in the UK is set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The exact pass mark for the CBT exam may vary from year to year, but it typically ranges between 50% and 60% for both the MCQs and OSCE parts. This means that a nurse must score at least a certain percentage of correct answers on both the MCQs and OSCE parts in order to pass the exam and be eligible for registration and practice in the UK. It is important to note that the NMC sets a high standard for the CBT exam, as the goal is to ensure that only competent and qualified nurses are registered and practicing in the UK.
What is the difference between CBT and OET?
CBT and OET are both types of exams used for assessing the competence of healthcare professionals, but they have different purposes and are administered by different organizations.
CBT stands for Computer-Based Test and is a type of exam that is taken on a computer. In the UK, the CBT exam is used to assess the competence of nursing professionals and is administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The CBT exam for nurses in the UK consists of two parts: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
OET, on the other hand, stands for the Occupational English Test and is an international English language test specifically designed for the healthcare sector. The OET is administered by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA) and is used to assess the language proficiency of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists, among others. The OET exam tests the healthcare professional’s ability to use English in a clinical setting and consists of four parts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
How long is the CBT exam for nurses?
The duration of the CBT exam for nurses in the UK can vary, but it typically takes several hours to complete. The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) part of the exam usually takes about 2 hours, while the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) part can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of stations and the tasks involved. The total duration of the CBT exam can also be influenced by factors such as the number of candidates taking the exam and the available resources for conducting the exam.
It is important to note that the CBT exam for nurses in the UK is a comprehensive and demanding assessment that requires a significant amount of preparation and practice. The NMC sets a high standard for the CBT exam to ensure that only competent and qualified nurses are registered and practicing in the UK.
How many days does it take to receive the UK NMC CBT results?
The exact time it takes to receive the results of the CBT exam for nurses in the UK can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which administers the CBT exam, processes the results and releases them to the test takers.
It is important to note that the NMC may have a backlog of exams to process, which can impact the time it takes to receive the results. Additionally, the NMC may release the results in batches, so some test takers may receive their results earlier or later than others.
Once the results are released, the NMC will typically publish them on its website or send them directly to the test takers via email or post. Test takers should contact the NMC if they have any questions or concerns about the status of their results.
What happens if a nurse fails the CBT test?
If a nurse fails the CBT exam in the UK, they may have to retake the exam in order to be eligible for registration and practice. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) sets the rules and regulations for the CBT exam and may have specific policies for retaking the exam after a failure.
Typically, a nurse who fails the CBT exam may have to wait a certain period of time before they are eligible to retake the exam. They may also be required to undergo additional training, practice, or assessment before they are allowed to retake the exam.
It is important for a nurse who has failed the CBT exam to take the necessary steps to identify their areas of weakness and to seek support and guidance in order to prepare effectively for the next exam. Failing the CBT exam can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach, a nurse can improve their chances of success and achieve their goal of becoming registered and practicing in the UK.
Advice for test takers to follow during the CBT Exam
Here are some tips that test takers can follow during the CBT exam:
Read instructions carefully: Make sure to carefully read and understand the instructions for each section of the exam before starting. This will help you to complete each task accurately and efficiently.
Manage your time wisely: The CBT exam has a limited amount of time, so it is important to manage your time wisely. Make sure to pace yourself and allocate enough time for each section of the exam.
Stay focused: The CBT exam can be mentally and emotionally challenging, so it is important to stay focused and remain calm throughout the exam. Avoid distractions and take regular breaks as needed.
Use your resources wisely: Make sure to use all of the resources available to you, such as reference materials and practice questions, to prepare for the exam.
Answer questions carefully: Make sure to read each question carefully and answer it to the best of your ability. Don’t rush and take your time to think about each question before answering.
Check your work: Before submitting your answers, make sure to double-check your work and correct any errors.
Stay positive: Finally, it is important to stay positive and maintain a positive attitude throughout the exam. Remember that the CBT exam is just one step in your journey as a nurse and that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed.
Wrapping it up - get complete CBT training and support from our experts
Besides helping you find your dream locum jobs in NHS and private hospitals in the UK, JPMedicals Recruitment also provides training and support for those preparing the CBT exam. We offer a range of courses, practice exams, study guides, and one to one coaching. Talk to our recruitment team for more information.