NMC CBT exam-day guide
NMC CBT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Booking confirmation and test appointment details
Bring a printed or saved copy of your appointment confirmation showing date, time and venue. Confirm the exact arrival time and reporting instructions with the test provider, as these vary by centre.
Valid photo ID matching your booking
Use the same ID document you registered with. Acceptable ID types and the exact name-matching rules are set by the provider, so confirm the accepted forms and validity (e.g. expiry) with the provider before test day.
Know your venue and route
Check the address, transport options and journey time in advance. Aim to arrive with buffer time; late arrival rules are provider-specific, so confirm them.
Review the test format and question style
Know the number of questions, timing and whether question types include multiple choice, calculations or ordering. Confirm the current format on the official provider site rather than relying on memory.
Practise under timed conditions
Complete at least one full-length timed practice set in the final days so you are used to the pace, then review only your errors.
Confirm calculator and equipment policy
Some computer-based tests provide an on-screen calculator; others restrict physical items. Confirm what is allowed or provided with the provider.
Plan for personal items and storage
Confirm what must be left outside the test room (bags, phones, notes, watches). Storage arrangements vary by centre.
Read the candidate conduct rules
Review the provider's rules on prohibited items, behaviour and what happens if rules are broken. These are set by the provider and can lead to cancellation of results.
Rest and practical preparation the night before
Sleep, eat, and prepare clothes and travel plan. Avoid last-minute cramming of new material.
Confirm break and timing rules
Whether breaks are allowed, and whether the clock pauses, is provider-specific. Confirm with the provider so you can plan hydration and timing.
Know the scoring and results process
Understand how the test is scored and when/how results are released. Confirm details with the provider; do not rely on unofficial sources.
Backup plan for travel disruption
Know the provider's policy on lateness or missed appointments and keep the centre's contact details to hand.
Plan the day
Do one or two timed practice sets, review error patterns only, and stop learning brand-new content. Confirm venue, ID and travel plan. Check the provider's current format and rules.
Light review of your own summary notes. Pack ID and confirmation. Set out clothes and travel details. Confirm the reporting time and what you may bring. Aim for a normal night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, allow extra travel buffer, arrive at the stated time, and follow centre check-in and ID verification instructions. Leave prohibited items as instructed.
Read each question carefully, answer known items first, flag and return to harder ones if the interface allows, watch the clock, and use any permitted calculator or scratch materials only as allowed. If a technical issue occurs, raise it with invigilators immediately.
Rules to check
Bring the ID document you registered with; name matching and accepted ID types are set by the provider, so confirm them in advance.
Follow all invigilator instructions and the provider's candidate conduct rules; prohibited items and behaviour can lead to removal or cancellation of results.
Do not attempt to take notes, recording devices or unauthorised materials into the test room; confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Break rules (whether breaks are allowed and whether timing pauses) are provider-specific; confirm before test day and plan accordingly.
Scoring and pass standards are set by the provider; check the official scoring information rather than relying on third-party claims.
If you are late, follow the provider's late-arrival policy, which may result in refusal of entry; confirm this with the provider.
Report any technical or equipment problem to the invigilator immediately rather than trying to resolve it yourself.
Keep your booking confirmation and centre contact details accessible in case of travel disruption.