UK nursing · NMC Test of Competence, Part 1
NMC CBT numeracy (Part A): pass mark, topics and worked calculations
You need 13 correct answers out of 15 in 30 minutes. Ten of the questions are on tablets, liquids, injections and infusions.
Part A of the NMC CBT is 15 numeracy questions in 30 minutes, each answered with a single number. The NMC test specification sets the current pass mark at 87%, or 13 out of 15 [1]. The questions cover six areas: dose by weight, metric units, oral medications, injections, IV infusions and fluid balance. Below: every formula and a worked example for each.
NMC CBT numeracy format
Part A is 15 questions in 30 minutes, worth 15 marks [1][3]. Each question asks you to type a single number, not to pick from options, and the test specification adds that the correct unit may also be required [1]. An on-screen calculator is available and you work on an erasable note board [2]. The NMC booklet advises spending no more than 2 minutes per question [2].
What is the NMC CBT numeracy pass mark?
The NMC test specification states that the current pass mark for Part A is 87%: 13 correct answers out of 15 [1]. In practice you can afford only 2 wrong answers. Part A has its own standard and is passed or failed separately from Part B [1][3]. There is no partial credit and no negative marking [2].
| Correct answers | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 15 out of 15 | 100% | Pass |
| 14 out of 15 | 93% | Pass |
| 13 out of 15 | 87% | Pass (the minimum) |
| 12 out of 15 | 80% | Fail: resit Part A only |
The 6 numeracy topics and how many questions each
The specification splits the 15 questions into six content areas [1]:
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Measuring the correct dose | 2 |
| Metric units | 2 |
| Oral medications | 4 |
| Injections | 3 |
| Intravenous infusions | 3 |
| Fluid balance | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
Oral medications, injections and infusions make up 10 of the 15 questions. Those three formulas are where most of your practice time should go.
The formulas you need
| Calculation | Formula |
|---|---|
| Dose by body weight | dose per kg × weight in kg |
| Tablets | dose prescribed ÷ strength of one tablet |
| Liquid or injection volume | (dose prescribed ÷ dose in stock) × stock volume |
| Infusion pump rate (mL/h) | volume in mL ÷ time in hours |
| Gravity drip rate (drops/min) | volume in mL × drop factor ÷ time in minutes |
| Fluid balance | total intake − total output |
Always convert to the same unit before you divide: 1 g = 1,000 mg, 1 mg = 1,000 micrograms, 1 L = 1,000 mL.
Worked examples, one per topic
1. Measuring the correct dose (by weight)
Prescribed 1.5 mg/kg for a patient weighing 64 kg: 1.5 × 64 = 96 mg.
2. Metric units
0.25 mg in micrograms: 0.25 × 1,000 = 250 micrograms. 1.2 L in mL: 1.2 × 1,000 = 1200 mL.
3. Oral medications: tablets
Prescribed 750 mg, tablets of 250 mg: 750 ÷ 250 = 3 tablets.
4. Oral medications: liquid
Prescribed 125 mg, oral solution 250 mg in 5 mL: (125 ÷ 250) × 5 = 2.5 mL.
Drill the method until it is automatic. The book gives a written method for each type of numeracy question and a workbook of 150 worked calculations, plus 450 clinical questions and 3 full Part B mock exams: Pass the NMC CBT.
5. Injections
Prescribed 4 mg, ampoule of 10 mg in 2 mL: (4 ÷ 10) × 2 = 0.8 mL.
6. Intravenous infusions
Pump: 1,000 mL over 8 hours: 1,000 ÷ 8 = 125 mL/h.
Gravity set: 500 mL over 4 hours with a 20 drops/mL giving set: 500 × 20 ÷ (4 × 60) = 41.67, so 42 drops per minute, since you cannot count part of a drop.
7. Fluid balance
Intake 1,850 mL, output 1,320 mL over the shift: 1,850 − 1,320 = +530 mL (a positive balance).
The trap: mixing units. Prescribed 0.5 mg, tablets of 250 micrograms. Convert first: 0.5 mg = 500 micrograms, so 500 ÷ 250 = 2 tablets. Dividing 0.5 by 250 gives 0.002, an answer that should stop you at once. Check every result against common sense before you type it.
How to prepare in practice
Pearson VUE publishes free practice tests for Part A, with three numeracy papers for adult nursing [4]. Use them to check the screen and the answer box, then train each formula until it takes under a minute: that leaves time to recheck units, which is where marks are lost. If you fail Part A you resit it alone (£50), at least 10 days later [3]. Recent NMC figures show about three in four candidates pass Part A first time: see NMC CBT pass rate by part and attempt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for NMC CBT numeracy?
The NMC test specification states that the current Part A pass mark is 87%: 13 correct answers out of 15. You can afford two wrong answers.
How many numeracy questions are in the NMC CBT?
15 questions in 30 minutes. Each asks for a single number, sometimes with its unit, and an on-screen calculator is provided.
What topics are in NMC CBT Part A?
Measuring the correct dose (2 questions), metric units (2), oral medications (4), injections (3), intravenous infusions (3) and fluid balance (1).
Can I use a calculator in the NMC CBT?
Yes. An on-screen calculator is available, and you can work on an erasable note board before typing your answer.
Do I resit Part B if I fail the numeracy?
No. Part A and Part B are passed or failed separately. A Part A resit alone costs £50 and must be at least 10 days after your previous sitting.
The book
Pass the NMC CBT
Test of Competence Part 1 for internationally educated nurses: a written method for every type of numeracy question, a short course on the NMC Code and the clinical topics behind Part B, and 600 original practice questions, including 150 worked calculations and 3 full mock exams of 100 questions.
Ebook. Also on other Apple Books and Google Play Books stores.
Sources
- NMC, « The Test of Competence 2021 (nursing): Test specification for candidates » (Part A content areas, item format, pass mark), PDF, consulted 10 November 2026.
- NMC, « Test of Competence: CBT information booklet for nurses » (calculator, note board, timing, scoring), PDF, consulted 10 November 2026.
- NMC, « Test of Competence for nurses and midwives: CBT » (structure, fees, resits), page updated 11 September 2026, consulted 10 November 2026.
- Pearson VUE, « Practice tests for the Test of Competence 2021 », consulted 10 November 2026.
Figures checked on 10 November 2026. Independent guide: not produced or approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council or Pearson. Always check the NMC website before you book or pay.