Introduction
Booking your NMC CBT booking on Pearson VUE can feel challenging for many internationally educated nurses preparing for UK registration. With the most recent updates to Pearson VUE booking systems repeated candidate mistakes, getting it right the first time is important to cut off the delays, extra fees, and frustration.
In this structured guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to book your NMC CBT without any errors, explain common pitfalls, and share tips that will maximize your chances of a smooth booking experience all backed by up-to-date guidance and official sources.
Table of Contents
What Is the NMC CBT and Why Does It Matter?
The NMC CBT is part one of the UK Test of Competence (ToC) for nurses and midwives applying for NMC registration. It tests your theoretical nursing knowledge and numeracy skills to make sure you meet UK practice standards.
The CBT includes:
- Part A – Numeracy (drug calculations and applied maths)
- Part B – Clinical theory (100 MCQs covering safe practise, nursing standards and clinical knowledge)
You must pass both parts of the CBT to move forward in the NMC registration process.
Before You Book: Key Preparations
1. Complete Your NMC Online Application
Keep in mind that you can only book your CBT after the NMC has reviewed and approved your application. Once you’ve submitted your NMC Online application including your qualifications, the NMC will send you an email confirming that you’re eligible to take the CBT after doing the third-party verification.
Important: Pearson VUE will release your CBT booking access only after this approval is given, so make sure you wait for the confirmation email before trying to book.
2. Check Your Email Carefully
Once approved, you’ll receive two important emails:
Authorization to Test (ATT) mail from NMC
Pearson VUE account creation email with username and temporary password
Tip: Add @pearson.com to your safe senders list to make sure you don’t miss these.
Step by Step Guide to NMC CBT booking on Pearson VUE
This section gives you a complete, simple to follow walkthrough from start to finish.
Step 1: Log in to Your Pearson VUE Account
- Go to the Pearson VUE NMC test page.
- Enter the credentials you received in your account creation email.
- Reset your password when prompted.
Why this matters: Using incorrect credentials or logging into the wrong Pearson VUE page can cause errors that delay your booking. Always log in through the official NMC-specific Pearson VUE portal.
Step 2: Select the Correct CBT Exam
When booking, choose the exam that matches your field of nursing practice. The most common exam codes include:
- Registered Adult Nurse: NMC_RNA
- Registered Children’s Nurse: NMC_RNC
- Registered Mental Health Nurse: NMC_RNMH
- Registered Midwife: NMC_RM
- Registered Nursing Associate: NAR
Important: Booking the wrong CBT category is one of the most common errors. If the CBT doesn’t match your application type, the NMC won’t accept it, and you will have to rebook and pay again.
Step 3: Choose Your Test Centre and Date
Right after you’ve selected the correct exam, just take a few minutes to thoroughly check the available test centres and confirm the one that’s most suitable for you. Then the next step is to choose a date and a right time that fits you the best for your schedule.
Pro tip: Test slots can be filled up really fast, especially at high demand locations. So booking early gives you a better chance of getting the date and centre you actually prefer.
Download CBT Most Expected Questions 2025.
Step 4: Review Personal Details Carefully
Before you make payment, make sure your:
- Name matches your passport exactly
- Date of birth is correct
- Email address is correct
If all of these don’t match your official ID then you may be rejected entry on exam day. This is a common and avoidable mistake.
Step 5: Make Payment
The current fee for both parts of the CBT is £83. You’ll need a valid debit or credit card to complete the payment.
Once the payment is complete, you’ll get a booking confirmation email with your test date, centre details, and what to bring on the test day.
After NMC CBT booking on Pearson VUE : What Happens Next?
Check Your Confirmation Details
Your confirmation email is your proof of booking, review it for:
1.Test centre address
2.Test date and time
3.Your exact exam name
4.Candidate identification instructions
Print or save this email so you can reference it later.
Prepare Identification
On exam day, bring your valid passport or government-issued ID, the same one you used when booking. If your ID name doesn’t match, you may be refused entry.
Rescheduling or Cancelling
If you need to change your appointment, you can do so through your Pearson VUE dashboard or by contacting customer service.
Kindly ensure any rescheduling is completed a minimum of 24 hours prior, as this is free of cost.
Common Booking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are the top pitfalls candidates make and how to prevent them:
Booking the Wrong Test Type
Select the CBT category that matches your professional registration (adult, mental health, etc.). If you choose the wrong one, your result won’t count toward your application.
Solution: Double-check the NMC code.
Using the Wrong Pearson VUE Link
Never book CBT through third party sites; scammers often mimic official pages.
Solution: Always use the official Pearson VUE NMC portal or your ATT email links.
Incorrect Personal Details
Even a tiny typo in your name or date of birth could invalidate your booking.
Solution: Review all fields carefully before payment.
Ignoring Email Instructions
Missing emails from Pearson VUE means missing critical updates about your booking.
Solution: Check your spam folder and whitelist @pearson.com.
Final Tips for a Smooth CBT Booking Experience
Plan Ahead
Book your CBT well before deadlines to avoid limited availability.
Familiarise Yourself With CBT Format
Understanding what the CBT entails helps reduce stress and allows better preparation. Use official CBT practice tests available on the Pearson VUE site.
Prepare for the CBT After Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, stick to a study plan, use mock tests, and ensure you are confident with numeracy and clinical knowledge.
Conclusion
Booking your NMC CBT on Pearson VUE doesn’t have to be stressful as long as you follow the correct steps, double check your details, and use official channels.
By preparing ahead, selecting the right exam, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll secure your CBT date smoothly and be well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming a registered nurse in the UK.
Read our detailed blog – “Avoid These Common Pitfalls After the UK NMC CBT in 2025” – to ensure your journey stays on track.
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