The NMCN exam represents the crucial final step for anyone looking to practice as a nurse or midwife in Nigeria. To help you prepare effectively, this guide addresses the most pressing questions candidates ask, from the structure of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) to the cost of registration and what happens if you don't pass on your first attempt. You can take a look at the quintessential paradigm of the CBT here, help students practice past questions.
What is the NMCN and How Does the Exam Look?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the official regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining the standards of nursing and midwifery education and practice across the country. Any nurse or midwife who wants to be fully licensed to practice legally must pass the council’s qualifying examination.
Exam Format Breakdown:
The NMCN professional exam is typically divided into three main components to assess both your knowledge and practical skills:
Computer-Based Test (CBT): This section uses an objective, multiple-choice format to test your theoretical understanding. The specific structure can vary by program.
For Midwifery, the CBT often consists of 250 multiple-choice questions completed in a single 3-hour sitting.
For General Nursing, the exam is often split into multiple papers. For example, one paper might contain 100 questions, while a separate paper could have 250 questions, allowing you to focus your study for each section.
Theory Papers: Before the full transition to CBT, these consisted of essay-based questions, often with a 3-hour time limit. Some components of the exam may still use this format.
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): This is a practical, hands-on component where you'll rotate through timed stations to demonstrate essential clinical skills like hand hygiene, wound care, and vital signs assessment.
How to Register for the NMCN Exam
Registration is done online through the NMCN portal. Here are the primary steps:
1. Access the Portal: Visit the official registration portal at portal.nmcnigeria.org.
2. Select the Right Application: Under the "Examination" tab, you will see four options. Choose the one that applies to your situation:
Apply for Fresh Basic Examination: For first-time applicants in a basic nursing or midwifery program.
Apply for Fresh Post Basic Examination: For first-time applicants in a post-basic specialty program.
Apply for Resit Basic Examination: If you have referred papers from a previous basic exam.
Apply for Resit Post Basic Examination: If you have referred papers from a previous post-basic exam.
3. Upload Documents: Have scanned copies of your documents ready, including your O'level certificates, birth certificate, testimonial, and a recent passport photograph.
4. Pay the Fee: After completing the application, you will be prompted to pay the required fee via the Remita platform.
How Much is the Registration Fee?
The cost is not a single fixed price but depends on your specific program. The fees generally fall within the ₦38,000 to ₦48,000 range. To give you a clear idea:
Program Type Approximate Fee
Basic Midwifery Exam ₦47,250
Post-Basic Midwifery Exam ₦38,500
General/Post-Basic Nursing Exam Around ₦45,500
Basic Registration Fee (Post-Exam) ₦42,967.00
All fees are typically paid through the Remita platform and are non-refundable.
Is the NMCN Exam CBT or handwritten?
Yes. The NMCN officially adopted the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format for all its professional examinations starting in 2022. This means the multiple-choice section of your exam will be taken on a computer, replacing the old pen-and-paper objective tests.
Is the NMCN Exam Hard to pass?
Yes, it is widely considered difficult. The exam is designed to rigorously test the competence of future healthcare professionals, and the statistics reflect this. In May 2025, the overall pass rate for the nursing exam was 76%, meaning roughly 1 in 4 candidates did not succeed. In a more extreme example, the November 2025 Public Health Nursing exam recorded a staggering 90% failure rate, with only 179 out of 1,890 candidates passing. These figures highlight why early, focused, and strategic preparation is non-negotiable.
What Happens if a Student Fails the NMCN Exam?
Failing the exam does not end your nursing career. A significant policy change in September 2025 abolished the old rule that dismissed students after three failed attempts. The new, more supportive policy states:
Resit Only Failed Parts: You are no longer required to retake the entire exam. You will only need to resit the specific section or paper you failed until you achieve a passing mark. However, resitting is more costly and time consuming.
Stay in School: Instead of being dismissed, you will remain in your training institution and continue your studies.
Meet the Requirements: To be eligible for a re-sit, you must provide proof that you have maintained at least 80% attendance in both lectures and clinical postings. You are also expected to have acquired all the necessary study materials.
While this removes the fear of expulsion, resitting is both costly (you must pay the exam fee again) and stressful, making it far better to prepare thoroughly the first time.
How Many Questions Are There, and What is the Duration?
The number of questions and the time allowed depend on the specific program you are taking. Here are the most common formats:
For Midwives: The exam is often a single CBT session with 250 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 3 hours or less.
For General Nurses: The exam is often split into separate papers. For instance, one paper might contain 250 questions, while a subsequent paper could have 100 questions.
This means you need to prepare for a fast-paced test. For a 100-question paper, you would have roughly 36 seconds per question, so practicing with timed mock tests is critical to success. That is why, our NMCN CBT here on FreshNote is very well assembled for real exam experience.
Final Summary
The NMCN qualifying exam is a rigorous but passable milestone. By understanding the CBT format, budgeting for the registration fee, and knowing that a failure is a setback and not the end of the road, you can approach the exam with a clear and confident mindset.