Nursing numeracy exam
The nursing numeracy exam: what it is and how to pass
What the exam covers, the NMC's 100% requirement, differences across the UK and Ireland, and how to prepare.
What is the nursing numeracy exam?
A drug calculations assessment that nursing students must pass before they can register.
Most UK nursing programmes include a numeracy or medicines calculation exam. It tests whether you can work out doses, volumes and infusion rates accurately and safely. Questions are usually set in clinical scenarios, such as tablets to give, millilitres to draw up, or the rate to set on an infusion pump.
The NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) regulates nurses across the UK. Its NMC programme standards require a health numeracy assessment that must be passed with 100%. See why the pass mark is 100% and what to do about it.
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland
| Nation | Regulator | Assessment details |
|---|---|---|
| England | NMC | University sets format |
| Scotland | NMC | University sets format |
| Wales | NMC | University sets format |
| Northern Ireland | NMC | University sets format |
| Republic of Ireland | NMBI (a separate regulator) | Check your programme and the NMBI |
The NMC regulates nurses in all four UK nations, so the same programme standards apply. Details differ by university. Ireland has its own regulator, so check the requirements for your programme. Read the guide by nation.
What is on a nursing numeracy exam?
Topics you can expect to practise. Your syllabus decides the exact list.
| Topic | Learn and practise |
|---|---|
| Tablets and capsules | Dosage calculator |
| Oral liquids | Tablets and oral liquids |
| Injections and units | mg per ml |
| Dose by weight and body surface area | Dose per kg and BSA · calculator |
| Infusion rates (ml/hour) | Infusion rate calculator |
| Drip rates (drops/min) | Drip rate calculator |
| Dilutions and percentages | Dilution · percentages |
| Unit conversions | mg, micrograms, ml |
| Rounding | Rounding rules |
How to pass first time
Learn the core formulas
Start with the formulas page. Most questions are variations of dose, volume and rate.
Practise questions daily
Use the practice questions and the free quiz.
Check units first
Most lost marks come from mg, micrograms and grams being mixed. See 12 tips.
Sense-check every answer
Ask whether the number could really be given to a patient.
Follow a plan
Use the 7-day revision plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nursing numeracy exam?+
It is a medicines calculation assessment included in UK nursing programmes. It tests that you can calculate doses, volumes and infusion rates safely.
What is the pass mark for the nursing numeracy exam?+
The NMC's pre-registration programme standards say the health numeracy assessment must be passed with 100%. Check your programme handbook for how your university applies it.
Is the nursing numeracy exam the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?+
The NMC regulates nurses in all four UK nations, so the same programme standards apply. Each university designs its own assessment, so details can differ.
What about nursing students in Ireland?+
Ireland has a separate regulator (NMBI). Check your programme's requirements.
What topics are on the nursing numeracy exam?+
Typically dose calculations, oral liquids, injections, dose by weight, infusion and drip rates, dilutions, percentages and unit conversions. Your syllabus gives the exact list.
Is there an app to practise for the nursing numeracy exam?+
Yes. Dos is a drug calculations practice app with ten-question practice tests, a built-in calculator and statistics per topic. It is not affiliated with the NMC or any university.
Practise nursing numeracy in Dos
Dos is a practice app for drug calculations. It has practice tests of ten questions, a built-in calculator next to each question, and statistics per topic.
