Pass mark
Nursing numeracy pass mark: is it 100%?
What the NMC standards say, what it means for you and how to prepare.
Why the pass mark is 100%
Because a wrong dose can harm a patient.
Medicines calculations are a patient safety skill, so the standard allows no marks to be lost. The requirement is in the NMC programme standards. It is also why checking units and sense-checking answers matters as much as knowing formulas.
How to prepare for a 100% pass mark
Cover every topic
A gap in one topic can cost the whole assessment. Use the topic list.
Build checking into your routine
Reread the question, check units and sense-check.
Practise to accuracy, not speed
Speed comes later.
Review every mistake
Write down why it happened and do a similar question the next day.
Rehearse exam conditions
Do a timed set without notes.
Ask for help early
Speak to your tutor or learning support if you struggle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the nursing numeracy pass mark 100%?+
According to the NMC's pre-registration programme standards, the health numeracy assessment must be passed with a score of 100%.
What happens if I fail my nursing numeracy exam?+
This is set by your university, including the number of attempts and any support. Check your handbook and speak to your tutor.
Does the pass mark differ in Scotland or Wales?+
The NMC regulates nurses in all four UK nations. Individual universities decide how they run the assessment.
Is the pass mark the same for the NMC CBT?+
No. The Test of Competence for overseas nurses is a different test. See the NMC site for current details.
Practise to accuracy
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.
