NCNZ Theory Exam for Overseas Nurses: Parts, Format and Attempts (2026)

If the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) requires you to complete a competence assessment, the first part is an online theoretical exam. This guide explains its structure, booking, attempts and fees using NCNZ's theoretical examination handbook (version 1.4, published 1 September 2025, review date September 2026). Always check the latest version before you book.

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026.

Exam structure

The exam is online and has two parts, both multiple choice with one correct answer. Each question is scored correct or incorrect, with no partial credit.

• Registered nurse (RN): 120 questions in 165 minutes. Part A (medication safety) has 12 questions in 30 minutes, and Part B (nursing knowledge) has 108 questions in 135 minutes.
• Enrolled nurse (EN): 90 questions in 135 minutes. Part A has 9 questions in 25 minutes, and Part B has 81 questions in 110 minutes.

Both exams allow 15 minutes before the start to read the introduction and complete a software tutorial.

What each part covers

• Part A covers medication and fluid safety, including medicine calculations. A calculator is provided in the exam software.
• Part B is closely linked to NCNZ's standards of competence for registered nurses or enrolled nurses.

The handbook does not state a numerical pass mark. Results are reported only as Pass or Fail.

How booking works

• You can book once NCNZ has assessed your application. You receive an invitation email with a booking link, which also appears in your MyIQN portal.
• The exam is run by Pearson VUE. You can sit it at Pearson centres overseas or in New Zealand, and you book online or by phone.
• Your eligibility lasts six months from the invitation date.
• You can change or cancel up to 48 hours before your appointment without penalty. Later changes, or not attending, may count as a failed attempt, and fees are not refunded.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.

On exam day: ID and rules

• Bring a current government-issued passport showing your name, photo and signature, plus a secondary ID that shows your name and signature or a recent photo, such as a driver's licence or bank card.
• The names on your IDs must match the name NCNZ holds.
• Personal items, including books and notes, are not allowed in the testing room, and no additional time allowances are granted.

Results and attempts

• Pearson VUE emails you within 24 hours, and you can see your score report in the MyIQN portal.
• If you pass both parts, NCNZ confirms your final result within six weeks and invites you to the clinical competence assessment.
• You have three attempts, and each sitting counts as one. On your first attempt you sit both parts. If you fail one part you re-sit only that part; if you fail both you re-sit the whole exam.
• If you have not passed after three attempts, NCNZ confirms within six weeks and your application closes.

The handbook recommends rescheduling your next attempt as soon as possible. It sets no minimum waiting period between attempts; the six-month eligibility period is the only time limit it mentions.

Fees listed by NCNZ

NCNZ's costs page listed these amounts in NZ dollars when we checked on 2 November 2026, payable in the currency of the country where you sit the exam: NZ$140 for the exam (Parts A and B), NZ$32 to re-sit Part A and NZ$108 to re-sit Part B. Check the page for current amounts.

How to prepare

Read the NCNZ handbook first. It explains the format and links the exam to NCNZ's standards of competence. For the next step, see our guide to the NZ nursing OSCE and the full NCNZ registration process for Indian nurses. Our nurse migration to New Zealand support includes exam preparation, but we cannot guarantee a pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in the NCNZ theory exam?

The RN exam has 120 multiple-choice questions in 165 minutes. The EN exam has 90 questions in 135 minutes.

Can I take the exam in India?

Yes. It is an online exam you can sit at Pearson centres overseas or in New Zealand.

What is the pass mark?

NCNZ's handbook does not state a numerical pass mark. You receive a Pass or Fail for each part.

What if I fail only one part?

You re-sit only that part, within your three attempts.

Can I use a calculator?

A calculator is provided within the exam software for calculation questions. Personal items such as books and notes are not allowed in the testing room.

Sources: Nursing Council of New Zealand (internationally qualified nurses' theoretical examination handbook v1.4, competence assessment FAQs and costs pages). For guidance only; always check NCNZ for current rules and fees.