Written to complement existing nursing qualifications used in the UK, the test covers topics such as dosage calculations and physiology, as well as key medical terms. The test also includes questions on numeracy, literacy and IT skills, testing the candidate’s written communication skills and their understanding of different uses of language.

Once a candidate has completed the test you will immediately receive a report grading the candidate in the following areas:

Literacy
Creating sentences and punctuating correctly.
Demonstrating comprehension via reading.
Demonstrating an ability to spell words.
Medical Terminology.
Understanding different uses of language.
Understanding the structure of paragraphs.

Numeracy
Calculating simple probabilities.
Conversions, weights and measurements.
Dosage calculations.
Infusion rates.
Reading, preparing and interpreting data.
Understanding percentages and fractions.

IT Skills
Databases.
Email.
Internet.
Spreadsheets.
Word Processing.

Who writes The Basic Skills Test for Nurses questions?

To create our nurse test we worked with Revolutions Training Ltd. They specialise in providing vocational qualifications and training to people working in a wide range of health and social care settings.

They have particular experience in working in services supporting people with learning disabilities; mental health issues; drug and alcohol problems and HIV, as well as with older people, children and young people, domiciliary care services and in healthcare settings such as hospitals and GP practices.

With over 25 years’ experience working in health and social care, they understand the challenges faced by employers when working in the health sector. This has enabled them to have written, edited and contributed to 7 health and social care vocational qualification textbooks, 2 tutor resources and a monthly blog for Oxford University Press, highlighting professional practice issues for those working in health and social care.

We also undertook additional consultation with a qualified pharmacist working within an NHS trust.

The Basic Skills Test for Nurses is an online test that can be taken in the office or at the candidate’s home.

All questions are multiple choice and are presented in a randomised order. Candidates only receive credit for correct answers and are guided throughout the test to questions at their own level of achievement. Our software ensures that good candidates are not asked inappropriately simple questions, whilst at the same time ensuring that weaker candidates are guided to questions of a suitably revealing level.

How do I give the candidate a test?

The Basic Skills Test is conducted entirely online. As the employer, you simply complete a form giving the candidate’s name, their email address and the e-mail address for where you wish the test result to be sent. For accounts with multiple users, you can also associate or attach a candidate with a specific vacancy.

The candidate is then emailed a link to the test, and a unique PIN number, which will work in any browser, on any device. Once candidates have logged in and completed the test, the results are emailed to your chosen email address immediately in PDF format.

How long does the test take

The test takes around 45 minutes. There is an option to turn off the time limit however, for candidates with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

A block of 5 test credits is £125 + VAT. For more pricing information please click here.

Can I purchase just one test?

Tests can either be purchased in blocks or if significant use is anticipated, we can simply invoice you monthly for the tests conducted.

Can I have a discount?

We are able to discuss costs for individuals who anticipate significant use of our tests. Please email us at [email protected] with details of your anticipated annual usage requirements.

How do I pay for tests?

When purchasing blocks of tests, we accept card payments either online or over the phone, allowing you access to your test credits immediately.

Try our FAQ or please email [email protected] with any questions you may have. You can also contact us via our contact form.