If you are 23 years of age or over and applying through the CAO for Nursing or Midwifery as a mature nursing student you will have to sit online aptitude tests in April/May 2027. This is a computer-based assessment. The Mature Nursing Aptitude Test is conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). You must be successful in the aptitude tests before being considered for on an offer for your chosen nursing degree course.
What is involved in the Mature Nursing Aptitude Tests?
The Mature Nursing Aptitude Tests consist of a Verbal Test, a Numeracy Test and Job Simulation Exercise. Information about the assessment test and familiarisation material is released in advance of the official exam. Mature applicants usually need to complete two separate steps:
Step 1 – Applying with the CAO
In order to study Nursing at third level, the first step is to apply for places through the Central applications Office (CAO). Applications are usually taken from early November each year. The deadline for applications is usually the 1st of February every year however there are late application options. The CAO are the official body that provide information for filling out your CAO application. See below for official CAO links.
Step 2 – Registering for the official Assessment Test
The official Mature Nursing Assessment Test is conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Registrations for the official test will be made on their website. You can see the latest information they have available on the website (usually in April) on the NMBI website.
Taking the official Assessment Test
The assessment test usually takes place in April/May each year. The NMBI will outline when the testing window will commence to mature applicants on their website and through their Information Booklet.
Test 1: Verbal Test:
This test is designed to measure the ability to understand information in a series of passages.
Test 2: Numerical Test:
This test is designed to measure the ability of the candidate to carry out calculations on common day-to-day mathematical problems.
Test 3: Job Simulation Exercises:
This exercise attempts to identify your likely response when presented with scenarios typical of what could occur in a job situation. This exercise measures a range of skills and qualities required in the Student Nurse role, ranging from taking care of someone, through to taking responsibility in a situation, In this test you will be required to read through a number of scenarios and then choose which one of a list of possible actions you would do, based on the information presented in the scenario.
So What Do I Do Now?
Mature Nursing Aptitude Test Preparation Course
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Courses include:
- Hours of practice tests, questions, lessons, tutorials
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- Mature Nursing Verbal Reasoning Preparation
- Mature Nursing Job Simulations
Please note: Career Services is a privately run education company. We have no affiliation to the Nursing and Midwifery Board Ireland, the CAO or the Test provider. We base our preparation courses on the types of tests that have appeared in previous years and have had great success with this method. Our courses aim to give candidates the very best tuition with the information that is available at the time of the preparation course but obviously we can take no responsibility for any future changes that the NMBI make to the exam.
