University College Cork - School of Nursing and
Midwifery CPD Nursing & Midwifery
Assessment Examination Advanced/Hard Level
- September 2026 Assessment Cycle
Table of Contents
Section Topic Area Question Numbers
A Professional Practice & Scope of Practice 1-15
B Clinical Leadership & Management 16-30
C Quality Improvement & Audit 31-45
D Gerontological Nursing & Positive Ageing 46-60
E Intensive & Critical Care Nursing 61-75
F Nurse/Midwife Prescribing & Pharmacology 76-90
G Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 91-105
H Ethics, Law & Professional Conduct 106-120
I Patient Safety, Risk Assessment & Governance 121-135
J Communication, Reflection & Holistic Care 136-150
,SECTION A: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Question 1
A registered nurse working in an Irish acute hospital setting is asked by a medical colleague
to perform a procedure that falls outside her documented scope of practice as defined by NMBI.
The nurse has observed the procedure performed numerous times and feels competent to
perform it. What is the MOST appropriate action for this nurse to take?
A) Perform the procedure as the patient's welfare is paramount and the nurse has
observed it frequently
B) Perform the procedure only if a senior nurse is present to supervise
C) Refuse to perform the procedure and escalate the matter through appropriate channels while
referring to the NMBI Scope of Practice framework
D) Perform the procedure but document that it was done under duress
Rationale: NMBI's Scope of Practice framework requires nurses to work within their defined
scope, and any expansion requires formal education, competency assessment, and
organisational policy approval. Refusing and escalating is the correct professional response.
Question 2
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requires registered nurses and
midwives to complete a minimum number of continuing professional development (CPD) hours
over a three-year period. What is this minimum requirement?
A) 30 hours over 3 years (average 10 hours per year)
B) 45 hours over 3 years (average 15 hours per year)
C) 60 hours over 3 years (average 20 hours per year)
D) 90 hours over 3 years (average 30 hours per year)
Rationale: NMBI mandates a minimum of 60 hours of CPD activities over the preceding 3 years,
averaging 20 hours per year, alongside 450 practice hours over the same period.
Question 3
A midwife is considering expanding her practice to include a new skill not traditionally
within the midwifery scope. According to NMBI guidance, which of the following is a CRITICAL
prerequisite before undertaking this expansion?
A) Written approval from the hospital's Chief Executive Officer
,B) Completion of a recognised education programme and demonstration of competency
C) A minimum of 10 years of clinical experience
D) Publication of research in the area of the new skill
Rationale: NMBI requires that programme content for competence development be reviewed
and approved by a registered nurse or midwife, and that expansion of practice be supported by
appropriate education and competency demonstration.
Question 4
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of "professional competence" as defined
by NMBI for nursing and midwifery practice in Ireland?
A) The ability to perform clinical skills without error
B) The combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required for safe and effective
practice
C) The number of years of clinical experience accumulated
D) The possession of a postgraduate qualification
Rationale: NMBI recognises that professional competence encompasses lifelong learning and
the integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values essential for safe, effective practice.
Question 5
A nurse enrolled in a UCC CPD module (NU6125 Professional Practice Issues) is required to
complete a 3,000-word written report as part of continuous assessment. What is the weighting
of this written report within the total module marks?
A) 120 marks out of 200
B) 150 marks out of 200
C) 180 marks out of 200
D) 200 marks out of 200
Rationale: In NU6125, the total assessment is 200 marks, with the 3,000-word written report
accounting for 180 marks and E-tivities accounting for 20 marks.
Question 6
According to NMBI's Professional Competence Scheme, CPD activities should be broad and
varied. Which of the following is NOT a recognised category of CPD activity?
A) Work-based learning
, B) Professional activity
C) Formal education
D) Social networking activities
Rationale: NMBI specifies four categories: work-based learning, professional activity, formal
education, and self-directed learning. Social networking, while potentially educational, is not a
formally recognised CPD category.
Question 7
A registered nurse who has been practising in Ireland for 15 years is considering applying for
a UCC CPD module. The nurse does not hold an up-to-date IELTS certificate. What evidence may
be accepted as an alternative?
A) A letter of recommendation from the Director of Nursing
B) Evidence of appropriate work experience within an English language environment for at least
the previous 2 years
C) A certificate of attendance at an English language course
D) Proof of Irish citizenship
Rationale: UCC requires applicants for Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules who lack an up-to-
date IELTS certificate to demonstrate evidence of appropriate work experience within an English
language environment for at least the previous 2 years.
Question 8
The UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules are offered at which National
Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) level?
A) Level 7
B) Level 8
C) Level 9
D) Level 10
Rationale: UCC CPD modules for nursing and midwifery are typically offered at NFQ Level 9,
representing postgraduate level study.
Question 9
Which of the following is a core principle underpinning continuing professional
development for nurses and midwives in Ireland?
Midwifery CPD Nursing & Midwifery
Assessment Examination Advanced/Hard Level
- September 2026 Assessment Cycle
Table of Contents
Section Topic Area Question Numbers
A Professional Practice & Scope of Practice 1-15
B Clinical Leadership & Management 16-30
C Quality Improvement & Audit 31-45
D Gerontological Nursing & Positive Ageing 46-60
E Intensive & Critical Care Nursing 61-75
F Nurse/Midwife Prescribing & Pharmacology 76-90
G Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 91-105
H Ethics, Law & Professional Conduct 106-120
I Patient Safety, Risk Assessment & Governance 121-135
J Communication, Reflection & Holistic Care 136-150
,SECTION A: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Question 1
A registered nurse working in an Irish acute hospital setting is asked by a medical colleague
to perform a procedure that falls outside her documented scope of practice as defined by NMBI.
The nurse has observed the procedure performed numerous times and feels competent to
perform it. What is the MOST appropriate action for this nurse to take?
A) Perform the procedure as the patient's welfare is paramount and the nurse has
observed it frequently
B) Perform the procedure only if a senior nurse is present to supervise
C) Refuse to perform the procedure and escalate the matter through appropriate channels while
referring to the NMBI Scope of Practice framework
D) Perform the procedure but document that it was done under duress
Rationale: NMBI's Scope of Practice framework requires nurses to work within their defined
scope, and any expansion requires formal education, competency assessment, and
organisational policy approval. Refusing and escalating is the correct professional response.
Question 2
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requires registered nurses and
midwives to complete a minimum number of continuing professional development (CPD) hours
over a three-year period. What is this minimum requirement?
A) 30 hours over 3 years (average 10 hours per year)
B) 45 hours over 3 years (average 15 hours per year)
C) 60 hours over 3 years (average 20 hours per year)
D) 90 hours over 3 years (average 30 hours per year)
Rationale: NMBI mandates a minimum of 60 hours of CPD activities over the preceding 3 years,
averaging 20 hours per year, alongside 450 practice hours over the same period.
Question 3
A midwife is considering expanding her practice to include a new skill not traditionally
within the midwifery scope. According to NMBI guidance, which of the following is a CRITICAL
prerequisite before undertaking this expansion?
A) Written approval from the hospital's Chief Executive Officer
,B) Completion of a recognised education programme and demonstration of competency
C) A minimum of 10 years of clinical experience
D) Publication of research in the area of the new skill
Rationale: NMBI requires that programme content for competence development be reviewed
and approved by a registered nurse or midwife, and that expansion of practice be supported by
appropriate education and competency demonstration.
Question 4
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of "professional competence" as defined
by NMBI for nursing and midwifery practice in Ireland?
A) The ability to perform clinical skills without error
B) The combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required for safe and effective
practice
C) The number of years of clinical experience accumulated
D) The possession of a postgraduate qualification
Rationale: NMBI recognises that professional competence encompasses lifelong learning and
the integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values essential for safe, effective practice.
Question 5
A nurse enrolled in a UCC CPD module (NU6125 Professional Practice Issues) is required to
complete a 3,000-word written report as part of continuous assessment. What is the weighting
of this written report within the total module marks?
A) 120 marks out of 200
B) 150 marks out of 200
C) 180 marks out of 200
D) 200 marks out of 200
Rationale: In NU6125, the total assessment is 200 marks, with the 3,000-word written report
accounting for 180 marks and E-tivities accounting for 20 marks.
Question 6
According to NMBI's Professional Competence Scheme, CPD activities should be broad and
varied. Which of the following is NOT a recognised category of CPD activity?
A) Work-based learning
, B) Professional activity
C) Formal education
D) Social networking activities
Rationale: NMBI specifies four categories: work-based learning, professional activity, formal
education, and self-directed learning. Social networking, while potentially educational, is not a
formally recognised CPD category.
Question 7
A registered nurse who has been practising in Ireland for 15 years is considering applying for
a UCC CPD module. The nurse does not hold an up-to-date IELTS certificate. What evidence may
be accepted as an alternative?
A) A letter of recommendation from the Director of Nursing
B) Evidence of appropriate work experience within an English language environment for at least
the previous 2 years
C) A certificate of attendance at an English language course
D) Proof of Irish citizenship
Rationale: UCC requires applicants for Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules who lack an up-to-
date IELTS certificate to demonstrate evidence of appropriate work experience within an English
language environment for at least the previous 2 years.
Question 8
The UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules are offered at which National
Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) level?
A) Level 7
B) Level 8
C) Level 9
D) Level 10
Rationale: UCC CPD modules for nursing and midwifery are typically offered at NFQ Level 9,
representing postgraduate level study.
Question 9
Which of the following is a core principle underpinning continuing professional
development for nurses and midwives in Ireland?
