Introduction: Your Complete NCK 2026 Exam Planning Guide
Are you preparing to sit for the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) licensing examination in 2026? Whether you’re a diploma nursing student, degree candidate, or pursuing a specialized nursing qualification, understanding the exam schedule and meeting critical deadlines is the first step toward your nursing licensure success.
At ReviQuiz, we know that proper planning combined with effective revision is what separates those who pass from those who struggle. This comprehensive guide offers the complete NCK 2026 examination schedule. It includes application deadlines, fees, and the registration process. Additionally, it provides proven strategies to maximize your preparation time.
Quick overview of NCK Exam 2026
- The Nursing Council of Kenya conducts national licensure exams through designated regional examination centres. This ensures nurses and midwives meet minimum competence before practice.​
- In 2026, the Council has scheduled major exam sittings in February and May. Each has specific registration, withdrawal, mock, and rehearsal dates that candidates must follow.
Note: Dates are subject to official NCK announcements. Always verify with the Nursing Council of Kenya
February 2026 NCK Exam Timetable & Key Dates
NCK has released a detailed February 2026 schedule covering BScN, KRCHN, KRN/M, KEM, KEN and specialised programmes.
Key February 2026 dates
- Application opens: 10 November 2025.​
- Application deadline: 31 December 2025.​
- Withdrawal deadline: 23 January 2026.​
- Mock exams: 2–6 February 2026.​
- Rehearsal (mandatory): 17 February 2026.​​
- Declaration of results: 31 March 2026.
Main exams: 18–20 February 2026, depending on your programme.
| PAPERS | PROGRAMME | EXAM PERIOD: FEBRUARY 2026 | 9 am to 11 am | 2 pm to 4pm |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Paediatric Nurse [KRPAEDN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Midwife [KRM] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Paediatric Critical Care Nurse [KRPAEDCCN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Palliative Care Nurse [KRPCN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Oncology Nursing [KRON] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetist [KRNA] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Opthalmic Nurse [KROPN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Mental Health & Psychiatric Nurse [KRMH&PN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Nurse [KRN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Peri-Operative Nurse [KRPON] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse – Basic [KECHN B] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Critical Care Nurse [KRCCN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Nephrology Nurse [KRNN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Trauma and Emergency Nurse [KRT&EN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Neonatal Nurse [KRNeoN] | 18th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse – Basic [KRCHN B] | 19th February 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife [KRN/M] | 20th February 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Nurse/Mental Health Nurse [KRN/MH] | 20th February 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BScN] | 20th February 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Bachelor of Science in Midwifery [BScM] | 20th February 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| One Paper | Kenya Enrolled Midwife [KEM] | 20th February 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Enrolled Nurse [KEN] | 20th February 2026 | Paper 1 |
May 2026 NCK Exam Timetable & Key Dates
NCK has released a detailed May 2026 schedule covering BScN, KRCHN, KRN/M, KEM, KEN and specialised programmes.
Key May 2026 dates
- Application opens: 19th January 2026.​
- Application deadline: 14th March 2026.​
- Withdrawal deadline: 3rd April 2026.​
- 1st Mock exams: 20th to 21st April 2026.
- ​2nd Mock exams: 27th April to 1st May 2026
- Rehearsal (mandatory): 12th May 2026​​
- Declaration of results: 30th June 2026
Main exams: 13th –15th May 2026, depending on your programme.
| PAPERS | PROGRAMME | EXAM PERIOD: MAY 2026 | 9 am to 11 am | 2 pm to 4 pm |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Paediatric Nurse [KRPAEDN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Midwife [KRM] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Paediatric Critical Care Nurse [KRPAEDCCN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Paediatric Oncology Care Nurse (KRPAEDON) | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Palliative Care Nurse [KRPCN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Oncology Nursing [KRON] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetist [KRNA] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Ophthalmic Nurse [KROPN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Mental Health & Psychiatric Nurse [KRMH&PN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Nurse [KRN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Peri-Operative Nurse [KRPON] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse – Basic [KECHN B] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Critical Care Nurse [KRCCN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Nephrology Nurse [KRNN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Trauma and Emergency Nurse [KRT&EN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Registered Neonatal Nurse [KRNeoN] | 13th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse – Basic [KRCHN B] | 14th May 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife [KRN/M] | 15th May 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Kenya Registered Nurse/Mental Health Nurse [KRN/MH] | 15th May 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BScN] | 15th May 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two Papers | Bachelor of Science in Midwifery [BScM] | 15th May 2026 | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| One Paper | Kenya Enrolled Midwife [KEM] | 15th May 2026 | Paper 1 | |
| One Paper | Kenya Enrolled Nurse [KEN] | 15th May 2026 | Paper 1 |
Attached Below is the official NCK PDF showing latest 2026 Exam Dates and Calendar. Please Download
NCK Exam 2026 Application Fees & Payment Details
Complete Fee Breakdown
The NCK examination fees for 2026 are expected to remain consistent with 2025 rates:
| Fee Component | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 7,000 |
| Processing Fee | 1,500 |
| Total Exam Fee | 8,500 |
| Late Registration Penalty | 1,000 (additional) |
Important Payment Notes:
- Payment Method: Fees are paid through the NCK Online Services Portal using M-Pesa or bank deposit
- No Refunds: Examination fees are non-refundable once paid, except in exceptional circumstances approved by NCK
- Late Penalty: Registering after the deadline attracts an additional KSh 1,000 penalty fee
- Proof of Payment: Always save your payment confirmation and transaction receipts
💡 ReviQuiz Tip: Register early! You avoid late fees. You also secure your preferred examination center. Additionally, you give yourself maximum preparation time.
Start Your NCK Revision with ReviQuiz →
How to Register for NCK Exam 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Please read the blog below. It contains a detailed explanation on how to register for NCK Exam 2026. It also explains how to register for NCK Online Services.
2026 NCK Examination Centers Across Kenya
NCK conducts examinations at designated regional centers nationwide. While the final 2026 list will be published with the official schedule, these centers are typically used:
Expected Examination Centers 2026:
Nairobi Region:
Central Region:
- KMTC Thika
- Mount Kenya University
- Kenyatta University (Ruiru Campus)
Coast Region:
Western Region:
- KMTC Kakamega
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Kima International School of Theology
Nyanza Region:
Rift Valley Region:
- KMTC Nakuru
- KMTC Eldoret
- Moi University
Eastern Region:
- KMTC Embu
- KMTC Machakos
- Chuka University
North Eastern Region:
- KMTC Garissa
- Garissa University
Important: Examination center changes must be requested at least 3 weeks before the rehearsal date. Choose your center carefully during registration.
Why Most Nursing Students Struggle with NCK Exams (And How to Avoid It)
Common Mistakes Kenyan Nursing Students Make
1. Relying Only on “Past Papers”
Here’s the truth: Many websites claim to offer “NCK past papers.” However, the official NCK exam questions are confidential. They are not publicly released. What you find online are often:
- Old university exam questions
- Unofficial compilation from students’ memory
- Practice questions from various sources
- Outdated content that may not reflect current exam format
The Problem: These materials lack the quality, accuracy, and current exam alignment you need.
ReviQuiz Solution: Our question bank doesn’t claim to be “official past papers.” Instead, we’ve carefully compiled and vetted questions from:
- Recent university examinations across multiple nursing colleges
- Clinical scenarios aligned with current NCK syllabus
- Expert-reviewed content by practicing Kenyan nurses
- Current evidence-based nursing practice
Learn More About Our Comprehensive NCK Question Bank →
2. Starting Revision Too Late
Most students begin serious revision 2-3 weeks before exams. This isn’t enough time to:
- Cover all exam topics thoroughly
- Practice sufficient questions
- Identify and strengthen weak areas
- Build exam confidence
ReviQuiz Solution: Our structured courses allow you to start revision months in advance. The modules are organized and progress logically through all exam content.
3. Passive Reading Without Active Practice
Reading notes repeatedly doesn’t equal understanding. The NCK exam tests application, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making—not just memorization.
ReviQuiz Solution: Every question in our platform includes detailed rationales explaining why answers are correct or incorrect, promoting deeper understanding.
Your Complete NCK 2026 Preparation Strategy
Timeline-Based Preparation Plan
6 Months Before Exam
- Register for comprehensive revision course
- Review complete NCK syllabus
- Create study schedule covering all modules
- Begin systematic topic-by-topic study
- Join study groups for motivation
Recommended: ReviQuiz NCK Pro Revision Course – Complete preparation package
3-4 Months Before Exam
- Complete all major topic areas
- Start practicing questions regularly
- Focus on weak areas identified in practice
- Review pharmacology and drug calculations
- Practice nursing care plans
Recommended: Medical-Surgical Nursing Revision Module
2 Months Before Exam
- Increase practice question volume
- Complete timed mock exams
- Review all incorrect answers thoroughly
- Focus on high-yield topics
- Join ReviQuiz webinars and Q&A sessions
1 Month Before Exam
- Daily practice questions (50-100 questions/day)
- Full-length practice exams
- Final review of key concepts
- Prepare exam day essentials
- Confirm exam center and rehearsal details
Access Our 30-Day NCK Med-Surg Crash Course →
Final Week
- Light revision only (avoid cramming)
- Review summary notes and cheat sheets
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Prepare documents and attire
- Get adequate rest
Essential NCK Exam Topics to Master for 2026
High-Yield Topic Areas
Based on exam analysis and student feedback, these topics consistently appear in NCK examinations:
Medical-Surgical Nursing:
- Cardiovascular disorders and nursing management
- Respiratory conditions and critical care
- Endocrine disorders (especially diabetes mellitus)
- Gastrointestinal diseases and surgical nursing
- Oncology nursing and palliative care
- Pharmacology and drug calculations
Master Med-Surg Nursing with ReviQuiz →
Midwifery & Maternal Health:
- Antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care
- High-risk pregnancies and complications
- Normal and abnormal labor
- Newborn care and assessment
- Family planning methods
Access Midwifery Revision Notes →
Paediatric Nursing:
- Child growth and development
- Paediatric assessment techniques
- Common childhood illnesses
- Immunization schedules
- Paediatric emergencies
Study Paediatric Nursing Module →
Community Health Nursing:
- Primary health care principles
- Epidemiology and disease prevention
- Home visiting and community assessment
- Health promotion and education
- Maternal and child health programs
Explore Community Health Module →
Nursing Fundamentals:
- Professional ethics and legal aspects
- Infection prevention and control
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Patient safety and risk management
- Communication in nursing
ReviQuiz: Your Complete NCK 2026 Exam Solution
Why Choose ReviQuiz Over Other Platforms?
1. Comprehensive, Vetted Question Bank
- 4,000+ practice questions with detailed rationales
- Questions sourced from university exams and clinical scenarios
- Aligned with current NCK syllabus and exam format
- Regular updates to reflect current nursing practice
2. Structured Learning Modules
- Organized by nursing specialty and topic
- Progressive difficulty levels
- Summary notes in downloadable PDF format
- Video explanations for complex concepts
3. Kenyan-Specific Content
- Focused on Kenyan nursing context and healthcare system
- References Kenyan nursing protocols and guidelines
- Addresses local disease patterns and conditions
- Created by Kenyan nursing experts
4. Performance Analytics
- Track your progress across all topics
- Identify weak areas needing focus
- Monitor improvement over time
- Personalized revision recommendations
5. Flexible Study Options
- Study online or download for offline access
- Mobile-friendly platform
- Study at your own pace
- Access from anywhere in Kenya
6. Affordable Pricing with M-Pesa
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
- Secure M-Pesa payment integration
- No credit card required
- Money-back guarantee if not satisfied
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Screenshots of ReviQuiz platform showing features]
Choose Your Perfect NCK Revision Package for 2026
ReviQuiz NCK Revision Courses
NCK Basic Revision Course
Perfect for: Students starting their revision journey
- 1,500+ practice questions
- Basic summary notes
- Topic-organized question bank
- 30-day access
- M-Pesa payment
Get Started with Basic Course →
NCK Premium Revision Course MOST POPULAR
Perfect for: Serious students who want comprehensive prep
- 3,000+ practice questions with rationales
- Comprehensive revision notes (PDF downloads)
- Organized by all major nursing topics
- Performance tracking and analytics
- 90-day access
- Priority email support
NCK Pro Revision Course BEST VALUE
Perfect for: Students who want everything + specialization
- 4,000+ practice questions with detailed rationales
- All revision notes and study guides
- Specialized modules (Med-Surg, Midwifery, Paediatrics, Community Health)
- Full-length practice exams
- Video tutorials and explanations
- 180-day access
- Priority support + WhatsApp community
- Webinar access
Specialized Nursing Modules
Supplement your preparation with targeted modules:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Revision – KSh 1,500
- Community Health Nursing Revision – KSh 1,200
- Midwifery Nursing Revision – KSh 1,500
- Paediatric Nursing Revision – KSh 1,200
Special Offer: Get 20% off when you bundle any 2 specialized modules!
Free NCK Exam Resources from ReviQuiz
Start Your Preparation Today (No Payment Required)
While comprehensive revision requires our full courses, we offer several free resources to help you get started:
1. Free NCK Practice Questions
- Sample questions with answers and rationales
- Test yourself across different nursing topics
- Get a feel for our question quality
2. NCK Exam Syllabus Overview
- Complete breakdown of exam topics
- What to expect in each paper
- Topic weightage and importance
3. NCK Exam FAQs
- Answers to common questions
- Registration clarifications
- Exam day tips
4. Nursing Care Plans Guide
- Complete NCPs for common conditions
- NANDA-I approved diagnoses
- Implementation and evaluation tips
5. Blog Articles
- Study strategies and tips
- Exam preparation insights
- Nursing career guidance
Common FAQs on NCK Exam 2026
When will the official NCK 2026 exam schedule be released?
The official NCK 2026 examination schedule is typically released in late 2025 or early 2026. Based on historical patterns, NCK usually publishes the schedule 3-4 months before the first examination session. We recommend checking the NCK official website regularly. You can also subscribe to ReviQuiz updates to be notified immediately when the schedule is published.
How many times can I resit the NCK exam if I fail?
Candidates are allowed a maximum of 4 resits. You must pass ALL papers before you’re eligible to apply for registration and licensing. Each resit requires a new application and payment of the full examination fee.
What happens if I miss the rehearsal or mock exams?
Attendance at the rehearsal and BOTH mock examinations is mandatory. Missing either may result in disqualification from sitting the main examination. The rehearsal is where you receive your NCK Exam Card, which is required for admission on exam day.
Do I need original past papers to pass the NCK exam?
No. Official NCK exam questions are confidential and not publicly released. What’s often called “past papers” online are unofficial compilations. What you need is quality, vetted practice questions aligned with the current syllabus—exactly what ReviQuiz provides. See our approach to NCK revision →
For more, read our NCK Exam Ultimate FAQs Guide.
Your Success is Our Mission
At ReviQuiz, we understand the pressure and anxiety that comes with preparing for the NCK licensing examination. Your nursing career depends on passing this crucial test, and we’re here to ensure you have the best possible preparation.
Why We’re Different
We’re not just another “past papers” website. We’re a comprehensive exam preparation platform built specifically for Kenyan nursing students by people who understand:
- The Kenyan nursing education system
- The NCK examination format and standards
- The challenges students face
- What it takes to pass confidently
Our Promise: Quality revision materials, expert support, and a clear path to your nursing licensure.
Success Stories
“I was so nervous about the NCK exam, but ReviQuiz’s question bank and detailed explanations made all the difference. I passed with a Credit on my first attempt!” – Sarah M., KRCHN B Graduate, 2025
