The objective was to measure the psychometric properties of the Caring Ability Inventory by Ngozi Nkongho, as well as the degree of caring skills and its relationship with the students' sociodemographic factors. Method: The design of the study was qualitative, correlational and cross-sectional. The instrument, Caring Ability Inventory by Ngozi Nkongho, was applied to a sample of 314 nursing students. Results: The findings, via exploratory factor analysis, identified three arising factors which were different from those proposed by the author; however, they possess theoretical plausibility. Those factors are: willingness to help, appreciation for the experience of others, and self-confidence. Statistically significant and direct correlation was observed among the factors. Significant differences were observed regarding willingness to help between the group composed by first and second year students (basic level), and the group composed by third, fourth and fifth year students (advanced level). Thus, basic level students showed a lower degree of willingness to help than advanced level students. Regarding sex, differences were observed only in the first factor, in which women showed a better willingness to help than men. Conclusion: The research shows that the instrument used efficiently measures the students' caring abilities, clinical experience progressively increases caring abilities; therefore, the instrument is presented as a possible choice to evaluate some aspects regarding the quality of the care given.Objetivos: Medir las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario de Habilidad de Cuidado de Ngozi Nkongho, evaluar el grado de habilidad de cuidado y su relación con factores sociodemográficos en estudiantes de Enfermería. Material y métodos: Estudio de diseño cuantitativo, correlacional y transversal. El instrumento fue respondido por una muestra de 314 estudiantes. Se utilizó el análisis factorial exploratorio, coeficiente correlación r de Pearson y t de Student. Resultados: Se identificaron tres factores emergentes distintos a los planteados en el instrumento original, pero con plausibilidad teórica: disposición de ayuda, aprecio por la experiencia del otro y autoconfianza. Todos los factores del instrumento resultaron tener correlaciones directas y significativas. Existe una relación directamente proporcional entre el nivel cursado y habilidades de cuidado. Se encontró una relación directa positiva de disposición de ayuda con los niveles formación, presentando las mujeres mayor disposición de ayuda que los hombres. Conclusiones: El instrumento resultó ser adecuado para medir habilidades de cuidado en los estudiantes, las experiencias clínicas elevan progresivamente las habilidades de cuidado en todos sus factores, por lo que se presenta como una alternativa para evaluar algunos aspectos de la calidad del cuidado brindado.