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English Language Test
For Doctors

Advice on what English Language Tests you need to become a doctor in the UK.
Becoming a doctor in the UK requires two things: experience & qualifications and good English language skills.

To be considered as a healthcare professional in the UK you must have a good English language level already. When we first speak to you we will assess this.

However, you will need to pass an official test to be eligible.

What is IELTS?

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a requirement for anyone looking to work in the UK.

The test assesses your English language speaking and writing skills. Currently, it’s the only test approved by UK Visas and Immigration.

Furthermore, according to the GMC’s requirements, you must pass the ‘academic version’ of IELTS.

Why is IELTS important?

To succeed in a career in the UK, you must have an adequate level of English speaking and writing abilities. IELTS assesses these abilities to ensure you will fit in and be able to work and live comfortably.

What IELTS score do you need?

You must complete the academic version of the IELTS test and achieve:

  • At least 7.0 in the listening and reading sections
  • At least 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections
  • At least 7.5 (out of a possible 9) overall

If you score below this you must retake IELTS or be denied a visa to the UK.

Can you receive GMC Registration without IELTS?

It is possible to complete a 30-day attachment with an NHS hospital who will assess your English language skills. To do so, you must attend a Skype interview with an NHS hospital.

During this attachment you will work closely with the department, shadowing consultants and your colleagues in the following duties:

  • Teaching junior doctors / nurses
  • Taking patient history and making correct notes
  • Interaction with colleagues and meetings
  • Support with referral letters
  • Take part in clinical handovers
  • Read patient notes, blood results, feedback accurately

 

Then, the hospital’s Responsible Officer will support your application to the GMC by authorising the SELR form (Structured English Language Reference form).

There are some things to note with the attachment however:

  • The attachment is unpaid
  • Accommodation is usually provided
  • You will need to be on attachment for at least 30 days as part of the GMC requirement
  • If have a valid IELTS score (within 2 years) that is below the GMC standard, the attachment might not be an option (dependent on score)
  • Not all hospitals are offering this
  • Not all grades/ job roles will be considered – normally only positions with a large shortage of doctors will be applicable due to the timescale and engagement required to ensure this process is successful

 

Here are the typical roles accepted under the attachment

  • Emergency Medicine – Consultant and Specialist
  • Internal Medicine – Consultant Level (such as Acute Medicine, Gastroenterology, Stroke, Care of the Elderly)
  • Radiology – Consultant

We pay £1000 for any DOCTORS referred to us.