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English Language Test
For Nurses

Advice on what English Language Tests you need to become a nurse in the UK

Becoming a nurse 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 evidence will the NMC accept?

To register with the NMC, you must prove to them that you have a decent English language skill level. There are four major areas they assess, these are speaking, reading, listening and writing.

To display your English language abilities, you must either:

  • Have proved your competency by passing IELTS or OET
  • Have a pre-registration nursing, midwifery or nursing associate qualification that was taught in English
  • At least 1 year of practice in an English speaking country

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 NMC’s requirements, you must pass the ‘academic version’ of IELTS.

What is OET?

OET or the Occupational English Test is an English language test for the healthcare sector. The test assesses your language communication skills and was introduced by the NMC as an alternative to IELTS.

What OET score is needed to become a UK Nurse?

You must achieve:
  • At least a B grade in listening, reading and speaking
As well as
  • At least a C+ grade in writing
The NMC will only accept your OET results if they were taken from February 2016 onwards.

Why is IELTS/OET important for working in the UK?

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.

We pay £250 for any NURSES referred to us.