At Migrate, we understand the entire process, from start to finish, to finding your new job here in the UK. One of the most important steps is making sure you have the correct English language qualifications. Here you will find out all you need to know about both the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET) – these are English language assessment tests that are designed for healthcare professionals to prove their language abilities. On completing both of these language tests, you will receive a score that is internationally recognised. Both the IELTS and OET exams are accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing Medical Council (NMC).They test four basic English language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. A little bit more about the IELTS and OET exams: The IELTS tests academic English, whereas the OET examines your knowledge of medical English. This includes your ability to understand patients and write up discharge and referral letters. There are two versions of the IELTS exam, and 12 versions of the OET - designed for different healthcare roles. The IELTS is marked out of nine, with a separate score for each paper. The OET is graded from A - E with a numerical score to show your final grade. The IELTS is recognised by universities, healthcare regulatory bodies, immigration authorities and companies across the world. The OET is recognised by healthcare regulatory bodies in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Ukraine and Namibia. IELTS and OET - English language testing for doctors and nurses: To register as a doctor with the GMC, you must complete and pass the ‘academic version’ of the IELTS to be able to register with the GMC. You will need to achieve a score of at least: 7.0 within the listening and reading elements, 7.0 within the writing and speaking sections, and an overall score of 7.5 (out of a possible 9). The NMC will require evidence of an IELTS score of at least 7 in all areas and a recent pre-registration nursing qualification that was taught and examined in English. For the OET, you will need a least a grade B in all areas.
