Hello, how are you? We are receiving 100s of enquiries from overseas nurses about the new changes in English language scores (OET and IELTS), about to be introduced for the international nurses by the NMC, UK, from early 2023. So, we thought it would be nice for nurses to know about it in detail through one of our blogs.

NMC (the Nursing & Midwifery Council) in the UK are implementing new changes in the English language requirements for international nurses to register with the NMC.

Nurses and midwives form most countries where English is not the primary/ first language for communication, are required to pass one of the accepted international English competency tests. There are exceptions to this rule: a nurse or a midwife from a majority English-speaking country does not have to submit their English competence evidence to the NMC. Registered nurses from Australia or Jamaica or Malta are a few of such examples.

NMC currently accepts two language tests: the academic International English Language Test System (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET). Both these tests evaluate four domains as follows:

Current Minimum Scores for each domain of IELTS/ OET

In case you do not pass in your first attempt, you could always resit and combine scores from two tests. As of now, you are not allowed to combine test scores if you achieve less than 6.5 (IELTS) or C+ / 300 or above (OET) in any of the domains of the test.

This requirement of 6.5/ C+ in IELTS/ OET as minimum for any of the modules is changing now, for writing (alone).

NMC is planning to implement this change from early 2023. You must still achieve the required test scores for each domain. However, when you are combining test scores, you’ll need to get no less than 0.5 (IELTS) or half a grade (OET) below the required score for every domain.

The following is the crux of the matter for your understanding:

Once it is introduced by the NMC from early 2023, you will be able to combine your scores as long as you achieve 6 (IELTS) or C / 250 or above (OET) in writing, and 6.5 (IELTS) or C+ / 300 or above (OET) in the other three domains.

Please find below the table which shows the new scores, which is going to be implemented by the NMC.

New minimum scores for each domain of the IELTS/ OET

Interval between 2 Tests is also Changing

Wow! This is the sweet part. Many candidates now find it difficult to get the required score for all the modules/ domain in 6 months after the first test. Many feel it’s not sufficient time in hand. However, most resit without further sufficient preparation and end up in failing to get the desired scores. This 6-month limit to combining test scores (for resitting) too is changing. It’s really nice; isn’t it?

NMC will be extending this 6-month resit period to 12 months. Fabulous!!

For safe, compassionate and most effective care in nursing job, all nurses and midwives must have a high standard of English competency. These new developments make its easier for you to achieve the benchmark scores, having greater flexibility and a sure success if you are ready to work hard!

For more details, you may visit www.nmc.org.uk

For more updates on this topic as well other relevant topics, keep visiting our blog/ page at www.neptuneinternatinal.org

We wish you all the best in your attempt to secure the required score and secure a great nurse/ midwife career in the UK.  Adieu for now.