The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in environments where English is used as a language of communication. An easy-to-use 9-band scale clearly identifies proficiency level, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).

IELTS is available in two test formats – Academic or General Training – and provides a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

NMC and IELTS

All non-EU trained applicants to the nurses or midwives part of the register must complete the International English Language Test (IELTS) before sending their application to us.

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, and
• at least 7.0 (out of a possible 9) overall.

For further information, please visit:

• https://www.ielts.org/
• https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/trained-outside-the-eueea/ielts/