The NMC, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, is an organisation that functions as the independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK, and for nursing associates in England. The NMC sets and maintains Nursing standards holds a register and assures the quality of education of nurses, midwives and nursing assistants.
When a candidate applies for registration, the NMC must be satisfied that he or she has the necessary knowledge of English to communicate clearly and effectively. This requirement is exactly the same for all applicants to the NMC’s register.
It is recommended that you ensure you can meet the NMC’s set of language evidence requirements before you apply, as your application will be rejected otherwise.
Types of evidence of language proficiency that are acceptable
Proficiency in communication is demonstrated by competence in the four mandatory skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing.
- You should have recently achieved the required score in one of the English language tests accepted by the NMC, which include IELTS and OET scores.
- Or, if you are a pre-registration nurse, midwife or nursing associate qualification who has been taught and examined in English.
- Or, if you have a recent practice of at least one year in a majority English-speaking country.
For 2 and 3 above, you will need to send the evidence requested by the NMC. If they are not satisfied with what you send, you will need to provide an alternative type of evidence such as a language test.
Which are the accepted English language tests?
The NMC accepts two language tests as evidence of your ability to communicate effectively in English: these are the International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic and the Occupational English Test (OET).
All candidates must achieve the required minimum score in each of the four areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Your test scores are valid for two years.
IELTS
The NMC will accept an IELTS Academic examination certificate that confirms you have achieved an overall score of at least 7, with at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.
Both the paper-based and computer-based IELTS Academic tests are accepted by them.
Note that they do NOT accept the IELTS indicator test. It is considered that the security measures for the indicator test are not comparable to those that are in place for the face-to-face test, and hence they do not meet the registration standards.
How can you combine IELTS test scores?
If you have not obtained the required minimum scores in the IELTS, do not fret! You can achieve the required mark across two test sittings, provided these conditions are met:
- The tests should have been undertaken within six months of each other
- You have been tested in all four sections at the same time
- All the scores in both sittings are above 6.5, and
- You have achieved at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections in either of the two test sittings.
OET
The NMC will accept an OET examination certificate that confirms you have achieved at least a grade C+ in the writing section, and at least a grade B in the reading, listening and speaking sections.
They will accept the OET on Paper, OET on Computer and the OET@Home scores.
How can you combine OET scores?
If you have not obtained the required minimum scores in the OET, there is still hope! You can achieve the required mark across two test sittings, provided these conditions are met:
- The tests should have been undertaken within six months of each other
- You have been tested in all four sections at the same time
- All the scores in both sittings are above C+, and
- You have achieved at least C+ in the writing section and at least B in the reading, listening and speaking sections in either of the two test sittings.
Submitting your OET as evidence
Do note that if you’re submitting an OET certificate as part of your application, you’ll need to grant permission to the NMC to verify your results through your myOET account.
For examples of combining scores, please visit NMC’s official website
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