Evidencing English for NMC Registration
Before you can register as a nurse in the UK, the NMC needs to be satisfied that your English is strong enough for safe practice. There are two accepted tests and several ways to be exempt β here is how each route works so you can pick the right one.
The NMC accepts IELTS Academic or OET (Nursing) as evidence of English, with minimum scores set in each of the four skills. You may be exempt from a test if your nursing qualification was taught and examined in English, or if you trained, registered or recently practised in a country the NMC treats as majority English-speaking. Source: NMC English language requirements (nmc.org.uk). Accepted routes and scores are reviewed periodically β confirm current detail with the NMC. Information as of 2026-07.
The routes to evidence English
You only need to satisfy one of these. Many nurses sit a test; a significant number qualify for an exemption.
IELTS Academic
A common route. The NMC sets the minimum overall score and the minimum in each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking); the writing minimum is typically slightly lower than the others. Check the exact required scores on the NMC website, as they are periodically reviewed.
OET (Occupational English Test) β Nursing
A healthcare-specific English test. The NMC accepts a minimum grade across the sections, with a slightly lower minimum allowed for writing. OET uses clinical scenarios, which many nurses find more relevant than general academic English tests.
Qualification taught and examined in English
If your pre-registration nursing programme was taught and assessed in English and meets the NMC criteria on duration and recency, you may be able to use it as evidence instead of sitting a test.
Recent registration or practice in a majority English-speaking country
If you trained, registered or have recently practised in a country the NMC treats as majority English-speaking, you may be exempt from an English test. The NMC publishes the list of accepted countries and the recency rules.
IELTS or OET β how to choose
IELTS Academic
- General academic English across listening, reading, writing, speaking.
- Very widely available; you likely have a test centre nearby.
- Useful if you already prepared for it for another purpose.
OET (Nursing)
- Healthcare-specific; tasks are built around clinical scenarios.
- Writing task is a referral or case letter, familiar to nurses.
- Often feels more relevant to nursing than general academic English.
The NMC accepts both. Pick the one that plays to your strengths and is easiest for you to sit β there is no NMC preference between them.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS or OET to register with the NMC?+
You need to evidence English competence, and IELTS Academic and OET (Nursing) are the two tests the NMC accepts. However, you may not need to sit a test at all if you qualify for an exemption β for example, if your nursing qualification was taught and examined in English, or if you trained, registered or recently practised in a country the NMC treats as majority English-speaking. Always confirm the current routes with the NMC.
What scores does the NMC require?+
The NMC sets a minimum overall result and a minimum in each section, with the writing minimum typically slightly lower than the others. Because the exact required scores are reviewed periodically, this page does not quote fixed numbers β check the current thresholds directly on the NMC website before you book a test.
Can I combine two test sittings?+
The NMC allows results to be combined from more than one sitting under specific conditions (for example, within a set time window and provided no section falls below a floor). The precise combining rules are set by the NMC and change, so verify them before relying on a combined result.
Is OET easier than IELTS for nurses?+
Neither is universally easier β they test different things. OET uses healthcare scenarios (a nursing-specific writing task, clinical listening and reading), which many nurses find more relevant to their day-to-day language. IELTS Academic is a general academic English test. Choose based on your strengths and where you can sit the test.
Does my country of training affect whether I need a test?+
It can. The NMC publishes a list of countries it treats as majority English-speaking; nurses who trained, registered or recently practised there may be exempt. Where your country is not on that list, you will usually evidence English through IELTS or OET unless your qualification itself meets the taught-and-examined-in-English criteria.
More UK nurse-registration guides
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Important β please read
This is general information to help internationally-educated nurses understand the UK registration pathway. It is not recruitment, immigration or legal advice. Gera is not a recruitment agency: we do not place nurses into NHS jobs, do not match candidates to specific vacancies, and never charge a nurse a placement fee. You apply on your own account, directly to NHS trusts and other licensed employers. Requirements, fees and pay scales change β always confirm the current position with the NMC (nmc.org.uk), UK Visas and Immigration (gov.uk) and NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org).