Do I have to take an English Language test?

EU applicants

You will be tested at interview that your English language skills are good enough for safe and effective practise.

You will be given a literacy test and numeracy test at interview

Non EU applicants

All non EU trained applicants to the nurses or midwives part of the register must complete and provide evidence of the International English Language Test (IELTS) before submitting their application to the NMC.

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
• At least 7.0 (out of a possible 9) overall

We will not accept applicants who score lower than this standard.

Frequently asked questions about NMC IELTS requirements

Further information about IELTS can be obtained from www.ielts.org