List of NMC accepted 
English-speaking countries 

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If your country is not on the list above

If you are from one of the countries listed below, you will not be required to pass an English language test to apply to the NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council).

If your country is not recognised by the NMC as a majority English-speaking country, then you will be required to pass an English language test (Academic IELTS or OET).

You will need to achieve the following scores:

Academic IELTS minimum score of 7.0 in Reading, Speaking & Listening and no less than 6.5 in Writing
OR
OET pass at Grade B in Reading, Speaking & Listening and no less than C+ in Writing

You can find out more about both tests, including fees and the location of your nearest testing centre, by clicking on the buttons below:

List of NMC accepted 
English-speaking countries 

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The OET is easier in some ways because the questions are more specific to healthcare. You may therefore find the writing and speaking elements of the test in particular, a little easier as the subject matter would be more familiar.

The IELTS is not specific to the healthcare profession. This test is typically taken by professionals and students from all industries, which means the topics and content covered will be more general and taken from a range of sources.

It is worth noting that the OET is more expensive than IELTS, but both are equally accepted by the NMC, so you will need to weigh up the likelihood of passing on your first attempt, compared to the exam fees.

List last updated by the NMC, February 2020

Combining English Language Test Scores

The NMC have updated their requirements when combining English language test scores, which come into effect on Jan 2023, please see information below for guidance:

MANDATORY SCORES

This chart shows the scores you must achieve – either in one single test, OR in either one of two tests when combined. 

It is important to note that the required scores have not been reduced, and your overall band score must still be a B in OET and 7.0 in IELTS

COMBINING TESTS

If you wish to combine two tests to meet the NMC criteria, you must still achieve the mandatory scores shown in Table A at least once, in either of the two test you are combining. 

The rest of the scores (in either test) must not be lower than those shown in Table B.

You are now able to combine the results of two tests, if they have been taken within 12 months of each other to help you achieve the required scores.

About the tests

MANDATORY SCORES

This chart shows the scores you must achieve – either in one single test, OR in either one of two tests when combined. 

It is important to note that the required scores have not been reduced, and your overall band score must still be a B in OET and 7.0 in IELTS.

COMBINING TESTS

If you wish to combine two tests to meet the NMC criteria, you must still achieve the mandatory scores shown in Table A 

at least once, in either of the two tests you are combining. 

The rest of the scores (in either test) must not be lower than those shown in Table B.

Combining test scores

The NMC have created an online calculator to help you determine whether your combined scores meet the criteria. 

Click below to check your scores!

The NMC have created an online calculator to help you determine whether your combined scores meet the criteria. 

Click below to check your scores!