NMC rule change for IELTS Writing test
On 28 November 2018, the NMC agreed to change the requirements for overseas nurses and midwives taking the International English Language Test System (IELTS). Previously, nurses and midwives were required to achieve a minimum of band 7 in each of the 4 subtests (listening; reading; writing; speaking) of Academic IELTS which is equivalent to a C1 level of English in the CEFR for Languages.
Although many overseas nurses were able to get an overall band 7, achieving a minimum of 7 in the Academic Writing test was proving to be a very difficult challenge and a real obstacle to being able to register as a qualified nurse. Many were just missing out with a score of 6.5, unable to retake the test because of time or financial constraints, and therefore missing out on a career opportunity to work abroad, despite having the necessary professional credentials and suitable communication skills.
After much consideration and consultation, the NMC has decided to lower the requirement in the Academic IELTS Writing test from band 7 to 6.5. Nurses and midwives will still be required to achieve a minimum overall score of 7 in the test, including a minimum of band 7 in reading, listening and speaking.
The change took effect from 5 December 2018, but the good news for many nurses - including several of our own students - who just missed out in 2017 and 2018 is that IELTS results under two years old that meet the new requirements will also be considered by the NMC.
We hope that for the majority of our nursing students, IELTS will no longer be a barrier preventing them for fulfilling their dream of working in the UK.
