Marvin - iPass student of the month!
Marvin first joined iPass back in July 2018 and his IELTS target in the Academic test was a minimum of band 7 in each sub-test to apply for NMC registration to work as a nurse in the UK.
Marvin did a pre-course level test and scored very well in Reading (7.5) but was lower in the other tests (6.5) so he enrolled on the IELTS 7 course so that he could get the necessary coaching to boost all his skills up to band 7 level.
The difficulty for Marvin, and many of his fellow Filipino nurses also studying with us, was trying to combine a very hectic and demanding work schedule and his IELTS studies. Working long, tiring shifts in a busy hospital is certainly not the easiest thing to do when you’re also trying to study for an important exam. Having the option to study online certainly helps because you can study at your own convenience, but finding the necessary time and the energy was a constant challenge.
But by October 2018 we agreed with Marvin that he was ready to take his test because he was achieving consistent band 7s in his practice tests so he finally went ahead and booked one for 17th November.
When the results came out 2 weeks later there was some initial disappointment because despite scoring between 7 and 8 in 3 of the sub-tests, his writing score remained at 6.5 (even though we had predicted a 7). But then the good news came out that the NMC had decided to change their rules regarding the IELTS Writing test and from December 5th they would be accepting 6.5 instead of 7. Fortunately, the new rule also applied to candidates who had achieved 6.5 in the previous 2 years!
So it was great news for Marvin because he was able to proceed with his NMC registration although the studying has not quite finished for Marvin as he is now currently reviewing for his CBT exam in March. We wish him every success with that and we hope that it will be the final exam he needs to pass to fulfil his dream of working in the UK.
Finally, I would like to say that everyone on the iPass team has huge respect and admiration for all the nurses who have studied with us over the years. We are acutely aware how hard it is to juggle work and studies when you do such a demanding job and we salute you all for your hard work, determination and the amazing contribution you make to society every day!
Keep up the great work that you do and we’ll continue helping you as much as we can!!
