What English test score does the HCPC need?
Checked against the regulator’s own pages, October 2026
The HCPC accepts IELTS, OET and TOEFL iBT. For most professions IELTS is 7.0 with no element below 6.5, and OET is 1400 with no element below 300 in your profession’s test. Speech and language therapists need IELTS 8.0 with no element below 7.5, or OET 1800 with no element below 400.
Who this is for
Internationally trained allied health professionals applying to the HCPC.
What the official guidance says
- The HCPC accepts certificates from three providers: IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET.
- IELTS (Academic or General, UKVI or not): 7.0 with no element below 6.5 for every profession except speech and language therapists, who need 8.0 with no element below 7.5. One-skill retakes count if taken within 6 months and shown on the same report.
- OET: 1400 with no element below 300 in the test for your profession (for example Radiography, Physiotherapy or Occupational therapy); Speech and Language needs 1800 with no element below 400.
- TOEFL iBT taken in the UK is not accepted, and combined, superscore or “MyBest” scores are not accepted.
- Your certificate must be no more than two years old when the HCPC receives your application, and the test must be taken at an official test centre, not at home.
- You do not need a test if your primary qualification is from a country the HCPC lists, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand and the USA.
What it does not mean
- The HCPC exemption is about where your qualification is from, not your nationality.
- An at-home test does not count for the HCPC.
- The NMC’s rules are different: the NMC does not accept IELTS General or TOEFL.
What to do next
- 01Check the HCPC’s list of exempt countries against where your primary qualification is from.
- 02Pick the OET for your profession, or IELTS, and book it at a test centre.
- 03Apply within two years of your test date.
Questions
Does the HCPC accept IELTS General Training?
Yes. The HCPC’s English page says it accepts IELTS Academic or General, UKVI or non-UKVI.
What TOEFL score does the HCPC need?
The HCPC changed its TOEFL iBT scores for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026. Check the HCPC’s English page for the score that applies to your test date.
Is Migo part of the HCPC?
No. Migo is an independent service. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the HCPC, and it does not give legal or immigration advice.
Official sources
Checked October 2026. Regulators change their rules, fees and scores, so confirm them on the official page before you act.
The visa side
Registration and the visa are separate. Migo’s visa guides cover the routes for this country, from the official government pages.
Let Migo prepare the paperwork with you
Migo AI Mobility matches your training to the right HCPC protected title, asks for your qualification, registration and identity documents, checks them and maps them to the HCPC international application, then prepares the application details for you to review. Nothing is submitted or paid without your approval. The professional experience account stays yours to write: the HCPC says it must be in your own words.
Your plan is free. You approve every paid step.
Related guides
Migo is independent: it is not affiliated with or endorsed by the regulator named on this page. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.