What IELTS or OET score does the NMC need?
Checked against the regulator’s own pages, October 2026
The NMC accepts only IELTS Academic and OET. For IELTS you need 7 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing. For OET you need B (350 or above) in reading, listening and speaking and C+ (300 or above) in writing. Scores are valid for two years.
Who this is for
Internationally trained nurses and midwives showing their English to the NMC.
What the official guidance says
- IELTS Academic and OET are the only tests the NMC accepts.
- IELTS Academic: 7 in reading, listening and speaking, and 6.5 in writing. IELTS Academic UKVI and the paper or computer test at a centre are accepted; IELTS Online, IELTS Indicator and the IELTS One Skill Retake are not.
- OET: B (350 or above) in reading, listening and speaking, and C+ (300 or above) in writing. Choose the Nursing exam. OET on paper, on computer and OET@Home are accepted.
- You can combine two sittings of the same test (not IELTS with OET) taken within 12 months of each other, if you sat all four parts each time and meet the NMC’s minimums: IELTS 6.5 in reading, listening and speaking and 6 in writing; OET C+ in listening, reading and speaking and C in writing.
- Your test must have been taken in the two years before the NMC assesses your complete application.
- Other evidence: a transcript showing you trained in English in a majority English-speaking country, or at least one year of recent practice as a registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate in a majority English-speaking country.
- The NMC does not accept PTE or NARIC/Ecctis certificates as English evidence.
What it does not mean
- IELTS General Training is not accepted. It must be IELTS Academic.
- You cannot mix an IELTS score with an OET score.
- Employer evidence is not a route on its own. The NMC treats it as supplementary evidence in narrow cases.
What to do next
- 01Check whether your training or recent practice already counts as English evidence.
- 02If not, choose IELTS Academic or OET (Nursing) and book it at a time that keeps it in date for your full application.
- 03If you narrowly miss one part, check the NMC’s combining rules before resitting.
Questions
Is OET@Home accepted by the NMC?
Yes. The NMC’s OET page says OET on paper, on computer and OET@Home are accepted and can be combined.
Is IELTS Online accepted by the NMC?
No. The NMC’s IELTS page says IELTS Online, IELTS Indicator and the IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.
Is Migo part of the NMC?
No. Migo is an independent service. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NMC, and it does not give legal or immigration advice.
Official sources
- NMC: Accepted English language tests
- NMC: IELTS Academic
- NMC: OET
- NMC: Language (registration application)
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
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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.