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English Language Proficiency
OVERVIEW
Obviously, speaking the language is a must. But there are specific requirements from each organisation and you need to be aware of them. You may be surprised to find out that a lot of the diplomas that are usually highly valued in other countries will not be acknowledged in the NHS. In this section we outline the requirements from the General Medical Council (GMC) and the UK Foundation Programme (UKFPO) and a few tips and tricks to consider.
GMC requirements
Below you can find a summarised version of the GMC requirements, which are fully outlined on their website. For a detailed description of the GMC language requirements visit the official website.
There are several ways you can prove your English Proficiency. One of the following will suffice:
- Academic IELTS certificate. You need to score at least a 7.0 in each domain (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The IELTS is valid for 2 years and the above scores must be obtained in one sitting. If you obtained your IELTS more than 2 years ago then you can present your certificate in addition to a reference letter from a tutor of a post-graduate course or from an employer who is based in a country where English is the first and native language (must cover a minimum of 3 months of full-study or employment). For further information check out ielts.org.
- Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine version. You need to have at least a grade ‘B’ in each section (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), all obtained in the same sitting of the test. The OET is valid for 2 years and the grades required must be obtained in one sitting but also (and here’s the difference with the IELTS) in your most recent sitting. If you obtained your OET more than 2 years ago then you can present your certificate in addition to a reference letter from a tutor of a post-graduate course or from an employer who is based in a country where English is the first and native language (must cover a minimum of 3 months of full-study or employment). For further information check out OET official website.
- Using your primary medical qualification: there is a list of Universities from which the GMC does not accept evidence of knowledge of English. Visit this website here (Click me) for more info and don’t hesitate to email the GMC directly for queries. They are usually quick to reply and very helpful.
- Providing a reference from your employer: if you have worked in a medical capacity in a country where English is the first and native language for a minimum of 2 years before applying for GMC registration, the GMC may be able to accept this as evidence of language proficiency.
- Using your UK job offer: you may be able to use a reference from a UK healthcare employer if they can provide evidence of your English speaking, reading, writing and listening skills. Thie form that a GMC-licensed doctor working in the UK would have to complete can be downloaded here (Click me).
- Other types of evidence: you can use a language test for registration with a medical regulatory authority in a country where English is the first and native language. Must be less than two years old.
UKFPO requirements
This is a summarised version of the UKFPO requirements, which are fully outlined on their website. For a detailed description of the UKFPO language requirements visit the official website.
There are 4 acceptable forms of evidence for English Language Proficiency. One of the following will suffice:
- 1. Primary medical qualification undertaken in English, with all examinations in English and at least 75% of patient contact in English.
- 2. Academic IELTS certificate Academic IELTS certificate: You need to score at least a 7.0 in each domain (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). Note: IELTS is valid for 2 years and the above scores must be achieved in one sitting. For further information check out ielts.org.
- 3. Valid ‘Statement of Results’ from the OET. You need to score at least 400 points in each domain (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Note: OET is valid for 2 years and the above scores must be achieved in one sitting. OET results which are graded with a letter only will not be accepted. For further information check out the OET official website.
- 4. Proof that you have completed a minimum of 3 months paid employment as a doctor in the NHS (consultant letter to verify this).
Our Recommendation
You need to be aware that language proficiency requirements may not always be the same for the GMC and the UKFPO or vice versa. Sometimes a GMC-acceptable proof is not recognised by the UKFPO. So, make sure that whichever evidence you use applies to both. Requirements and accepted evidence also changes frequently so make sure to visit the official websites of the GMC and UKFPO to verify current requirements. Currently, the Academic IELTS exam remains a widely accepted certificate of language proficiency (with a minimum score of 7.5 in each domain, so that it counts for the UKFPO as well). For further information on the IELTS visit: Two Types of IELTS TEST.