NMC Registration Requirements
A strong foundation in nursing or midwifery begins with the right educational pathway. Candidates must complete a minimum of 10 years of school education before pursuing post-secondary training in nursing or midwifery. The ideal qualification is a three-year full-time B.Sc. Nursing degree or a Diploma program of at least three years, leading to professional registration and recognition in the field.
A flowchart to show how you can become a nurse in the UK
Education Requirements
Pre-requisites for Nursing or Midwifery Training
- 10 years of school education before starting your post-secondary education nursing or midwifery training program, which leads to registration.
- Ideal Course Options:
- Three-year full-time B.Sc Nursing degree
- Diploma programme that is at least three years in length
English Language Proficiency Requirements
IELTS
IELTS Requirements
International English Language Testing System
| Test Section | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
Listening |
7.0
|
|
Reading |
7.0
|
|
Speaking |
7.0
|
|
Writing |
6.5
|
|
Overall |
7.0
|
- Both the paper based and computer based IELTS Academic test delivered at a test centre are accepted.
IELTS Indicator test is NOT accepted
because the security measures for the indicator test are not comparable to those in place for the face-to-face test and do not meet the standards we require for registration.
OET
OET Requirements
Occupational English Test
| Test Section | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|
|
Listening |
B
|
|
Reading |
B
|
|
Speaking |
B |
|
Writing |
C+
|
- If OET certificate is submitted as a part of the application, you'll need to give us permission to verify your results through your myOET account.
Combinations
Combining Test Scores
Rules for combining multiple test attempts
IELTS Combinations
It is possible to combine two IELTS tests if both exams are completed within six months. IELTS requires a minimum score of 7 in Reading, Listening, and Speaking, and 6.5 in Writing, with an overall score of 7.
- Must score at least 7 in listening, speaking and reading sections
- Must score at least 6.5 in writing section
- No score lower than 6.5 in any section
- Both tests must be taken within 6 months
OET Combinations
It is possible to combine two OET tests if both exams are completed within six months. For OET, at least B in Reading/Listening/Speaking and a C+ in Writing are required, with a minimum C+ in each test.
- Must score at least grade B in listening, speaking, and reading
- Must score at least grade C+ in writing
- No score lower than grade C+ in any section
- Both tests must be taken within 6 months
IELTS and OET cannot be combined.
You must use two IELTS tests or two OET tests only.
Score Combination Examples
IELTS - Accepted Example
✓ This combination is accepted
The applicant has scored at least 7 in the listening, speaking and reading sections and at least 6.5 in the writing section in either of the two test sittings, and no score is lower than 6.5.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test 1
|
7.0
|
7.5
|
6.5 |
7.0
|
|
Test 2 |
7.0
|
7.5
|
6.5 |
7.0
|
IELTS - Not Accepted Example #1
✗ This combination is NOT accepted
This application would not be accepted. The applicant has a score lower than 6.5.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test 1
|
7.0
|
7.5
|
6.0 |
7.0
|
|
Test 2 |
7.5 |
7.0
|
6.5 |
7.5 |
IELTS - Not Accepted Example #2
✗ This combination is NOT accepted
This application would not be accepted. The applicant has a score lower than 6.5.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test 1
|
6.0
|
7.5
|
6.5 |
7.0
|
|
Test 2 |
7.5 |
7.0
|
7.0 |
7.5 |
OET - Accepted Example
✓ This combination is accepted
The applicant has scored at least grade B in the listening, speaking, and reading sections and at least grade C+ in the writing section in either of the two test sittings, and no score is lower than grade C+.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test 1
|
B
|
B |
C+ |
B
|
|
Test 2 |
A
|
B |
B |
A
|
OET - Not Accepted Example
✗ This combination is NOT accepted
This application would not be accepted. The applicant has scored lower than grade C+.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test 1
|
B
|
B
|
C |
B
|
|
Test 2 |
A |
B
|
C+ |
A |
Related Links & Resources
IELTS Official Website
International English Language Testing System - Book your test and get preparation materials
OET Official Website
Occupational English Test - Healthcare-specific English language test