Changes to NMC-UK language testing now in force

​Changes to The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) language testing requirements for nurses and midwives trained outside the UK have come into force today.

The changes brought options for nurses and midwives to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. As an English language competence proof for a nurse or midwife, NMC will now accept the Occupational English Test (OET) in addition to the International English Language Test System (IELTS). This provides an alternative way for nurses and midwives to demonstrate their English language capability. However, the applicants still need to meet the existing English language standards.

Several ways for the nurses and midwives who have qualified outside EU/EEA to demonstrate their English language competence include:

Undertaken a pre-registration nursing or midwifery qualification taught and examined in English.

Registered and practiced for a minimum of one year in a country where English is the first and native language, and also a successful pass in English language test was required for registration.

These changes will bring the options available for those trained outside the EU/EEA more closely in line with those from the EU/EEA. When you apply to register with NMC, the NMC need to be satisfied with your English knowledge to communicate effectively.

Communication is defined as speaking, reading, listening and writing. The evidence must demonstrate in this four mandatory skills. There are a number of shreds of evidence that NMC will accept:

You have recently achieved the required score in one of the English language tests accepted by the NMC. You must achieve the required score in each of the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

A recent pre-registration nursing or midwifery qualification which was taught and examined in English.

Registration and practice of at least one year in a country where English is the first and native language and an English language assessment was required for registration.

Important If you cannot send the evidence that the NMC request, or not satisfied with what you send, the NMC won’t be able to consider your application. NMC highly recommend you make sure you can meet the language evidence requirements before you apply. If you feel you are unlikely to do so you may wish to complete a language test before applying.

To avoid delays, you may wish to include evidence that you meet the English language requirements with your application. In this case, if your evidence meets the NMC requirements you will automatically move to step 3 to complete the registration. If you have not submitted evidence of your language competence, NMC will ask you to do so.

Reference: https://www.nmc.org.uk