How do I provide proof of English language eligibility?
Applicants who need to submit an eligibility application must have demonstrable skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking in English that enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues, as set out in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice (2024).
There are three acceptable forms of evidence of English language proficiency for an eligibility application:
1: Primary Medical Qualification
A PMQ will only be accepted as evidence of English language proficiency if it was gained from a medical school / university in a country where English is the first and native language. The GMC maintains a list of countries where English is a first and native language. The UKFPO will refer to this list when making decisions about applications. Please note:
– If you gained your PMQ from an overseas campus of a non-UK university, you will be deemed by the UKFPO as having studied in the country where the campus is located.
– If you studied at an overseas campus of a UK university, you will be deemed by the UKFPO as having studied in the UK.
OR
2: IELTS
A valid IELTS certificate with a minimum score of 7.5 in each domain and achieved in one sitting (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
If you have scored below 7.5 in any domain, your IELTS will not be accepted as proof of English language proficiency (even if your overall score is 7.5 or greater).
IELTS certificates must be dated two years or less before the start date of the training programme (no earlier than 06 August 2023).
For more information please visit the IELTS website.
OR
3: OET
Evidence of completion of the OET with a minimum score of 400 in each domain (listening, reading, writing and speaking). These scores must have been achieved in one sitting of the OET examination. We do not accept OET results which are graded with a letter only, e.g. ‘Grade B’.
If you have scored below 400 in any domain, your OET will not be accepted as proof of English language proficiency (even if your overall score is 400 or greater).
OET certificates must be dated two years or less before the start date of the training programme (no earlier than 06 August 2023).
For more information please visit the OET website.
IMPORTANT: You must share your OET results with the UKFPO. If your results are not shared, the UKFPO will be unable to verify your result and your application may be marked as ineligible. Instructions on how to share your results through your OET online account can be found OET website.
When do I need to provide evidence of my English language proficiency?
Do not send copies of any physical documents via post (for example, an IELTS or OET certificate). These are not required as the UKFPO has the ability to verify IELTS and OET test results online. Applicants simply need to ensure they have followed the guidance and include all the correct information on their application form. We regret that we will be unable to return physical documents sent via post.
I have achieved the required score in the IELTS / OET, but it has taken more than one attempt. Is my certificate still acceptable?
No. The required score for IELTS is 7.5 in each domain in one sitting. The required score for OET is 400 in each domain in one sitting. You cannot combine sittings to achieve the required score.
Does the UKFPO accept scores from the IELTS One Skill Retake?
Yes. Applicants who wish to take advantage of the One Skill Retake option must bear in mind that the UKFPO must be able to view/verify the final result on the IELTS verification portal.
What type(s) of IELTS will the UKFPO accept?
Please note that there are multiple types of IELTS. The UKFPO will only accept Academic and UKVI (Academic) versions of the IELTS test. The UKFPO will no longer accept IELTS General Training certificates. The UKFPO does not accept the IELTS indicator; however, the IELTS online exam is accepted.
Please note the required scores must be met and proof provided as required in the Eligibility Guidance.
Will the UKFPO accept IELTS or OET tests which have been sat from home/online/proctored?
Yes, UKFPO will accept results from home/online/proctored sittings of IELTS (Academic and UKVI Academic) and the OET, as long as the required scores are met and proof is provided as required in the Eligibility Guidance.
Will the UKFPO accept the IELTS Indicator test as proof of English language proficiency?
No, the UKFPO does not accept the IELTS Indicator test.
Do I need to send a physical copy of my IELTS or OET certificate via post?
Will the UKFPO accept any other evidence of English language proficiency?
No. There are three acceptable forms of evidence of English language proficiency for an eligibility application – primary medical qualification (PMQ), IELTS and OET.
Are there any exceptions or exemptions from providing English language proficiency?
No exceptions or exemptions can be made under any circumstances.
When deciding if an IELTS/OET is valid and in date, does the UKFPO use the date of the examination or the date that the results were received by the applicant?
When deciding if an IELTS/OET certificate is valid and in date, the UKFPO uses the date of the examination, not the date that the applicant received their results.
IELTS and OET certificates must be dated no earlier than two years prior to the start of the programme to which you are applying (please see the applicant guidance for the exact date, which will alter each year).
In addition, as our Eligibility Applicant Guidance explains, we use the IELTS TRF number or OET candidate number to look up and verify results, and when we do this, the exam providers only show us the date of examination sitting.
If an applicant has used the IELTS One Skill Retake, the UKFPO will consider only the original date of examination, not the date of the One Skill Retake, to determine if an examination is in date.
The UKFPO’s requirements for the English language proficiency are different than the GMC’s, will the UKFPO accept the score GMC require?
No. The UKFPO and the GMC are not the same organisation and thus are not obliged to have the same standards for English language proficiency.
The UKFPO has set the level for English language proficiency to be in line with the expectations of a doctor operating at F1 level and to meet the national F1 person specification.
I have taken the IELTS/OET examination on more than one occasion; can I use either examination?
Applicants are required to provide one form of evidence only. For IELTS, this is one TRF (Test Report Form) number, and for OET this is the Candidate Number. The evidence can be from any examinations they have taken; however, the onus is on the applicant to ensure that the certificates used are dated no earlier than two years prior to the start of the programme (06 August 2023) to which you are applying.