English language proficiency
General
What evidence of English language proficiency is required?
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
When do I need to provide evidence of satisfactory English language proficiency?
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Can I provide another form of evidence of my English language proficiency?
No. The UKFPO does not accept any other form of evidence of English language proficiency apart from those specifically outlined. Other courses and qualifications including (but not limited to) PhD, Masters or Bachelors’ degrees, Diplomas or Certificates of Higher Education, GCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels, or Duolingo are not considered satisfactory evidence of English language proficiency for entry to foundation training in the UK. The assurances that are needed to ensure satisfactory English language proficiency are specifically in relation to patient contact and communications.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
I am a native English speaker, or completed previous education in English. Can I be exempted from the requirement to provide evidence of English language proficiency?
No. There are no exceptions or exemptions to the requirement. You must provide evidence of your English language proficiency regardless of your citizenship, nationality, or GMC registration status. This is a requirement which forms part of the national person specification for entry to foundation training. The UKFPO does not accept any other form of evidence of English language proficiency apart from those specifically outlined. Other courses and qualifications including (but not limited to) PhD, Masters or Bachelors’ degrees, Diplomas or Certificates of Higher Education, GCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels, or Duolingo are not considered satisfactory evidence of English language proficiency for entry to foundation training in the UK. The assurances that are needed to ensure satisfactory English language proficiency are specifically in relation to patient contact and communications.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Primary medical qualification (PMQ)
My primary medical qualification (PMQ) was taught in English, but in a country where English is not the first and native language – can I use my PMQ as evidence of my English language proficiency?
No. Your PMQ will 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.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Can I sit my IELTS test after the vacancy opens in Oriel?
To be valid for F2 Stand-alone 2025, your TRF must show that the date of the exam was no later than the date the vacancy opens on Oriel. If your TRF shows that the date of the exam was later than the date the vacancy opens on Oriel, it will not be considered valid.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
My overall IELTS band score is 7.5 or higher, but I have scored less than 7.5 in one or more of the individual skills (speaking, listening, reading or writing). Is this still acceptable?
Overall band scores are not considered. If your TRF shows that you have scored below 7.5 in any skill, your IELTS certificate will not be accepted as evidence of your English language proficiency – even if your overall band score is 7.5 or higher.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
I have achieved the required scores in the IELTS, and done so in one sitting, but it has taken more than one attempt. Is this still acceptable?
You do not have to attain the required score on your first attempt. You must attain the required score in each domain (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and to do so in one sitting, but the successful sitting does not have to be your first sitting.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
OET (Occupational English Test)
Can I sit my OET test after the vacancy opens in Oriel?
To be valid for F2 Stand-alone 2025, your OET certificate must show that the date of the exam was no later than the date the vacancy opens on Oriel. If your certificate shows that the date of the exam was later than the date the vacancy opens on Oriel, it will not be considered valid.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
My overall OET grade is B or higher, but I have scored less than 400 in one or more of the individual skills (speaking, listening, reading or writing). Is this still acceptable?
OET letter grades are not considered. If your results show that have scored below 400 in any skill, your OET certificate will not be accepted as evidence of your English language proficiency – regardless of your overall letter grade.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
I have achieved the required scores in the OET, and done so in one sitting, but it has taken more than one attempt. Is this still acceptable?
You do not have to attain the required score on your first attempt. You must attain the required score in each skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and to do so in one sitting, but the successful sitting does not have to be your first sitting.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Can I re-take one or more sub-tests for OET if I do not achieve the required result?
No. You can only provide one Candidate Number on your application form. If you have taken more than one OET test (including any sub-tests), the UKFPO will only consider the test which matches the test date you provide on your application form. The UKFPO will use the Candidate Number and date of test you provide to verify your result online and ensure that it fully meets the requirements.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Can I club/combine OET Test results from different OET test dates and test types (OET on Paper and OET on Computer or OET@Home)?
No. The UKFPO does not accept combined results from different test dates or formats for OET. You must attain the required score in each skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and to do so in one sitting, but the successful sitting does not have to be your first sitting.
For more information about evidencing your English language proficiency, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
NHS consultant testimony
Can I provide an NHS consultant testimony instead of completing IELTS or OET?
If you have worked in paid employment as a doctor in the NHS for 3 months or longer, you can submit an NHS consultant testimony.
For more information about NHS consultant testimonies, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Can I use a letter or testimony from other employment or clinical attachments?
No. The UKFPO does not accept any other form of evidence of English language proficiency apart from those specifically outlined.
For more information about NHS consultant testimonies, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Can I use an NHS consultant testimony from locum/agency/bank work?
Locum work experience is not accepted for evidence of English language proficiency. You cannot submit a consultant testimony relating to employment on a locum basis.
For more information about NHS consultant testimonies, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-english-language-proficiency/
Registration with the General Medical Council (GMC)
How can I check which registration I am eligible for?
We would advise you to use the GMC’s online applicant registration tool to identify the correct application for you and provide you guidance on the steps you need to take. Visit the GMC’s website to use the tool.
For more information about GMC registration, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-gmc-plab/
Do I need to sit the PLAB test?
If you graduated from a medical school outside of the UK, EEA or Switzerland, you’ll probably need to take the PLAB test. Please visit the GMC website.
For more information about GMC registration, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-gmc-plab/
Do I need to have full registration and a licence to practise at the time of application?
No. If your application is successful and you accept an offer, you must acquire and hold full registration with a licence to practise in time for the start of the programme.
For more information about GMC registration, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/f2sa2025-what-you-will-need/f2sa2025-gmc-plab/
Previous experience
I have previously completed foundation training. Am I eligible to apply?
If you have successfully completed the F2 year and received a Foundation Achievement of Competency Document (FACD)/Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC), you are not eligible to apply.
For more information, please refer to: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/f2-stand-alone/