New proposals to lower the strict requirements on English language exams for international nurses have been given the go-ahead this week. This is fantastic news for nurses around the globe who are looking to make the move to the UK and work in the NHS or private sector.
The changes only affect the writing element of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The required score was previously 7 but this has now been lowered to 6.5 as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) found this was becoming a major hurdle to nurses being able to work in the UK, despite being able to communicate in English at a high level.
Non-UK nurses will still need to achieve a score of 7 in every other section of the test including reading, speaking and listening, which would give them an overall score of 7.
The NMC has stated this amendment to the current requirements is ‘in line with the NMC’s commitment to better, safer care and will ensure that only those nurses and midwives with the right skills, knowledge and command of English are able to work in the UK.’
The new change will come in to effect from the 5 December 2018 and any nurse or midwife who has achieved the new mandatory score in the past two years will be considered by the regulator.
Have you achieved an overall score of 7 in your IELTs exam but weren’t able to complete your application due to a 6.5 in your writing?
Pulse can help you discover whether you are now eligible to re-apply through the NMC. Register your details and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your options. Alternatively, search our latest vacancies.