IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
- February 14, 2023
Doctors looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS are required to demonstrate their level of English is suitable via the IELTS or OET exam.
Here we take a closer look at the IELTS exam, which is an International English Language Testing System used worldwide.
IELTS is used by overseas doctors to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English and support their application to the register and practice medicine in the NHS.
In this article, we outline the key facts about IELTS, including the following topics:
- What is IELTS? Content and structure:
- What scores do I need?
- There are a few IELTS options, what test should an IMG take?
- What scores do I need for GMC and Visa applications?
- Paper or computer version?
- Does time matter?
- Where and when can I take the test?
- Can I cancel my application?
- Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
- When will I receive my results?
- If I don’t pass, can I re-sit?
- How can I prepare?
- What resources are available?
- Passed? What next?
What is IELTS? Content and structure:
IELTS is designed to test your English skills needed to be successful in the workplace. It covers the following sub-test areas:
Listening: 30 minutes
The listening sub-test consists of four sections, each including 10 questions. You will listen to four separate recordings and then answer questions.
The recordings will include a general conversation, a monologue on a general topic, a conversation of up to 4 people in an academic setting, a monologue on an academic subject.
Questions are varied in type, including multiple choice, matching, labelling, note completion and sentence completion.
Reading: 60 minutes
The reading sub-test consists of three long texts, usually taken from journals magazines, newspapers or books.
They are not specific to any one topic, however the texts are appropriate for people entering university or professional registration.
The test consists of 40 questions, testing a range of reading skills.
Writing: 60 minutes
The writing sub-test consists of two writing tasks.
Task 1 – describe, summarise or explain the information presented in a graph, table or chart.
Task 2 – write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.
Both tasks require a formal style of writing. The topics covered are general interest, and suitable for people applying for university or professional registration.
Speaking: 11 – 14 minutes
The speaking sub-test comprises of three parts, delivered by an IELTS examiner face to face:
Part 1 – you will be asked general questions about yourself, covering a range of topics.
Part 2 – you will be given a topic to talk about. You will have 1 minute to prepare, and then speak on the given topic for two minutes. You will then be asked a few questions by the examiner on the same topic.
Part 3 – You will be asked further questions on the same topic as part 2. Here you will have the chance to elaborate and discuss more ideas.
The topics covered are general interest, and suitable for people applying for university or professional registration.
What scores do I need?
To register with the GMC, you must obtain an overall score of 7.5 with minimum scores of 7.0 in each sub-test.
Remember, to sit the PLAB test, you must obtain the required IELTS overall score of 7.5 with minimum scores of 7.0 in each sub-test.
There are a few IELTS options, what test should I take?
IELTS has two versions, Academic and General. To register with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK, an IMG must take the Academic test, which is designed for people applying for professional registration.
However…
You can use your IELTS certificate for both the GMC and your visa application.
IELTS Academic UKVI is the only version acceptable for both GMC and Tier 2 Visa applications, and for this reason is the best route covering all application purposes in one go. Not only will this save on fees, but also will ensure that only one test is taken.
What scores do I need for GMC and Visa applications?
For the GMC to accept your IELTS certificate you must achieve an overall score of 7.5 across all four areas, with no less than a 7.0 in in each testing area. The pass score for a Tier 2 General Visa is 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills.
Paper or computer version?
IELTS can now be taken on paper or computer. Both are exactly the same content, the only difference is the manner in which the answers are complete on the test.
Paper IELTS:
Reading, writing and listening sub-tests will be sat at a desk with questions papers and answer sheets.
The speaking section is carried out face to face with an IELTS examiner.
Computer IELTS:
Reading, writing and listening sub-tests will be taken at a computer with questions on screen. The speaking section is carried out face to face with an IELTS examiner.
Does time matter?
Each sub-test is timed, and you will need to practice how to give each section the right amount of time. You will have to be efficient and work quickly, dedicating the right amount of time to each question and text.
Where and when can I take the test?
IELTS can be taken in more than 1,200 locations worldwide, with 48 test dates in the calendar year. For more information on venues take a look at the official website.
Can I cancel my application?
If you cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason.
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
This depends on your test centre. The listening, reading and writing components of the test are always complete one after the other, with no break. The speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date. Check with your test centre for more details.
When will I receive my results?
The test report will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service, check with your centre for more information.
Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy and you will need it later!
If I don’t pass, can I re-sit?
You can sit the test as many times as necessary.
However, this will cost you more money, so at IMG Connect we advise that you prepare as best you can for every test. If you don’t pass the test, then do additional study before taking the test again.
How can I prepare?
IELTS can be challenging. It involves learning a large amount of vocabulary on a range of academic subjects so that you will be prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures, talks and questions, giving opinion in detail.
You will have to prepare how to write reports on a variety of data and essay types so make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam.
Written texts are to be of a high standard, including complex structures and grammar.
Successful IMGs who have passed IELTS told us that learning key exam techniques helps you to work quickly and effectively during the test day.
You don’t need to pay take a course. However, it is highly advisable to attend a course, and/or language classes, successful overseas doctors have advised that this helped them improve their standards in all areas of the test, including improved general levels of English and get used to the test format and timings.
We strongly recommend that you start preparing for the exams as far in advance as you possibly can.
Establish your level of English, and work out what areas you will need to focus on. Identify your weaknesses, set goals for yourself and plan a revision timetable.
Consider working with an accredited tutor
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss.
What resources are available?
To prepare for the tests, there are lots of online resources and practice materials available. A good start is the IELTS and British Council websites.
You can also find practice papers online.
We have also written a useful blog series on the English Language Tests for IMGs, which includes tips for studying at home.
Passed? What next?
If you have your IELTS in place you are in a prime position to apply and interview for jobs.
Take a look at our job search page if you have not already, alternatively get in touch with an IMG Consultant to put your CV to use!
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What is the NHS Trust like?
Established in 2006 through a merger of two hospitals, the Trust stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in the city, boasting a prominent position in supporting the health and wellness of its local populace. Renowned for its contributions to research, education, and innovation, the Trust delivers secondary care services to over one million individuals in the county and specialized tertiary care to patients throughout the East Midlands. With approximately 17,000 employees spread across three sites, the Trust operates under a budget of under £1 billion, maintaining 90 wards and 1,700 beds. Serving as a linchpin for district general services to 2.5 million residents and surrounding communities, the Trust\'s specialized services extend care to 4.5 million individuals from across the East Midlands and beyond for select services. As a teaching institution, the Trust nurtures strong partnerships with the local University and other regional universities. The Trust assumes a pivotal role in the education and training of medical professionals, nurturing the development of doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare staff.
What is the Respiratory Medicine Department & Team like?
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What is life like in East Midlands of England?
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Career Development & Further Opportunities Available at the NHS Trust
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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
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Non-EEA Candidates:
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UK based applicants
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What is the department & team like?
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Career Development & Opportunities Available
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Life like in the area
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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Eating Disorders Psychiatry (Desirable)
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Non-EEA Candidates:
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- Experience of working in Eating Disorders Psychiatry (Desirable)
- MRCPsych (Desirable)
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Eating Disorders Psychiatry (Desirable)
- S12 (Desirable)
Requirements
MRCPsych - preferred
S12 - preferred
12 years post graduate experience with 6 years in psychiatry
What is the NHS Trust like?
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General Adult Psychiatry Department & Team
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Life in South West
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Am I eligible for this role?
MRCPsych - preferred
S12 - preferred
12 years post graduate experience with 6 years in psychiatry - necesary
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The urban hub, offers residents a dynamic living experience with access to scenic parks, cultural attractions, quality schools, and Teesside University. Robust transportation links connect Middlesbrough locally and to major cities and airports. Housing options, from historic residences to modern developments, cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a vibrant urban lifestyle with green spaces and educational excellence.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)
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Non-EEA Candidates:
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- ???????Experience of working for Histopathology (essential)
UK based applicants
-
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)
An excellent NHS Foundation Trust is inviting applications for the position of Trust Grade Specialty Doctor in Histopathology. This full-time role is ideal for experienced histopathologists looking to advance their careers within the UK’s esteemed NHS framework. This position offers the potential for highly experienced specialty doctors to progress to the specialist grade. The role promises a healthy work-life balance as it comes with no on-call commitments. The successful applicant will join a dedicated team of Consultant Histopathologists, a specialty doctor, and supportive secretarial and laboratory staff. The position includes access to CESR support programme.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust is a district general hospital trust managing three hospitals. The Trust serves the different towns, delivering a broad range of medical services. They are performing at a good level across their services and continuously provides huge opportunities and benefits to the way they deliver patient care. The Trust focuses on delivering excellent general hospital services, serving a population of approximately 750,000 with the help of more than 9,000 staff members. The hospitals have around 1,100 beds in total, offering services including General Medicine, General Surgery, Neurology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Gynaecology, and Paediatrics.
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What is the department & team like?
The Histopathology Department is a highly specialized unit. The department is staffed with a dedicated team of five full-time equivalent (WTE) Consultant Histopathologists and one Specialty Doctor. They are supported by a team of Biomedical Scientists (BMS) at various levels and trainees/associate practitioners, with secretarial staff providing essential administrative support.
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Career Development & Opportunities Available
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD. Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
- Attractive salary and relocation package
- Training and development opportunities
- CESR support for those eligible
- Tier 2 Health and Care Visa (sponsorship for the whole family)
- Guidance regarding the CV and full interview preparation
- Assistance regarding the GMC registration, visa, accommodation and transportation by an experienced onboarding specialist
- Complete IMG Relocation service from start to finish of process
Nestled along England\'s picturesque south coast, the area offers a unique blend of urban amenities and coastal charm. Doctors enjoy proximity to both bustling city life and tranquil seaside retreats. Residents indulge in sailing adventures around harbour or stroll along its sandy beaches. The area boasts reputable schools and universities, nurturing young minds for future success. Transportation links are robust, with easy access to neighboring cities like Bournemouth and Southampton, as well as major airports. Housing options range from waterfront apartments to quaint cottages, catering to varied tastes and lifestyles. Poole epitomizes the quintessential coastal living experience.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Histopathology
- Experience in Histopathology
- FRCPath
- FRCPath
- Experience in Histopathology