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: Listening Reading Writing Speaking 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)  Reading (60 minutes) Writing (60 minutes) Speaking (11 – 14 minutes) 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! IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

For overseas doctors looking to register with GMC, passing an English Language test is essential.  Doctors regularly ask us which test is the most suited for IMGs to sit and which is more suited to the medical professional? There are different scenarios in which you’ll need to provide a pass in an English test. This article should hopefully help you decide which English Language Test would suit you best and includes the following topics:  What are IELTS & OET?  Which test is accepted by which registration body? What are the similarities and differences?  What do I need to score in each test for GMC registration?  Where and when can i sit the English Language Exams? How do I prepare for the exam? Which test should I choose? Can i get offered an exemption? If you are an IMG relocating to the UK to start a doctors job, you will be required to take an English Language exam, enabling you to register with the GMC (General Medical Council). What are IELTS & OET?  Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) are used to test the English language levels of healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.  They are chosen by different regulatory bodies to ensure that doctors and other healthcare professionals have the correct level of English to communicate at a high level with patients and colleagues, so as to provide safe and effective care.  For international doctors relocating to the UK, it is important to start by saying that both the IELTS and OET are accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).  Which test is accepted by which registration body?  The good news is that recent changes to the rules means that both IELTS and OET are accepted for GMC registration and your Tier 2 visa for both EEA and non-EEA applicants. Check out the recent updates here.  We have created the table below to help you check if you are taking the right test:   GMC registration Tier 2 Visa (CoS) Academic IELTS YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) NO Academic IELTS UKVI YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) YES (4.0 in all sections)  OET YES (Score of B+ in all areas)  YES OET and Tier 2 visas: Only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes.  What are the similarities and differences?  Similarities: Each consists of four areas, one for each English language skill: reading, listening, writing and speaking.  Both tests take place in one day.  Both give a graded score (not pass or fail) Both are recognised by the GMC and other healthcare regulatory bodies in the UK Differences: The content of each exam is different.  IELTS tests overall academic English (as an IMG you must select the Academic IELSTS UKVI test as this is the one recognised by the healthcare regulatory bodies, i.e. GMC & Home office).  What does this mean in practice? This includes the ability to write essays, follow lectures, understand academic articles, journals and newspapers, discuss a wide range of topics including social, environmental, educational and cultural trends. The OET is different, the OET has been designed specifically for medical professionals, including nursing, medicine, radiography, occupational therapists and so on. Be sure to choose the correct exam for you - medicine!  The OET tests healthcare English, including the ability to communicate effectively in medical scenarios, write referral letters, understand a patient consultation, or follow a text from a medical journal.  Your preparation will need to be different This doesn’t mean that one will require more or less preparation, just that you will need to study varied pathways and prepare different topics and vocabulary. IELTS involves learning a much wider 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.  Written texts are to be of a high standard, including complex structures and grammar.  OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare related and profession specific language. The test will require you to follow clinical scenarios, understand medical texts and talks. You will need to write a healthcare letter, such as a referral. To get the right score, this must be at an advanced level.  Successful IMGs who have passed, have told us that learning a range of exam techniques helps you to work quickly and effectively during the test day.  What do I need to score in each test for GMC registration?  IELTS:  IELTS is marked out of 9 in each paper. For GMC registration an overall score of 7.5 must be achieved, with a minimum of 7.0 in each area of the test. OET: OET is marked grades A to E in each paper. For GMC registration a minimum of grade B is required in all areas to pass the exam, or a point score of 350 points across all areas of the test.  Where and when can I sit the English Language Tests?  IELTS is available in over 140 countries, with tests held up to 4 times per month. Check if there is a venue near where you live.  OET is available 14 times per year in 40 countries, with the number of cities and venues increasing each year. Check if is there is a venue near where you live.  How do I prepare for either exam?  Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires learning a huge amount of vocabulary, learning how to write specific reports or essays, using a high level of grammar and structure, learn how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.  You should take time to research each area of the tests in detail, but don’t worry, help is at hand, for more information on how to prepare, take a look at our blog series on English Language testing.  Can I be exempted from the English language test? Some specialisms that are hard to fill such as emergency medicine and various specialist medicines, however NHS hospitals do not like offering exemptions - and they are only offered to candidates who exhibit excellent language capabilities at interview. IMG Connect strongly recommends all doctors to practice for and pass an English language test. Get in touch if you would like to know more about exemptions or think you are eligible. Which test do I choose?  Neither exam is easier than the other. Both IELTS 7.5 and OET B show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you!  You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice.  The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you.  I have my ELT in place, what next? Depending on what other qualifications you have in place, you may have to pass an accepted postgraduate qualification in order to be eligible for full GMC registration. Regardless, passing your English test is a huge achievement and will take you that one giant step closer to working in the NHS. So congratulations! For more useful blogs & articles on English Language Tests to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Library. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in the NHS and English Language Tests, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

We have put together the most common FAQs asked by IMGs. IELTS can be challenging and, without proper preparation, it is not uncommon for doctors to fail at their first attempt, so we will answer the following important questions:  What is the IELTS?  Do I need to sit an English Language Test?  Does the GMC accept IELTS?  Can I use my IELTS to support my Visa application?  Which version should I take? Academic, Academic UKVI or General?  Can I take the IELTS test a few times and combine my score?  What is the test format?  Where can I sit the exam?  When can I take IELTS? Should I sit the paper or electronic version? 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?  Do I need to take a study course?  Should I study? Where can I find study materials? What is the IELTS?  IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English language skills worldwide.  The exam tests your ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Do I need to sit an English Language Test? Yes, IELTS is chosen by different regulatory bodies to ensure that doctors and other healthcare professionals have the correct level of English to communicate at a high level with patients and colleagues, so as to provide safe and effective care.  Does the GMC accept IELTS?  Yes, as part of the GMC registration, the GMC require all doctors to demonstrate their level of English making them eligible to receive a license to practice in the UK, subsequently practicing medicine safely.  IELTS is one of two options accepted by the GMC, the other being the OET. What score do I need?  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 each testing area.  Can I use my IELTS to support my Visa application?  Yes, the pass score for a Tier 2 General Visa is 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills. This does not change the requirements for GMC Registration, see above.  IELTS Academic UKVI is acceptable for both GMC and Tier 2 Visa applications, and for this reason can be an attractive route towards registration.  Not only will this save on fees, but also will ensure that only one test is taken.  Which version should I take? Academic, Academic UKVI or General?  You should take the Academic UKVI version;  IELTS Academic will only satisfy the GMC, but IELTS UKVI will satisfy both GMC registration and your visa application.  Can I take the IELTS test a few times and combine my score?  No, you must achieve your results in one sitting, and this must be your most recent sitting of the test.  What is the test format?  IELTS has four parts: Listening (30 minutes) Reading (60 minutes) Writing (60 minutes)  Speaking (11–14 minutes) The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.  Where can I sit the exam?  IELTS is currently offered in over 120 countries, with more than 500 centres available.  When can I take IELTS? IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month, depending on your locality.  Should I sit the paper or electronic version?  It is up to you, but your choice will change the venues that are open to you, check the IELTS website for more information on booking a test. The paper-based test requires you to sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the reading, listening and writing tests.  The computer-based test requires you to sit the reading, listening and writing tests in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen.  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 completed 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.  Do I need to take a study course?  No, you don’t need to take a course. However, it is highly advisable to attend a course, and/or language classes.  Most IMGs advise that they improved by attending specific IELTS courses, and this also helps you to get used to the test format and timings. Should I study? Yes, 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 of weakness you will need to focus on. Set goals for yourself, and plan a revision timetable. Where can I find study materials? 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 also recommend joining an IMG Community to share ideas and questions with doctors also taking the tests.  Don’t forget! You must select the Academic UKVI version of the test, this is the only version accepted to support your GMC and Visa applications.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Overseas doctors hoping to register with the GMC & find a job in the NHS will have to pass an English language test.  This will demonstrate that they have the right level of English to practice safely in the NHS, and in this article we will look at how to prepare for both IELTS and OET examinations. To help you decide the best way to prepare, we have included the following topics:  The first thing to say – it isn’t easy! What should I expect? Can I just take the exam? How can I prepare? Can I do all of this at home? Where can I find training? Knowing your level What resources are available online to help with my preparation? Steps to success in the English Language Tests The first thing to say – it isn’t easy!  Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires you to learn a huge amount of vocabulary, write specific reports or essays, use a high level of grammar and structure, learn how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.  What should I expect? Preparing for and sitting the exams is difficult, not least because of the overload of information that is out there, for example which sources do you trust? What is the best way to find information?  Passing the exams can take months, and in some cases years of hard work. And don’t forget that each exam costs money, with many also choosing private tuition – the money and time can soon add up.  Can I just take the exam?  The exams costs money each time and are very specific in format, with the answers requiring certain structures and techniques. A lot of IMGs don’t get the required marks at first attempt and as such, we don’t advise taking the exam without sound preparation.  Remember… failing to prepare, is preparing to fail. In general, there are a few things that most IMGs tell us that they have improved on through preparing well:  Overall general level of English – this takes time IMGs who passed have told us that this takes the longest, but it is time well spent… Overall improvements in general English skills, including broadening your vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, will help you to achieve the best score possible. Try to make a little progress every day. Refining your test skills – this takes practice  Each sub-test (reading, writing, speaking and listening) has a different style of question and answer, so each of them has a specific skill that you need to learn.  Knowing how the tests are marked – this takes guidance  To gain those valuable extra scores, get to know what the examiner wants and give it to them!  Remember, this skill alone won’t get you a pass, but combined with the above it will be a huge help to getting the score you want.   How can I prepare? Can I do all of this at home?  IMGs have shared many ways to practice for a pass and this doesn’t mean just repeating exam questions.  Here are a few of our favourite examples that you can do every day, for free!   Find a colleague at work, friend or family member, who you enjoy speaking English with and speak to them every day!  Read a wider range of topics online, both medical and general.  Find a regular news source you enjoy reading in English.  Tune into UK radio stations, available online, or, on your mobile phone. Put the radio on before and after work, rather than your usual local station.  Listen to Podcasts in English, there are thousands of topics to choose from.  Watch YouTube channels about medicine and life in the UK.  Watch movies and TV shows in English, both with and without subtitles.  Start writing, it is key that you practice, but this can sometimes be the hardest to practice in natural contexts. IMGs have suggested writing a blog or writing letters and emails (in English) to friends and family Watch Ted Talks, that both do and don’t interest you! Take practice tests at home, mark your answers and check how you improve.  Basically, find your passion and go for it!  Where can I find training?  There are excellent training sessions available, including face-face and online courses to help you to prepare. They can help you to build the skills you need to succeed in your exam.  It is always good to tailor your learning to your own needs, so whether you are new to the tests, or looking for support to help you to study or retake the exams, find a training programme that suits you.  Whilst not necessary, taking up an exam preparation course led by an experienced teacher or tutor who is knowledgeable on the test and the skills – is highly recommended Knowing your level Knowing your level is an essential part of the preparation for both IELTS and OET. Whether you decide to sign up for a course, or tutor, getting assessed and knowing your current level will help you identify your areas of weakness to focus on.  We would recommend getting your speaking and writing assessed by a qualified teacher. They can tell you what level you are at and areas for improvement.  Identify weaknesses, focus on these and get reassessed to check if you have improved.  You can find courses or individual teachers online who have been trained directly by the examining body, which can give you the boost you need. But, speak to colleagues and see if they can recommend a trusted course or teacher. What resources are available online to help with my preparation?  The following sites will give you all the general information you need for your IELTS or OET exam preparation: IELTS Official British Council IELTS IDP IELTS OET You can find video tutorials and support on YouTube, including official channels from both IELTS and OET: YouTube - IELTS YouTube - OET You can find online practice papers at the following trusted sites:  British Council – free sample tests IELTS Essentials – free sample tests IDP – free sample test OET – free sample tests 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 So, broken down, here are our steps to success in the English Language Tests: Understand the test structure and format Set yourself achievable learning goals Get to know the marking criteria  Understand the various question types Polish your exam skills Improve your vocabulary Take practice tests Practice every day, and we mean every day!  Not essential depending on your level of English, but you can also find a tutor or online course.  Get assessed, identify weaknesses, work on these, get reassessed. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below: