• The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have proposed changes to the requirements for nurses and midwives from outside the UK taking the International English Language Test System (IELTS).
• The proposed changes would see a level 6.5 in writing accepted alongside a level 7 in reading, listening and speaking.
• Nurses and midwives will still be required to continue to achieve a minimum overall level of 7 in the IELTS test.

The head of policy at NHS Providers, Amber Jabbal said:

“We welcome the findings and the proposed changes to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) set out today by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

“Trusts have been concerned that the writing element of English language testing for nurses has been a barrier to securing the right level of the talented international nursing workforce that the NHS needs.

Trusts have been concerned that the writing element of English language testing for nurses has been a barrier to securing the right level of the talented international nursing workforce that the NHS needs.

Amber Jabbal    

“Trusts will therefore welcome the proposal to adjust the standards threshold to 6.5 for writing while retaining the requirement for an average of 7 across all four testing areas (writing, reading, speaking and listening) to ensure we maintain standards. We have called for these changes so it is right that the NMC has reviewed the system and set out these proposals to ensure it remains fit for purpose.”