Standard of English.

Criteria

For GMC to accept an IELTS certificate it must show:

  • the doctor achieved a score of at least 7.0 in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and an overall score of 7.5.
  • the doctor got these scores in the same test
  • the doctor took the academic version of the test
  • the test report form (TRF) number (we use this to validate all certificates)

For GMC to accept an OET certificate it must show:

  • the doctor took the medicine version of the test
  • the doctor got at least a grade ‘B’ in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing)
  • the doctor got those grades in the same test
  • the doctor’s candidate number
  • the doctor obtained the grades in their most recent sitting of the test.

The Level of english knowledge is a prerequisite for working in the UK You can prove it in 3 different ways

  1. IELTS
    • Cheaper, (£165)
    • easier to get a place
    • More difficult to pass (tests you on academic English and grammatical skills)
    • APPROVED by (GMC – Score of 7.0)and (UK Border Agency- Score of 4.0) Costs £165
  2. OET
    • More Expensive (£330)
    • Easier to pass as it is set at a level which a healthcare professional use ( Medical English)
    • Approved by GMC
    • I am not sure about UKBA – Please check if this is acceptable
  3. Certification from a responsible officer Approved  by GMC. You will need to come and do a clinical attachment for a month and be observed by a supervising doctor. ( At your expense)
    • We do not provide this at present.

IELTS ACADEMIC VI

 Here are some free resources to help you prepare…

This is a compulsory examination for all those planning to come and work, train or study in the UK. This is required for MTI/ Tier 2 visa and often poses a hurdle for some individuals

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS) consists of listening, reading ( comprehension), writing and speaking. While there is the general module and academic module, we are only interested in the IELTS Academic UKVI module.

Please note that you need to choose the correct version. please see the frequently asked questions

You will need to score an average of 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in any individual module.

The British council has given a lot (Really a lot!) of free resources to help you get through. A high standard is required and rightly so, as you will be doing a lot of communication..

Please rate yourself with the model answers. If you are quite far then a course would be ideal and there are a lot of private companies providing help.

As a general rule, getting your score up by 1 point will take 3 months of  preparation. So don’t book immediately if you have not got through by a big margin.

 

The British Council has provided some resources and here is the link.

The score is valid for 2 years. It is a paper based test and costs approximately INR 11,300 (£160).

GMC registration without IELTS

The trust may be willing to vouch for your english level and this may be sufficient for the GMC. However this would be more an exception rather than for everyone. Please check the link below.

GMC registration is possible without IELTS as long as the candidate has not failed the IELTS before.