Onterra TutorRegistering with the NMC: the English language requirements
Nurses and midwives applying to the Nursing and Midwifery Council need to show the English they will practise in. The NMC says there are three types of evidence it will accept; this page covers the test route. Figures were read from the NMC's own accepted tests page on 8 October 2026 (the page itself shows 08/03/2024 as its last update) and are linked, because the NMC page is the one that counts.
What the official page says
| Accepted tests | IELTS Academic and the Occupational English Test (OET), and only those two |
| IELTS Academic, Listening | 7 |
| IELTS Academic, Reading | 7 |
| IELTS Academic, Writing | 6.5 |
| IELTS Academic, Speaking | 7 |
| OET, Listening | B (350 or above) |
| OET, Reading | B (350 or above) |
| OET, Writing | C+ (300 or above) |
| OET, Speaking | B (350 or above) |
| How long scores last | Two years |
| Two sittings | Scores can be combined across two sittings taken within 12 months of each other, both no more than two years before the application is assessed, and both of the same test type (you cannot mix IELTS with OET) |
Read on 8 October 2026 from https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-language-tests/. Rules change: if the official page now says something different, it is right and this page is out of date.
What the NMC does not say on that page
The accepted tests page lists the section scores above. If you need anything beyond them, such as an overall score, the other two types of evidence, or how the rules apply to your route, read the NMC's main English language requirements page, linked below, before you book a test.
Where practice fits
A practice score from this site is not accepted by the NMC. It is a way to find which of the four sections is below the figure before you pay for a real sitting, since the NMC needs every section to reach its figure, not an average.
Questions about this answer
Which tests does the NMC accept?
IELTS Academic and OET, according to the NMC accepted tests page read on 8 October 2026.
What IELTS scores does the NMC ask for?
Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 7, as listed on that page.
How long do the scores last, and can I combine sittings?
Scores are valid for two years. Two sittings of the same test can be combined if they are within 12 months of each other and both no more than two years old.
Official sources
NMC: accepted English language tests → NMC: English language requirements → Our NHS nursing summary →Onterra Tutor is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with the UK government, the NMC, or any exam board, and a practice score here is not accepted as proof of English by any of them.