NMC IELTS Requirements 2026 vs OET: Score Comparison

If you are an international nurse planning to relocate to the UK, you must prove your English language proficiency to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The NMC accepts two main English language tests: IELTS and OET.

This guide compares the NMC requirements, difficulty, and score-combining rules for both tests. To understand the full UK registration process, read our comprehensive NMC OET requirements guide.

Score Requirements Comparison

The table below shows the exact score benchmarks required by the NMC for registration:

Sub-test	IELTS Academic Requirement	OET Nursing Requirement
Listening	Band 7.0	Grade B (350)
Reading	Band 7.0	Grade B (350)
Speaking	Band 7.0	Grade B (350)
Writing	Band 6.5	Grade C+ (300)
Overall	Band 7.0	N/A

Both tests require a slightly lower score in Writing compared to the other three sub-tests, acknowledging that writing is often the most challenging module for candidates.

Score Combining Rules

Both OET and IELTS scores can be combined across two sittings to meet the NMC requirements. The rules are identical for both tests:

1. 12-Month Window: The two tests must be taken within 12 months of each other.
2. All Modules Sat: You must sit all four modules in both sittings.
3. Minimum Scores (IELTS): No individual score in either sitting can fall below 6.5 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, or 6.0 in Writing.
4. Minimum Scores (OET): No individual score in either sitting can fall below 300 (Grade C+) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, or 250 in Writing.

Which Test is Right for You?

For most healthcare professionals, the OET is preferred because of its clinical focus:

• Context: In OET Speaking, you play the role of a nurse talking to a patient. In IELTS Speaking, you discuss general academic topics (e.g., environmental issues, architecture).
• Writing: In OET Writing, you write a clinical referral or discharge letter based on case notes. In IELTS Writing, you write an academic essay and describe a chart or graph.

While OET is more expensive than IELTS, the higher pass rate for medical professionals often makes it the more cost-effective choice in the long run.