Guide to the IELTS for Nurses

2024 Feb 29

Introduction of IELTS

• If you a nurse or midwife from outside the EU/EEA, you must complete and pass the IELTS test before sending your application to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• The NMC will only accept the Academic IELTS test and to apply to become a nurse in the UK, applicants must achieve a 7.0 IELTS score in reading, writing, listening and speaking elements, with a 7.0 score overall. 
• If you are an international applicant from English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the USA, an Academic IELTS test is still required to successfully apply.

IELTS Exam Format and Sections: 

This prestigious exam opens doors to a remarkable 10,000+ educational institutions across 140 countries. That's right, your IELTS score can unlock an international journey of learning and professional growth!

Exam Format:

IELTS test covers four key areas: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Here's what to expect:

• Combined Sections: The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are taken consecutively without breaks.
• Flexible Speaking Test: Unlike the other sections, your Speaking test can be scheduled on the same day, or within seven days before or after your main exam date.

This allows you to manage your schedule and prioritize your preparation accordingly.

Scoring System: 

The IELTS exam uses a grading scale from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest), focusing on your individual strengths and weaknesses. Each section (Writing, Speaking, Reading, & Listening) gets its own score, and your overall band score is the average of those four.

Rounding Up:

Your average ends in .25? Congrats! You get rounded up to the next half band. In .75 territory? Even better! Round up to the next whole band.

Scores for Specific Needs:

While the overall band score matters, individual scores might be relevant depending on your purpose for taking the test.

Example: Universities often require an overall band score of 6.5, with no section below 5.5. But remember, requirements vary between universities and even programs. Always check beforehand!

• A score of 7.0 is required in all four elements, as well as your overall score. Anything below 7.0 will not be considered.

Differences between Academic and General Training Tests: 

The two main IELTS tests available are:

• IELTS Academic
• IELTS General Training

IELTS Academic:

The IELTS Academic test assesses your proficiency in the English language with a focus on academic contexts. It aims to determine whether you possess the language skills necessary for success in an academic environment, evaluating your readiness to engage in training or study programs conducted in English.

Consider taking the IELTS Academic test if you wish to:

• Pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in an English-speaking country.
• Apply for a Student Route visa (Tier 4) to enroll in a UK university recognized as a Student Route (Tier 4) Sponsor.
• Work for a professional organization in an English-speaking country.

IELTS ACADEMICS- Test Structure

The Academic Test is for those who plan to move to an English speaking country to pursue their higher studies or any other course.

• Listening Test : Listening Test comprises of 4 Sections and 40 questions. The complexity of the questions increases with the Sections. In other words, Section 1 is the easiest and Section 4 is most challenging. Each right answer carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking. The first 2 Sections are on Social scenarios and the last 2 Sections are on the Academic scenarios. Therefore, both General Training and Academic students take a common Listening Test.
• Reading Test : The Academic students have Reading passages based on Magazines, journals, textbooks and newspapers. Topics are not discipline specific but all are in a style appropriate and accessible to candidates entering postgraduate and undergraduate courses.
• Writing Test : In the Writing section, The Academic students have to summarize a text (chart/ graph. diagram) in Task 1 and Essay in Task 2.
• The minimum word count in Task 1 is 150 words.
• The minimum word count in Task 2 is 250 words.
• Speaking Test : The Speaking Test is basically a one-to-one interaction between the Examiner and the Candidate. The Speaking test is recorded. Speaking has 3 Parts.
• Part 1 has a brief introduction and few questions following this.
• Part 2 is an Individual speaking, wherein the examiner would present a topic and the candidate would be given 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to deliver his speech.
• Part 3 comprises discussion questions. These could be a follow-up of the Part 2 topic or could be on a new general topic.

IELTS General Training:

The IELTS General Training test evaluates your English language proficiency in everyday situations, both in the workplace and social settings. It is designed to measure your ability to communicate effectively in practical, real-world scenarios.

Opt for the IELTS General Training test if your objectives involve:

• Undertaking training or studies at a level below the degree.
• Working or participating in work-related training in an English-speaking country.
• Emigrating to an English-speaking country.
• Seeking employment in your home country where a recognized proficiency in the English language is a requirement.

IELTS General- Test Structure

The General Training Test’s detail of the modules are as follows.

• Listening Test: Listening Test comprises of 4 Sections and 40 questions. The complexity of the questions increases with the Sections. In other words, Section 1 is the easiest and Section 4 is most challenging. Each right answer carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking. The first 2 Sections are on Social scenarios and the last 2 Sections are on the Academic scenarios. Therefore, both General Training and Academic students take a common Listening Test.
  
  
• Reading Test: Reading Test comprises of 3 Sections and 40 questions. The complexity of the questions increases with the Sections. In other words, Section 1 is the easiest and Section 4 is most challenging. Each right answer carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking.
  
  The General Training students have Reading passages based on notices, advertisements, booklets, newspapers, leaflets, timetables, books and magazine articles.
  
  
• Writing Test: Writing Test has 2 Tasks: Task 1 and Task 2
  
  The General Training students have a Letter in Task 1 and Essay in Task 2.
  
  The minimum word count in Task 1 is 150 words.
  
  The minimum word count in Task 2 is 250 words.
  
  
• Speaking Test: The Speaking Test is basically a one-to-one interaction between the Examiner and the Candidate. The Speaking test is recorded. Speaking has 3 Parts.

Part 1 has a brief introduction and few questions following this.

Part 2 is an Individual speaking, wherein the examiner would present a topic and the candidate would be given 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to deliver his speech.

Part 3 comprises discussion questions. These could be a follow-up of the Part 2 topic or could be on a new general topic.

List of Countries Accepting IELTS for Nurses: 

• An IELTS score of 6.5 only qualifies you to apply for nursing work in the United States. For other major English-speaking nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, you will need an IELTS score of at least 7.0 or more.

IELTS Validity and Costs

Validity Period

IELTS certificates are valid for two years. If you are taking the PLAB test, your certificate must be valid on the day you sit the PLAB part 1 exam. If you are applying for registration with a licence to practise, it must be valid when we approve your application. If your IELTS certificate is more than two years old, please refer to the next section of this guidance.

Exam Fees

IELTS Examination Fees 2024:

In India, the cost of the IELTS exam stands at INR 17,000.

Those planning to appear for the IELTS examination must remit a registration fee of INR 17,000 each time they schedule their test. Likewise, the fees for the Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI have been updated to INR 17,250.

Conclusion:

This prestigious exam opens doors to countless opportunities in 140+ countries, including top destinations like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Here's why the IELTS is your key:

• Globally recognized: Accepted by univrsities, hospitals, and professional organizations worldwide.
• Specific nurse requirements: Understand the score expectations for your target country (e.g., 7.0 in the UK, 6.5 in the US).
• Flexible format: Take the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections together, with a separate Speaking test on a convenient date.
• Clear scoring: Each section receives a band score (1-9), with your overall score being the average. Higher scores are better!

Ready to get started?

1. Choose the right test: Opt for the Academic version for university studies or General Training for work or training.
2. Prepare effectively: Utilize official resources, practice tests, and study guides to hone your skills.
3. Check specific requirements: Each univrsity, program, or country may have individual score expectations.
4. Register for your test: Find a nearby test center and book your date.

Additional Resources:

• Official IELTS website: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/
• NMC IELTS requirements: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements