The rule is the NMC's, and it is the same for everyone
The NMC states on its English language requirements page: "This requirement is the same for all applicants to our register." Training in Poland does not change it. What the page does offer is more than one way to show your English. In short:
- a recent result in an accepted English test;
- a nursing or midwifery qualification taught and examined in English;
- one year of recent practice in a country where English is the majority-spoken language;
- for some applicants, employer support (the NMC calls it SIFE), depending on their circumstances.
This page covers the test route only. If you think another route fits you, read the NMC page and ask the NMC directly.
Which tests the NMC accepts
The accepted tests page says these are the only tests it can accept: IELTS Academic and OET. IELTS General Training is not on the list.
The IELTS Academic scores on the NMC page
| Section | Score listed by the NMC |
|---|---|
| Listening | 7 |
| Reading | 7 |
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 7 |
The page lists section scores. It does not state an overall band, so do not assume one. Read the page in full before you register for a test.
The accepted tests page shows a last-updated date of 8 March 2024. Rules can change, so open the NMC page on the day you decide, not a copy of it.
Validity: two years
The NMC says: "Your language test scores are valid for two years." The test must fall within the two years before the NMC assesses your complete application. If your application takes a long time to assemble, count back from the assessment, not from the day you sat the test.
Combining two sittings
If you reach the scores in two attempts instead of one, the NMC allows a combination, but only under conditions. Among the conditions on the page:
- The test dates, not the certificate dates, must be within 12 months of each other.
- Both tests must fall within two years before your complete application is assessed.
- You must be tested in all four sections at the same time.
- Only tests of the same type can be combined. IELTS cannot be combined with OET.
The page sets further conditions on the scores across the two sittings. Read them on the NMC page, and use the test-combining calculator it links before you plan a second sitting.
A note on how Speaking is tested
The NMC page says the speaking element must be tested by a person and not via a computer test. It does not say how that applies to the different ways IELTS can be taken. Ask the NMC, and check the test provider's page, before you choose a format. This page does not interpret it for you.
OET is the other accepted test
The NMC lists OET grades of B in Listening, B in Reading, C+ in Writing and B in Speaking. Which of the two tests suits you is your decision. Band Booster lessons cover IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (and General English), so they cannot help you prepare for OET.
Do you need to prove English again for the visa?
The Skilled Worker visa English page says you do not need to prove your English if you have already passed an assessment accepted by your regulated professional body. This may not cover every route into the visa. Visa rules are general information here, not advice: see IELTS for UKVI in Poland and the gov.uk page for your own case.
Where and when to book the test
The test itself is run by IDP and the British Council, not by us and not by the NMC. See IELTS test centres in Poland for the cities ielts.org lists, and fees and test dates for where to check them. Dates and fees are on the provider pages.
How lessons with Mike can help
Section scores of 7, 7, 6.5 and 7 mean that no single section can be left to chance. Lessons are one-to-one, live on Google Meet, in English, and Mike teaches every session himself. He holds Cambridge CELTA (July 2017), is based in Hanoi, has 12+ years of teaching English and IELTS in Vietnam, Turkey and Iran, and scored 8.5 in Speaking in his own IELTS test. In lessons he:
- marks your Writing Task 1 and Task 2 against the public band descriptors;
- runs Speaking Parts 1 to 3 in the real format, with feedback in the moment;
- works on Listening and Reading techniques with timed practice;
- leaves written progress notes in your account.
Lessons last 60 minutes. There is a paid 30-minute trial, once per student on the first booking, and no subscription. The booking calendar shows each slot in your own time zone. Hanoi is 6 hours ahead of Poland in winter and 5 hours ahead in summer. You can book on the booking page and read more on About Mike. No teacher can promise a score.
